§ 388-1627i

***** 388.1627i THIS SECTION IS REPEALED BY ACT 120 OF 2024 EFFECTIVE OCTOBER 1, 2024 ***** 388.1627i Rural educator credentialing hub.Sec. 27i. (1) From the state school aid fund money appropriated in section 11, there is allocated for 2023-2024 only an amount not to exceed $15,000,000.00 to pilot the creation and implementation of a rural educator credentialing hub. (2) The department must award a grant to a lead approved educator preparation institution to develop the hub working with a consortium of other educator preparation institutions and rural districts to support prospective educators through certifications and career experiences. (3) To receive funding under this section, educator preparation institutions must apply for the funding in a form and manner prescribed by the department. The department must prioritize funding for educator preparation institutions best equipped to support rural districts with the greatest need for additional credentialed educators. (4) The hub described in subsection (1) must provide programming and supports for educators to complete requirements for initial or additional credentials, at no cost to the educator, through assessment of

e hub described in subsection (1) must provide programming and supports for educators to complete requirements for initial or additional credentials, at no cost to the educator, through assessment of nontraditional and experiential learning and to offset associated costs, including, but not limited to, costs related to transcript review, assessments of skills and knowledge, mentoring, licensure test fees, reasonable course fees, and preparation experiences. (5) The hub described in subsection (1) must meet the credentialing needs of a variety of educators, including individuals who completed or nearly completed formal teacher preparation in this state or another state but have not been certified, individuals who have worked successfully in rural schools under temporary credentials, and veteran educators seeking to expand the authorizations of their credentials. (6) Notwithstanding section 17b, the department shall make payments under this section on a schedule determined by the department. (7) As used in this section, 'rural district' means districts defined by the department. History: Add. 2023, Act 103, Eff. Oct. 1, 2023