1 CCR 301-37-13.00 - Individualized Alternative Principal Programs and Alternative Principal Programs

The following will serve as standards for the initial and continuing approval of individualized alternative principal programs and alternative principal programs.

13.1 In designing an individualized alternative principal program, the school district, charter school or nonpublic school shall, at a minimum, submit to the State Board:
13.01(1) documentation of the coursework, practicum and other educational requirements identified by the school district, charter school or nonpublic school that will comprise the individualized alternative principal program plan and that will be completed while the applicant is employed under the principal authorization; and
13.01(2) a letter from the district, charter school or nonpublic school stating its intention to employ the applicant as a principal or assistant principal upon issuance of the principal authorization;.
13.01(3) At a minimum, an individualized alternative principal program must ensure that:
13.01(3)(a) the applicant will attain the information, experience, training and skills comparable to those possessed by a person who qualifies for an initial principal license as provided in section 22-60.5-301(1)(a), C.R.S.;
13.01(3)(b) upon completion, the candidate will be able to provide documented evidence of having met or surpassed the Principal Quality Standards cited in section 6.00 of these rules;
13.01(3)(c) the candidate will receive coaching and mentoring from one or more licensed principals and administrators, as well as continuing performance-based assessment of the candidate's skills development;
13.01(3)(d) except that, if the candidate participates in a nonpublic school's individualized alternative principal program approved by the State Board of Education, the candidate must receive coaching and mentoring from one or more principals and administrators who have three or more years of experience in a nonpublic school;
13.01(3)(e) the candidate demonstrates professional competencies using the assessment of quality standard measures in subject matter areas as specified by rule of the State Board pursuant to section 22-60.5-303, C.R.S.; and
13.01(3)(f) the candidate receives information and training on special education laws and regulations, as outlined in section 22-60.5-111(14)(c)(IV), C.R.S.
13.2 A school district or districts, BOCES, accepted institution of higher education, nonprofit organization, charter school, the institute, nonpublic school or any combination thereof may apply to the State Board for approval as a designated agency of alternative principal programs under section 22-60.5-305.5, C.R.S.
13.02(1) In designing an alternative principal program, the designated agency must, at a minimum, demonstrate that:
13.02(1)(a) the applicant will attain the information, experience, training and skills comparable to those possessed by a person who qualifies for an initial principal license as provided in section 22-60.5-301(1)(a), C.R.S.;
13.02(1)(b) the program content meets or exceeds the Principal Quality Standards cited in section 6.00 of these rules;
13.02(1)(c) training of alternative principals will include a minimum of 225 clock-hours of planned instruction, and activities must include, but not be limited to, principal preparation courses that meet the Principal Quality Standards and English Language Learner Quality Standards.
13.02(1)(d) the candidate will receive coaching and mentoring from one or more licensed principals and administrators, as well as continuing performance-based assessment of the candidate's skills development;
13.02(1)(e) the candidate will be required to demonstrate professional competencies using the assessment of quality standard measures in subject matter areas as specified by rule of the State Board pursuant to section 22-60.5-303, C.R.S.;
13.02(1)(f) the candidate will receive information and training on special education laws and regulations, as outlined in section 22-60.5-111(14)(c)(IV), C.R.S.; and
13.02(1)(g) the alternative principal program will be designed to be completed in three years or less.
13.02(1)(g)(i) School districts may only employ a person under a principal authorization for three years, after which time, the person must obtain an initial or professional license in order to continue working as a principal.
13.02(2) Proposals submitted by entities for authorization as designated agencies of alternative principal programs must include, but not be limited to:
13.02(2)(a) demonstrated evidence of a need for the proposed program;
13.02(2)(b) evidence of the establishment of an advisory council by the designated agency;
13.02(2)(c) a listing of the advisory council's duties, which must include but need not be limited to: providing the designated agency with information regarding the organization, management and operation of the approved alternative principal program;
13.02(2)(d) criteria for the selection of mentor principals which must include but need not be limited to: evidence of exemplary school leadership; the ability to model and counsel the alternative principal; relevant coursework; and a valid license and endorsement as a professional principal.
13.3 When a new designated agency is approved to offer a new alternative principal program, the department may review the new program no sooner than twelve months but not more than twenty-four months after the new program is initially approved. The designated agency that operates an alternative principal program will be reauthorized not more than once every five years.

Notes

1 CCR 301-37-13.00
41 CR 14, July 25, 2018, effective 8/14/2018 42 CR 09, May 10, 2019, effective 5/30/2019 43 CR 13, July 10, 2020, effective 7/30/2020 44 CR 07, April 10, 2021, effective 4/30/2021 44 CR 23, December 10, 2021, effective 12/30/2021 45 CR 21, November 10, 2022, effective 11/30/2022 46 CR 11, June 10, 2023, effective 6/30/2023 47 CR 09, May 10, 2024, effective 5/30/2024

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