hb458_LC_35_0454_a_2.html
07 LC 35 0454
House Bill 458
By: Representatives Jackson of the 161st, Bryant of the 160th, Gordon of the 162nd, and Williams of the 165th

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT


To amend Part 2 of Article 2 of Chapter 3 of Title 20 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to the university system, so as to require all universities under the management of the board of regents which offer a four-year degree to establish a teacher education program; to provide for legislative findings and intent; to provide for related matters; to provide an effective date; to provide for applicability; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA:

SECTION 1.
The General Assembly finds that each year in Georgia the demand grows for qualified teachers as the population expands. While the board of regents has encouraged all institutions with teacher education programs to implement aggressive recruitment policies to increase the number and raise the caliber and diversity of teacher candidates in order to balance supply and demand, the teacher shortage in Georgia continues to grow. The General Assembly finds further that increasing the number of teacher education programs at universities across this state would reduce the shortage of educators in these areas and significantly increase the number of qualified and available teachers in Georgia. Therefore, it is the intent of this legislation to require the board of regents to increase the supply of quality teachers throughout this state by mandating teacher education programs at universities offering four-year degree programs.

SECTION 2.
Part 2 of Article 2 of Chapter 3 of Title 20 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to the university system, is amended by adding a new Code section as follows:
"20-3-88.
Each university under the management and control of the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia which offers a four-year degree shall be required to establish and offer a teacher education program. The program shall be a four-year degree and meet such requirements and qualifications as will meet the standards for certification in Georgia for teachers in elementary and secondary education. The education programs required by this Code section shall be made available no later than August 1, 2008."

SECTION 3.
This Act shall become effective on July 1, 2007, provided that the education programs established by this Act are not required to be made available until August 1, 2008.

SECTION 4.
All laws and parts of laws in conflict with this Act are repealed.