Superintendent of Schools

encouraged to lower barriers and to revamp teacher preparation programs eliminating rigid certification requirements. The consensus of research concerning on-the-job coaching and mentoring assistance reveals that mentoring enhances the competency and effectiveness of beginning teachers as well as contributes to the reduction of attrition rates. As of July 1, 2002, the Florida Legislature mandated every school district to make available alternative certification programs to teachers hired with non-education degrees. Alternative Certification for Educators (ACE) is a three-year, state approved program for new educators with temporary certification to assist teachers in becoming permanently certified and meeting state requirements for subject or content areas. The alternative, competency-based certification program is based upon the twelve Florida Educator Accomplished Practices for effective teaching. Non-education majors who are hired to teach in Florida schools are issued a three-year temporary certificate. Within the three-year period, individuals must complete the professional education requirements by taking classes at accredited schools or by completing an approved alternative certification program and passing the required certification examinations. The ACE program offers an option for eligible teachers to complete professional certification requirements through an online-web based program rather than the traditional method of attending a college or university and taking specific courses to meet the requirements. ACE teachers meet the subject area requirements for temporary certification, but lack the professional educational preparation coursework needed for five-year certification