§18A-3-12. Technology integration specialists.

The Legislature finds that technology integration specialists are becoming more crucial as technology plays a continuously increasing role in the education of students. In order to address the need for more technology integration specialists, the teacher preparation programs in this state shall cooperate with the state board to ensure that:

(1) A portion of the technology integration hours required to apply for the Advanced Credential endorsed for Technology Integration Specialist is offered at each teacher preparation program while students are still working toward their teaching degree;

(2) Teacher education program students are aware of the option of attaining a Technology Integration Specialist Advanced Credential and Temporary Authorization early enough so that they can take advantage of the hours offered; and

(3) Alternative education programs are established by the teacher preparation programs to assist teachers who have already received their teaching certification attain the required hours necessary to earn a Technology Integration Specialist Advanced Credential. These alternative education programs are separate from programs required to be established by section one-a of this article.