ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the research on the preparation of teachers via alternative educational preparation programs that have expanded in various countries around the globe. The pathways through the alternative teaching programs that lead to certification or licensure are as varied as traditional preparation programs. This synthesis examines the similarities and differences in the reasons that these programs arose, the difference in the designs and components of these programs, and how the effectiveness of these programs is measured. For some researchers, effectiveness was based on teacher retention, while others attempted to analyze student achievement. The chapter concludes by considering the limitations of these studies and suggestions for future research.
Terms: The terms certification, licensure, and registration are the terms used in various countries to indicate that a teacher has met the requirements of their credentialing body. For ease of reading, the term certification is used throughout.
