HB2428

THE CONTEXT: Eligible postsecondary institutions must implement an Academy to incentivize students to enter the teaching profession and to commit to teach in Arizona public schools. The Arizona Board of Regents (ABOR) must consult with these institutions to develop and implement administrative processes.

WHAT THE BILL DID: The final vetoed version would allow a private institution that offers postbaccalaureate teacher preparation programs leading to teacher certification to participate in the Academy and receive Academy Fund monies, limit the reimbursement for an Academy scholarship provided by a private institution to the remainder of the average in-state tuition and fees charged by Arizona public universities, minus other gifts and aid awarded to the student, and includes, in the definition of eligible postsecondary institution, a private institution opting to participate in the Academy.

WHY IT MATTERED: The practical reason for this bill was to put public resources toward the named state purpose through an accountable appropriation. It would allow a private institution that offers postbaccalaureate teacher preparation programs leading to teacher certification to participate in the Academy and receive Academy Fund monies, and would also limit the reimbursement for an Academy scholarship provided by a private institution to the remainder of the average in-state tuition and fees charged by Arizona public universities, minus other gifts and aid awarded to the student, rather than leave the current rule unchanged.