§18–27A–03.

    (a)    A collaborative shall negotiate an agreement that meets the requirements of subsection (b) of this section.

    (b)    A collaborative shall develop and submit to the Department:

        (1)    A plan that includes:

            (i)    Identification of the collaborative members, including the roles and responsibilities of each member;

            (ii)    School–based part–time or full–time positions that allow a teacher candidate to systematically develop teaching skills through experiential learning and ultimately demonstrate teaching competencies;

            (iii)    Identification of at least one content area in the local school system in which there is a shortage of teachers, as identified by the Department;

            (iv)    A mentor who is a regularly employed teacher in the local school system assigned for the entirety of the Program to a teacher candidate, consistent with proper supervision, training, and continuity of employment and applicable provisions in collective bargaining agreements;

            (v)    A systemic program of experiential learning that results in credits from the institution of higher education if credits are required for completion, including credits toward the practicum; and

            (vi)    The designation of a Program administrator from the local school system to assist teacher candidates, evaluate the effectiveness of the Program, and manage the administration associated with the Program;

        (2)    An estimate, based on appropriate data, of the number of projected participants to include in the Program; and

        (3)    Evidence of a written billing agreement with an institution of higher education that includes:

            (i)    The total cost to the collaborative for the cohort of teacher candidates;

            (ii)    Prorated tuition cost the collaborative shall pay the institution of higher education if a candidate does not complete the Program; and

            (iii)    A provision that no teacher candidate shall be required to pay tuition, books, or fees as part of the teacher candidate’s course of study.

    (c)    A collaborative shall develop and submit to the Department:

        (1)    An outreach plan to recruit teacher candidates and mentor teachers that:

            (i)    Prioritizes candidates and mentor teachers with linguistic diversity and from racial and ethnic groups historically underrepresented in the teaching profession; and

            (ii)    Identifies a sustainability plan to continue recruiting, preparing, and mentoring teacher candidates after completion of the Program; and

        (2)    Any other materials required by the Department.