Mary S. Heath

Deputy Commissioner

Tel. 603-271-7301

STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE

DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

101 Pleasant Street

Concord, N.H. 03301-3860

Citizens Services Line 1-800-339-9900

Website: www.ed.state.nh.us

ALTERNATIVE 5 PROCESS FOR CERTIFICATION

Revised July 2007

TO: Persons requesting information about teacher certification via the Alternative 5

Site Based Certification Plan (Ed 505.05)

FROM: Jean Smolen, Program Specialist, Bureau of Credentialing 603-271-3872

RE: Eligibility to pursue the ALTERNATIVE 5 PROCESS

In order for this office to determine if you are eligible to pursue the Alternative 5: Site Based Certification Plan for teacher certification, you must submit the following information:

1) If New Hampshire certification is NOT held, a certification application indicating intent to pursue Alternative 5 for a specific teacher certification area (i.e. English, Art, etc.) is needed. If New Hampshire certification is held, a letter requesting review for Alternative 5 for a specific teacher certification area is needed.

2) Official college transcript(s) of Degree(s) awarded (and any other coursework) with embossed seal(s) and registrar signature(s). Please note: course descriptions may be requested when file is reviewed.

3) If NH certified – $50.00 fee. If NOT NH certified – Application and $50.00 fee.

4) A letter of eligibility will be issued to candidates who possess:

a) For secondary education areas, at least a bachelor’s degree with a 30 credit major in the subject to be taught and an overall grade point average of 2.5.

b) For elementary education, a bachelor’s degree with successfully completed coursework in mathematics, English, social studies, and science and an overall grade point average of 2.5.

All Alternative V candidates seeking initial certification must document basic academic skills and subject area competence (Ed 513.01). Please see exemptions listed below. The New Hampshire State Board of Education has chosen PRAXIS I (Pre Professional Skills Test – PPST) as one means of documenting basic academic skills. The PRAXIS I composite score option is available as well. For the subject areas in Biology, Chemistry, Early Childhood Education, Earth/Space Science, Elementary Education, English/Language Arts, General Science, Middle/Junior High School Mathematics, Physical Science, Physics, Secondary Mathematics and Social Studies, competence can be documented by passing the Praxis II subject area test. In addition to the PRAXIS II, New Hampshire will accept equivalent tests.

To inquire about submission of scores on “equivalent tests”, or the PRAXIS I composite score option, call Jean Smolen at the Bureau, 603-271-3872.

EXEMPTIONS: basic academic skills

(1) Master’s Degree or higher; or

(2) Seven or more years of educational experience under a credential issued by another state.

EXEMPTIONS: subject area competence

(1) Master’s Degree or higher in the subject area to be taught; or

(2) Seven or more years of educational experience in the subject area to be taught under a credential

issued by another state.

If a person is already New Hampshire certified in another area, it is not necessary to demonstrate basic academic skills.