Sec. 1531f.

(1) The department may enter into a memorandum of understanding with a federally recognized Native American tribe, the board of a school district, or the board of directors of a public school academy that authorizes the superintendent of public instruction to issue a 3-year letter of approval or continuing approval to allow the Native American tribe, school district, or public school academy to use teachers who do not possess a valid Michigan teaching certificate to teach a Native American tribal language and culture class. A memorandum of understanding entered into under this section shall require that a noncertificated teacher has demonstrated mastery of the tribal language either through a credential issued by a federally recognized Native American tribe or another means considered suitable by the department. The memorandum of agreement shall include requirements for renewal or continuing approval of the noncertificated teacher as established by the Native American tribe, the board of the school district, or the board of directors of the public school academy in collaboration with the department.

(2) Credits earned by a pupil in a Native American tribal language taught by a noncertificated teacher pursuant to this section may be applied by the Native American tribe, school district, or public school academy for any purpose to the same extent as if taught by a certificated teacher, including, but not limited to, credit toward completion of the credit requirements under section 1278a concerning a language other than English.

History: Add. 2010, Act 168, Imd. Eff. Sept. 30, 2010 Popular Name: Act 451