Support strong, meaningful partnerships between state and local education agencies and institutions of higher education to support teacher education; standards, curricula and assessment alignment; and accountability.

Support the strengthening and funding of high-quality clinical experiences in all traditional teacher preparation programs and require that all federally funded alternative teacher preparation programs include high-quality clinical experiences. Clinical experiences are essential components in preparation programs, especially when preparing teacher candidates to teach diverse students in high-needs rural and urban schools.

Secure a dedicated funding stream to support reform in university-based teacher preparation.

◆ Ensure that any federally funded grant program supporting reform in teacher preparation programs requires a meaningful and sustained partnership with a high-needs P-12 school district and places a strong emphasis on clinical training.

■ Support efforts to better align Title II of the Higher Education Act and Title II of the ESEA to strengthen recruitment; pre-service preparation; induction and mentoring; and in-service professional development of teachers, principals and other K-12 school leaders.

Support a requirement that all teacher candidates complete and pass a performance assessment prior to becoming a licensed teacher. By passing the performance assessment, teacher candidates demonstrate that they are equipped with the skills and knowledge to effectively lead a classroom.

■ Secure appropriations to assist states in meeting the updated teacher quality requirements set forth under the reauthorized ESEA.