SB 1066 – This act creates an alternative method of obtaining teacher certification from the State Board of Education. An individual may obtain teacher certification by obtaining certification from the American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence (ABCTE) and verification of ability to work with children by completing sixty contact hours in the classroom as described in the act. Such certification may not be granted in the areas of early childhood education, elementary education, or special education. An applicant may apply for a career continuous professional certificate after completing thirty contact hours of professional development within four years, validated completion of a mentoring program as described in the act, attainment of a successful performance-based teacher evaluation, and participation in a beginning teacher assistance program. Applicants for an initial ABCTE certificate are responsible for any associated fees. A school district may develop its own policy for fee reimbursement. This method of obtaining teacher certification terminates on August 28, 2014. This act grants the State Auditor the power to audit any school district in the state in the same manner as any agency of the state. This act modifies the duties of the Joint Committee on Education and the Commissioner of Education. Currently, the Commissioner of Education is required to distribute $18 million per fiscal year to address statewide areas of critical needs. This amendment requires that any disbursement of the $18 million must be first approved by the Joint Committee on Education. Prior to distributing any of the $18 million, the Commissioner of Education must appear before the Joint Committee on Education and present how and what programs are to be funded with the $18 million. The Joint Committee on Education shall review the Commissioner's proposal and affirm by a majority vote prior to disbursement. This act is similar to provisions contained in SB 804 (2008), SB 480 (2007) and HB 620 (2007). MICHAEL RUFF