(1) The designated agency shall establish an alternative teacher support team for each holder of an alternative teacher license employed as an alternative teacher through an alternative teacher program. At a minimum, each alternative teacher support team must include an alternative teacher's mentor teacher and the principal and a representative of an accepted institution of higher education, if applicable.

(2) The alternative teacher support team shall:

(a) Establish the content of the required program of planned instruction and activities;

(b) Determine at what point in the program an alternative teacher may have responsibility for classroom instruction;

(c) Ensure that a significant portion of the teaching assignment of an alternative teacher is in the subject matter area or areas of the alternative teacher's endorsement;

(d) Evaluate the progress and effectiveness of an alternative teacher; and

(e) Make a recommendation to the school district that employs an alternative teacher concerning his or her eligibility to receive an initial teacher license or whether he or she is unable to complete the one-year alternative teacher program due to unforeseen circumstances, but should apply for an extension of the alternative teacher license with the expectation that he or she will complete his or her program within one additional year.

(3) As a member of an alternative teacher support team, the mentor teacher has primary responsibility for representing the faculty and parents in evaluating and making recommendations regarding the issuance of an initial teacher license to an alternative teacher or renewal of an alternative teacher license for one additional year. In recognition of the significant duties and responsibilities of mentor teachers, the designating school district shall make appropriate provisions as are necessary to ensure the proper discharge of the duties and responsibilities by the mentor teacher.

(4) In addition, for purposes of carrying out any alternative teacher program approved by the state board of education, any designated agency shall establish an advisory council that includes, at a minimum, representatives of each school district, including at least one mentor teacher and a representative of an accepted institution of higher education in the designated agency.