An alternative certification program that receives grant funding pursuant to this article shall be operated pursuant to either Article 7.5 (commencing with Section 44325) of this chapter or Article 3 (commencing with Section 44450) of Chapter 3, or both. The commission shall encourage, and may provide funding to, programs that include innovative training, assessment, or support models and strategies that have the potential of improving the quality of the teaching force. The commission shall encourage collaboration among school districts in funding alternative certification programs.