Bill Text: NJ S4074 | 2020-2021 | Regular Session | Amended
Bill Title: Allows alternative evaluation in place of basic skills testing requirements for certain teacher certification.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 7-0)
Status: (Passed) 2022-01-18 - Approved P.L.2021, c.420. [S4074 Detail]
Download: New_Jersey-2020-S4074-Amended.html
Sponsored by:
Senator M. TERESA RUIZ
District 29 (Essex)
Senator JAMES BEACH
District 6 (Burlington and Camden)
Assemblyman ANTHONY S. VERRELLI
District 15 (Hunterdon and Mercer)
Assemblywoman PAMELA R. LAMPITT
District 6 (Burlington and Camden)
Assemblywoman LINDA S. CARTER
District 22 (Middlesex, Somerset and Union)
Co-Sponsored by:
Senators Turner, Gopal, Pou, Assemblywomen Jasey, Reynolds-Jackson and Assemblyman Freiman
SYNOPSIS
Allows alternative evaluation in place of basic skills testing requirements for certain teacher certification.
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
As amended on January 10, 2022 by the Senate pursuant to the Governor's recommendations.
An Act concerning teacher certification and supplementing chapter 26 of Title 18A of the New Jersey Statutes.
Be It Enacted by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
1. a. Notwithstanding any law, rule, or regulation to the contrary, the State Board of Education shall not require a candidate for or the holder of a certificate of eligibility in a career and technical education endorsement or a certificate of eligibility with advance standing in a career and technical education endorsement to complete a Commissioner-approved test of basic reading, writing, and mathematics skills in order to obtain a standard certificate, including, but not limited to, the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators test, if the candidate can demonstrate proficiency in the use of English language and mathematics through an alternate measure.
b. As used in this section:
"Alternate measure" means any demonstration of basic skills proficiency, other than a test, that is approved by the Department of Education, including, but not limited to: a portfolio of work products as approved by the superintendent of a candidate's employing school district; obtainment of an occupational license or certification; or an industry certificate or registration.
"Certificate of eligibility" means a certificate with lifetime validity issued by the State Board of Examiners to candidates who meet degree, academic, and applicable test requirements for teacher certification.
"Certificate of eligibility with advanced standing" means a certificate with lifetime validity issued by the State Board of Examiners to candidates who meet degree, academic, and test requirements for teacher certification and complete an educator preparation program.
2. This act shall take effect 1[immediately] in the first full school year following enactment1.
