In June, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy (Democratic) signed into law: excluded Basic skills testing requirements for aspiring teachers.
law, Act of 1669passed the state Senate. 34-2 votes It was implemented as part of the state's 2025 budget and took effect on January 1, 2025.
“Teacher unions don’t want teachers to perform at their basic level of competency.”
The law states: “The State Board of Education shall provide a certificate of education approved by the Board of Education to a candidate seeking a teaching certificate, except in the case of a limited certificate or a limited certificate with advanced qualifications. “Passing a board of education examination shall not be required.'' Basic reading, writing, and math skills, including but not limited to the Praxis Core Academic Skills test for educators to earn a teaching certificate. ”
Democratic lawmakers argued that removing barriers to teacher certification is the best way to address the state's teacher shortage.
“We need more teachers, and this is the best way to get them,” said state Sen. Jim Beach (D), the bill's sponsor.
According to , basic skills tests are no longer required, but some certification tests will still be administered for specific subject areas. new jersey monitor. For example, aspiring math teachers will need to pass the Praxis subject exam, and potential biology teachers will need to complete both the general science and biology subject exams.
The New Jersey Education Association, a teachers union representing approximately 200,000 active and retired education professionals, led several other efforts to eliminate the basic skills exam and reduce qualification requirements for aspiring teachers.
The NJEA said the basic skills test is an “unnecessary barrier to entry into the profession.” that claimed He said a “one-time standardized test” cannot “effectively measure the knowledge and skills needed to be a good teacher.”
Nikki Neilly, founder and chair of Parents Defending Education, reacted to the scrapping of the basic skills test.
“Teachers in New Jersey will no longer have to pass a basic skills test to become teachers. The New Jersey Education Association was the driving force behind this bill. “We don't want you to prove your ability.'' Do the math before you walk into the classroom.'' said.
In 2023, Murphy signed similar legislation. Building S1553which created an alternative route to obtaining certification that bypassed basic skills testing.
Murphy also previously signed a bill that would remove the Educational Teacher Performance Evaluation from the requirements for teacher applicants. He argued that the measure would “streamline a process that previously acted as a barrier.”
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