Teachers in New Jersey will no longer have to pass basic reading, writing and math tests to be eligible for admission to public schools, according to a new law.
Act of 1669 signed into law Gov. Phil Murphy's June policy went into effect on Wednesday, the first day of the new year. The legislation aims to address teacher hoarding in the state by removing what the teachers union, the New Jersey Education Association (NJEA), called “barriers” to certification in 2023. .
The law says: ”[T]State Board of Education requires candidates seeking a certificate of eligibility, advanced certificate, provisional certificate, or standard teaching certificate to complete a basic reading, writing, and mathematics exam approved by the board of education shall not be done. Skills including, but not limited to, the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators test to obtain a Certificate of Competency, Advanced Certificate, Provisional Certificate, or Standard Teaching Certificate. ”
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The Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators test is used by: Over 40 states and territories In addition to English and math problems, it also includes basic problems related to specific subjects.
“We need more teachers, and this is the best way to get them,” Democratic Sen. Jim Beach said. when the bill was passed.
The 1669 Act was intended to address New Jersey's teacher shortage. (St. Petersburg)
Teachers may still be required to pass specialized exams in their field. You also need a minimum GPA and credits in the field, as well as a bachelor's degree.
Fox News Digital has reached out to the New Jersey Education Association for comment.
Over the past few years, multiple states have lowered standards for teacher certification to address the national teacher shortage. In 2022, the state of California enacted an emergency executive order that eliminated the traditional qualifications required for teachers to hire parents as surrogates.
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Other states have issued orders lowering standards for hiring teachers. (Getty Images)
Arizona enacted a similar mandate that year that allows educators to begin teaching before graduating from college.
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