Proposal would set training and testing rules for teacher programs

The proposal would require teacher preparation programs to include practice and preparation for serving students with disabilities and English learners. The requirements would cover students in approved practitioner preparation programs at higher education institutions. All students would complete at least 15 practicum hours focused on instruction and support for special populations. Students seeking an English learner instruction endorsement would complete at least 40 hours, including teaching methods for elementary and secondary settings. The state board would set practicum and clinical experience standards, and the Department of Education would review and support their adoption and use. These requirements would begin July 1, 2027.

The proposal would require programs to give students an end-of-program assessment and report scores to the Department of Education. The assessment would measure content required for the endorsement area in which each student will teach. The department would set a minimum score for each endorsement area, and programs would use student results to identify remediation opportunities. The department would publish program-level pass rates, its support efforts, and examples of plans for students who scored below the minimum. The assessment requirement would begin July 1, 2027. The department would distribute assessments by that date and publish the required information beginning August 1, 2028.

The proposal would require the Board of Educational Examiners to adopt rules requiring a self-paced course before issuing certain licenses. The course would apply to people who applied to teach in a special education setting and sought a class B or conditional license. The Department of Education would create the course, covering basic special education laws, assessment procedures, and other essential skills.