Connecticut House Bill HB05156

Connecticut 2011 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/11/11
• Refer: 1/11/11

Caption

An Act Concerning Certification For Out-of-state Teachers.

Impact

If passed, HB 05156 would significantly impact the certification process outlined in chapter 166 of the Connecticut general statutes. By allowing out-of-state certified teachers to bypass the Praxis test, the bill aims to ease barriers to certification for those who are already qualified in their home states. This shift could improve the hiring process for schools facing challenges in staffing adequately and could lead to a more flexible and responsive educational workforce that can meet the demands of varying curriculum needs in Connecticut.

Summary

House Bill 05156 is focused on amending existing laws to streamline the teacher certification process for educators certified in other states. The bill seeks to establish alternative methods for these teachers to acquire certification in Connecticut without the requirement to pass the state-approved Praxis subject area assessments. It is intended to facilitate the entry of qualified teachers into the Connecticut education system, promoting a more diverse pool of educators and addressing staffing shortages in specific subject areas.

Contention

The bill may face opposition from proponents of the Praxis test, who argue that standardized assessments are crucial in ensuring that all teachers meet a baseline of competency in their subject areas. Critics of HB 05156 might express concerns that bypassing the Praxis assessment could undermine education quality, as certification requirements ensure that teachers possess the necessary skills and knowledge. The potential debate over educational standards versus the need for accessible certification pathways could become a point of contention among legislators and educational stakeholders.