MD
Maryland House Bill HB945

Maryland 2024 Regular Session

Maryland House Bill HB945 Compare Versions

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1- WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 188
21
3-– 1 –
4-Chapter 188
5-(House Bill 945)
62
7-AN ACT concerning
3+EXPLANATION: CAPITALS INDICATE MAT TER ADDED TO EXISTIN G LAW.
4+ [Brackets] indicate matter deleted from existing law.
5+ Underlining indicates amendments to bill.
6+ Strike out indicates matter stricken from the bill by amendment or deleted from the law by
7+amendment.
8+ *hb0945*
89
9-Education – Initial Teacher Certification – Requirements
10+HOUSE BILL 945
11+F1 4lr2781
12+ CF SB 771
13+By: Delegates Ebersole, Fair, Palakovich Carr, Patterson, Vogel, Wilkins, and Wu
14+Introduced and read first time: February 2, 2024
15+Assigned to: Ways and Means
16+Committee Report: Favorable with amendments
17+House action: Adopted
18+Read second time: March 3, 2024
1019
11-FOR the purpose of repealing a provision of law that requires a teacher preparation
12-program to require a student to pass a certain assessment as a graduation
13-requirement; altering the requirements for initial teacher certification; repealing
14-certain certification requirements to pass a certain literacy test, a certain skills
15-assessment, and a certain reading mastery test; requiring, rather than authorizing,
16-the State Superintendent of Schools to pursue and make certain reciprocal educator
17-credentialing agreements with other states; authorizing a local school system to
18-establish a comprehensive induction program to aid in meeting a certain
19-requirement for initial teacher certification; altering the qualification requirements
20-for a teacher who holds a professional license or certificate from another state; and
21-generally relating to initial teacher certification.
20+CHAPTER ______
2221
23-BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments,
24- Article – Education
25-Section 6–121(a), 6–125, 6–126, and 6–705
26- Annotated Code of Maryland
27- (2022 Replacement Volume and 2023 Supplement)
22+AN ACT concerning 1
2823
29- SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF MARYLAND,
30-That the Laws of Maryland read as follows:
24+Education – Initial Teacher Certification – Requirements 2
3125
32-Article – Education
26+FOR the purpose of repealing a provision of law that requires a teacher preparation 3
27+program to require a student to pass a certain assessment as a graduation 4
28+requirement; altering the requirements for initial teacher certification; repealing 5
29+certain certification requirements to pass a certain literacy test, a certain skills 6
30+assessment, and a certain reading mastery test; requiring, rather than authorizing, 7
31+the State Superintendent of Schools to pursue and make certain reciprocal educator 8
32+credentialing agreements with other states; authorizing a local school system to 9
33+establish a comprehensive induction program to aid in meeting a certain 10
34+requirement for initial teacher certification; altering the qualification requirements 11
35+for a teacher who holds a professional license or certificate from another state; and 12
36+generally relating to initial teacher certification. 13
3337
34-6–121.
38+BY repealing and reenacting, with amendments, 14
39+ Article – Education 15
40+Section 6–121(a), 6–125, 6–126, and 6–705 16
41+ Annotated Code of Maryland 17
42+ (2022 Replacement Volume and 2023 Supplement) 18
3543
36- (a) A teacher preparation program shall:
44+ SECTION 1. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF MARYLAND, 19
45+That the Laws of Maryland read as follows: 20
3746
38- (1) Include the following components of instruction:
47+Article – Education 21
48+ 2 HOUSE BILL 945
3949
40- (i) Basic research skills and methods and training on the routine
41-evaluation and use of research and data to improve student performance;
4250
43- (ii) Differentiation of instruction and demonstration of cultural
44-competence for students of diverse racial, ethnic, linguistic, and economic backgrounds with
45-different learning abilities;
51+6–121. 1
4652
47- (iii) Implementation of restorative approaches for student behaviors;
48- Ch. 188 2024 LAWS OF MARYLAND
53+ (a) A teacher preparation program shall: 2
4954
50-– 2 –
51- (iv) Identifying and assessing, in the context of the classroom, typical
52-student learning deficits and techniques to remedy learning deficits;
55+ (1) Include the following components of instruction: 3
5356
54- (v) Recognizing and effectively using high quality instructional
55-materials, including digital resources and computer technology;
57+ (i) Basic research skills and methods and training on the routine 4
58+evaluation and use of research and data to improve student performance; 5
5659
57- (vi) Core academic subjects that teachers will be teaching;
60+ (ii) Differentiation of instruction and demonstration of cultural 6
61+competence for students of diverse racial, ethnic, linguistic, and economic backgrounds with 7
62+different learning abilities; 8
5863
59- (vii) Methods and techniques for identifying and addressing the social
60-and emotional needs of students, including trauma–informed approaches to pedagogy;
64+ (iii) Implementation of restorative approaches for student behaviors; 9
6165
62- (viii) Skills and techniques for effective classroom management; and
66+ (iv) Identifying and assessing, in the context of the classroom, typical 10
67+student learning deficits and techniques to remedy learning deficits; 11
6368
64- (ix) Training in the skills and techniques for teaching effectively in a
65-virtual learning environment, including the use of online curriculum;
69+ (v) Recognizing and effectively using high quality instructional 12
70+materials, including digital resources and computer technology; 13
6671
67- (2) Require program participants to demonstrate competency in each of the
68-components required under paragraph (1) of this subsection; AND
72+ (vi) Core academic subjects that teachers will be teaching; 14
6973
70- (3) Provide training in the knowledge and skills required to understand
71-and teach the Maryland curriculum frameworks[; and
74+ (vii) Methods and techniques for identifying and addressing the social 15
75+and emotional needs of students, including trauma–informed approaches to pedagogy; 16
7276
73- (4) On or after July 1, 2025, require passing a nationally recognized,
74-portfolio–based assessment of teaching ability as a requirement for graduation].
77+ (viii) Skills and techniques for effective classroom management; and 17
7578
76-6–125.
79+ (ix) Training in the skills and techniques for teaching effectively in a 18
80+virtual learning environment, including the use of online curriculum; 19
7781
78- (a) (1) The Department shall determine whether the Basic Literacy Skills test
79-[required] APPROVED for initial teacher certification is at least as rigorous as the similar
80-examination administered by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts SUFFICIENTLY
81-RIGOROUS.
82+ (2) Require program participants to demonstrate competency in each of the 20
83+components required under paragraph (1) of this subsection; AND 21
8284
83- (2) If the Department determines the Basic Literacy Skills test is
84-insufficient under paragraph (1) of this subsection, the Department shall develop a new
85-literacy examination of sufficient rigor.
85+ (3) Provide training in the knowledge and skills required to understand 22
86+and teach the Maryland curriculum frameworks[; and 23
8687
87- (3) The Department may not limit the number of times an individual may
88-take the literacy examination developed under this subsection in order to pass.
88+ (4) On or after July 1, 2025, require passing a nationally recognized, 24
89+portfolio–based assessment of teaching ability as a requirement for graduation]. 25
8990
90- (b) (1) (i) Beginning after the implementation of the literacy examination
91-under subsection (a) of this section, the Department shall develop and administer
92-challenging, subject–specific examinations tailored to the subjects and grade level at which
93-teachers will teach.
94- WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 188
91+6–125. 26
9592
96-– 3 –
97- (ii) Subject–specific examinations shall be at least as rigorous as
98-similar examinations administered in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts RIGOROUS,
99-AS DEFINED BY THE DEPARTMENT .
93+ (a) (1) The Department shall determine whether the Basic Literacy Skills test 27
94+[required] APPROVED for initial teacher certification is at least as rigorous as the similar 28
95+examination administered by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts SUFFICIENTLY 29
96+RIGOROUS. 30 HOUSE BILL 945 3
10097
101- (iii) The Department may not limit the number of times an individual
102-may take a subject–specific examination to pass the examination.
10398
104- (2) Before a subject–specific examination developed under paragraph (1) of
105-this subsection is administered, the Department shall develop standards for the
106-subject–specific examination and submit the standards to each Department–approved
107-teacher preparation program 1 year before the first year in which the examination is
108-expected to be administered.
10999
110- (3) A teacher preparation program with standards for a subject–specific
111-examination developed by the Department under paragraph (2) of this subsection shall
112-incorporate the standards into the curriculum of the teacher preparation program in a
113-timely manner.
100+ (2) If the Department determines the Basic Literacy Skills test is 1
101+insufficient under paragraph (1) of this subsection, the Department shall develop a new 2
102+literacy examination of sufficient rigor. 3
114103
115-6–126.
104+ (3) The Department may not limit the number of times an individual may 4
105+take the literacy examination developed under this subsection in order to pass. 5
116106
117- (a) (1) This subsection applies to individuals who have graduated from a
118-teacher preparation program [approved by the Department] or an alternative teacher
119-preparation program.
107+ (b) (1) (i) Beginning after the implementation of the literacy examination 6
108+under subsection (a) of this section, the Department shall develop and administer 7
109+challenging, subject–specific examinations tailored to the subjects and grade level at which 8
110+teachers will teach. 9
120111
121- (2) Beginning on July 1, 2025, to qualify for an initial certificate an
122-individual shall:
112+ (ii) Subject–specific examinations shall be at least as rigorous as 10
113+similar examinations administered in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts RIGOROUS, 11
114+AS DEFINED BY THE DEPARTMENT . 12
123115
124- (i) PASS THE SUBJECT –SPECIFIC EXAMINATION S UNDER §
125-6–125 OF THIS SUBTITLE ;
116+ (iii) The Department may not limit the number of times an individual 13
117+may take a subject–specific examination to pass the examination. 14
126118
127- (II) MEET ONE OF THE FOLLO WING QUALIFICATIONS :
119+ (2) Before a subject–specific examination developed under paragraph (1) of 15
120+this subsection is administered, the Department shall develop standards for the 16
121+subject–specific examination and submit the standards to each Department–approved 17
122+teacher preparation program 1 year before the first year in which the examination is 18
123+expected to be administered. 19
128124
129- 1. Subject to paragraph (3) of this subsection, pass a
130-nationally recognized, portfolio–based assessment of teaching ability; OR
125+ (3) A teacher preparation program with standards for a subject–specific 20
126+examination developed by the Department under paragraph (2) of this subsection shall 21
127+incorporate the standards into the curriculum of the teacher preparation program in a 22
128+timely manner. 23
131129
132- 2. SUBJECT TO PARAGRAPH (4) OF THIS SUBSECTION ,
133-COMPLETE A RIGOROUS LOCAL SCHOOL SYSTEM TEACHER INDUCTION PR OGRAM
134-THAT LASTS FOR THE LESSER OF:
130+6–126. 24
135131
136- A. 3 YEARS; OR
132+ (a) (1) This subsection applies to individuals who have graduated from a 25
133+teacher preparation program [approved by the Department] or an alternative teacher 26
134+preparation program. 27
137135
138- B. THE AMOUNT OF TIME A TEACHER MAY HOLD A
139-CONDITIONAL TEACHER CERTIFICATE;
136+ (2) Beginning on July 1, 2025, to qualify for an initial certificate an 28
137+individual shall: 29
140138
141- (III) MEET ONE OF THE FOLLO WING QUALIFICATIONS : Ch. 188 2024 LAWS OF MARYLAND
139+ (i) PASS THE SUBJECT –SPECIFIC EXAMINATION S UNDER § 30
140+6–125 OF THIS SUBTITLE ; 31
142141
143-– 4 –
142+ (II) MEET ONE OF THE FOLLO WING QUALIFICATIONS : 32
143+ 4 HOUSE BILL 945
144144
145- 1. PASS A BASIC LITERACY SKILLS ASSESSMENT
146-APPROVED BY THE DEPARTMENT UND ER § 6–125 OF THIS SUBTITLE;
147145
148- 3. 2. HOLD A DEGREE FROM A REGIONALLY ACCREDITE D
149-EDUCATIONAL INSTITUT ION AND HAVE EARNED A MINIMUM OVERALL CU MULATIVE
150-GRADE POINT AVERAGE OF 3.0 ON A 4.0 SCALE OR ITS EQUIVAL ENT ON THE MOST
151-RECENTLY EARNED DEGR EE; OR
146+ 1. Subject to paragraph (3) of this subsection, pass a 1
147+nationally recognized, portfolio–based assessment of teaching ability; OR 2
152148
153- 4. 3. SUBMIT DOCUMENTATION SATISFACTORY TO THE
154-DEPARTMENT OF SATISFACTORY HAVING RECEIVED EFFE CTIVE EVALUATIONS
155-FROM A LOCAL SCHOOL SYSTEM FROM COMPLETION OF A RIGOROUS TEACHER
156-INDUCTION PROGRAM FO R THE LESSER OF:
149+ 2. SUBJECT TO PARAGRAPH (4) OF THIS SUBSECTION , 3
150+COMPLETE A RIGOROUS LOCAL SCHOOL SYSTEM TEACHER INDUCTION PR OGRAM 4
151+THAT LASTS FOR THE LESSER OF : 5
157152
158- A. 3 YEARS; OR
153+ A. 3 YEARS; OR 6
159154
160- B. THE AMOUNT OF TIME A TEACHER MAY H OLD A
161-CONDITIONAL TEACHER CERTIFICATE FOR 3 YEARS; AND
155+ B. THE AMOUNT OF TIME A TEACHER MAY HOLD A 7
156+CONDITIONAL TEACHER CERTIFICATE; 8
162157
163- [(ii) (IV) Pass a rigorous State–specific examination of mastery of
164-reading instruction and content for the grade level the individual will be teaching; and]
158+ (III) MEET ONE OF THE FOLLO WING QUALIFICATIONS : 9
165159
166- (iii) (V) Satisfactorily complete any other requirements
167-established by the State Board.
160+ 1. PASS A BASIC LITERACY SKILLS ASSESSMENT 10
161+APPROVED BY THE DEPARTMENT UNDER § 6–125 OF THIS SUBTITLE; 11
168162
169- (3) An individual who graduates from a teacher preparation program in
170-the State who passed a nationally recognized, portfolio–based assessment [as a
171-requirement to graduate under § 6–121 of this subtitle] may not be required to take the
172-assessment more than one time.
163+ 3. 2. HOLD A DEGREE FROM A REGIONALLY ACCREDITE D 12
164+EDUCATIONAL INSTITUT ION AND HAVE EARNED A MINIMUM OVERALL CU MULATIVE 13
165+GRADE POINT AVERAGE OF 3.0 ON A 4.0 SCALE OR ITS EQUIVAL ENT ON THE MOST 14
166+RECENTLY EARNED DEGR EE; OR 15
173167
174- (4) (I) IN ORDER TO SATISFY T HE REQUIREMENTS OF P ARAGRAPH
175-(2)(II)2 OF THIS SUBSECTION , A CANDIDATE FOR AN I NITIAL TEACHER CERTI FICATE
176-SHALL SUBMIT DOCUMEN TATION TO THE DEPARTMENT THAT THE C ANDIDATE HAS
177-COMPLETED A RIGOROUS COMPREHENSIVE INDUCT ION PROGRAM , ESTABLISHED IN
178-ACCORDANCE WITH § 6–117 OF THIS SUBTITLE , THAT MEETS THE REQUI REMENTS
179-OF THIS PARAGRAPH .
168+ 4. 3. SUBMIT DOCUMENTATION SATISFACTORY TO THE 16
169+DEPARTMENT OF SATISFACTORY HAVING RECEIVED EFFE CTIVE EVALUATIONS 17
170+FROM A LOCAL SCHOOL SYSTEM FROM COMPLETION OF A RIGOROUS TEACHER 18
171+INDUCTION PROGRAM FO R THE LESSER OF: 19
180172
181- (II) THE COMPREHENSIVE IND UCTION PROGRAM SHALL BE
182-DEVELOPED BY A LOCAL SCHOOL SYSTEM , EITHER INDEPENDENTLY OR
183-COLLABORATIVELY WITH OTHER LOCAL SCHOOL S YSTEMS.
173+ A. 3 YEARS; OR 20
184174
185- (III) BEFORE ESTABLISHING A COMPREHENSIVE INDUCT ION
186-PROGRAM, ONE OR MORE LOCAL SC HOOL SYSTEMS SHALL S UBMIT A PLAN FOR THE WES MOORE, Governor Ch. 188
175+ B. THE AMOUNT OF TIME A TEACHER MAY HOLD A 21
176+CONDITIONAL TEACHER CERTIFICATE FOR 3 YEARS; AND 22
187177
188-– 5 –
189-PROGRAM TO THE DEPARTMENT AND THE ACCOUNTABILITY AND
190-IMPLEMENTATION BOARD.
178+ [(ii) (IV) Pass a rigorous State–specific examination of mastery of 23
179+reading instruction and content for the grade level the individual will be teaching; and] 24
191180
192- (IV) THE COMPREHENSIVE IND UCTION PROGRAM SHALL
193-INCLUDE A LOCALLY DE VELOPED PORTFOLIO CO MPONENT THAT IS ALIG NED WITH
194-THE INTERSTATE TEACHER ASSESSMENT AND SUPPORT CONSORTIUM
195-STANDARDS.
181+ (iii) (V) Satisfactorily complete any other requirements 25
182+established by the State Board. 26
196183
197- (V) A TEACHER PREPARATION PROGR AM OR AN ALTERNATIVE
198-TEACHER PREPARATION PROGRAM MAY USE THE LOCALLY DEVELOPED PO RTFOLIO
199-COMPONENT UNDER SUBP ARAGRAPH (IV) OF THIS PARAGRAPH AS MEETING A
200-PORTION OF THE COURS EWORK REQUIREMENTS O F THE PROGRAM .
184+ (3) An individual who graduates from a teacher preparation program in 27
185+the State who passed a nationally recognized, portfolio–based assessment [as a 28
186+requirement to graduate under § 6–121 of this subtitle] may not be required to take the 29
187+assessment more than one time. 30
201188
202- (VI) A CANDIDATE WHO SATISFACTORILY COMPL ETES A
203-COMPREHENSIVE INDUCT ION PROGRAM ESTABLIS HED IN ACCORDANCE WI TH THIS
204-PARAGRAPH MAY NOT BE REQUIRED TO PASS A N ATIONALLY RECOGNIZED ,
205-PORTFOLIO–BASED ASSESSMENT OF TEACHING ABILITY .
189+ (4) (I) IN ORDER TO SATISFY T HE REQUIREMENTS OF P ARAGRAPH 31
190+(2)(II)2 OF THIS SUBSECTION , A CANDIDATE FOR AN I NITIAL TEACHER CERTI FICATE 32 HOUSE BILL 945 5
206191
207- (b) In addition to any other requirements established by the State Board, to
208-qualify for a certificate in the State, a teacher who [graduated from an institution of higher
209-education in another state or] holds a professional license or certificate from another state
210-shall:
211192
212- (1) [Pass an examination of teaching ability within 18 months of being
213-hired by a local school system] MEET THE REQUIREMENTS FOR AN INITIAL TEACH ER
214-CERTIFICATE UNDER SU BSECTION (A) OF THIS SECTION ; or;
193+SHALL SUBMIT DOCUMEN TATION TO THE DEPARTMENT THAT THE C ANDIDATE HAS 1
194+COMPLETED A RIGOROUS COMPREHENSIVE INDUCT ION PROGRAM , ESTABLISHED IN 2
195+ACCORDANCE WITH § 6–117 OF THIS SUBTITLE , THAT MEETS THE REQUI REMENTS 3
196+OF THIS PARAGRAPH . 4
215197
216- (2) Hold an active National Board Certification from the National Board
217-for Professional Teaching Standards; OR
198+ (II) THE COMPREHENSIVE IND UCTION PROGRAM SHALL BE 5
199+DEVELOPED BY A LOCAL SCHOOL SYSTEM , EITHER INDEPENDENTLY OR 6
200+COLLABORATIVELY WITH OTHER LOCAL SCHOOL S YSTEMS. 7
218201
219- (3) COMPLETE A COMPREHENS IVE INDUCTION PROGRA M IN
220-ACCORDANCE WITH SUBS ECTION (A)(4) OF THIS SECTION .
202+ (III) BEFORE ESTABLISHING A COMPREHENSIVE INDUCT ION 8
203+PROGRAM, ONE OR MORE LOCAL SC HOOL SYSTEMS SHALL S UBMIT A PLAN FOR THE 9
204+PROGRAM TO THE DEPARTMENT AND THE ACCOUNTABILITY AND 10
205+IMPLEMENTATION BOARD. 11
221206
222- (c) (1) The Department, after a reasonable period of review and assessment,
223-shall determine whether one of the assessments of teaching skill [required] APPROVED for
224-initial teacher certification under this section more adequately measures the skills and
225-knowledge required of a highly qualified teacher.
207+ (IV) THE COMPREHENSIVE IND UCTION PROGRAM SHALL 12
208+INCLUDE A LOCALLY DE VELOPED PORTFOLIO CO MPONENT THAT IS ALIG NED WITH 13
209+THE INTERSTATE TEACHER ASSESSMENT AND SUPPORT CONSORTIUM 14
210+STANDARDS. 15
226211
227- (2) If the Department makes a determination under paragraph (1) of this
228-subsection that requires a revision to the statutory requirements for initial teacher
229-certification, the Department shall, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government
230-Article, submit a report to the General Assembly on or before the next September 1 on its
231-recommendations for revising the qualifications for initial teacher [licensure]
232-CERTIFICATION . Ch. 188 2024 LAWS OF MARYLAND
212+ (V) A TEACHER PREPARATION PROG RAM OR AN ALTERNATIV E 16
213+TEACHER PREPARATION PROGRAM MAY USE THE LOCALLY DEVELOPED PO RTFOLIO 17
214+COMPONENT UNDER SUBP ARAGRAPH (IV) OF THIS PARAGRAPH AS MEETING A 18
215+PORTION OF THE COURS EWORK REQUIREMENTS O F THE PROGRAM . 19
233216
234-– 6 –
217+ (VI) A CANDIDATE WHO SATISFACTORILY COMPL ETES A 20
218+COMPREHENSIVE INDUCT ION PROGRAM ESTABLIS HED IN ACCORDANCE WI TH THIS 21
219+PARAGRAPH MAY NOT BE REQUIRED TO PASS A N ATIONALLY RECOGNIZED , 22
220+PORTFOLIO–BASED ASSESSMENT OF TEACHING ABILITY . 23
235221
236- (d) (1) The Department shall actively monitor and assess, during their
237-implementation and development, new teacher standards and assessments produced under
238-this section for any negative impact on the diversity of teacher candidates passing the
239-initial teacher certification assessments.
222+ (b) In addition to any other requirements established by the State Board, to 24
223+qualify for a certificate in the State, a teacher who [graduated from an institution of higher 25
224+education in another state or] holds a professional license or certificate from another state 26
225+shall: 27
240226
241- (2) The Department shall report the results of its monitoring and
242-assessment to the Accountability and Implementation Board established under § 5–402 of
243-this article.
227+ (1) [Pass an examination of teaching ability within 18 months of being 28
228+hired by a local school system] MEET THE REQUIREMENTS FOR AN INITIAL TEACH ER 29
229+CERTIFICATE UNDER SU BSECTION (A) OF THIS SECTION ; or; 30
244230
245-6–705.
231+ (2) Hold an active National Board Certification from the National Board 31
232+for Professional Teaching Standards; OR 32
246233
247- (a) IT IS THE INTENT OF T HE GENERAL ASSEMBLY THAT THE PRO CESS FOR
248-INITIAL CERTIFICATIO N OF QUALIFIED TEACH ERS AND OTHER SCHOOL PERSONNEL
249-EDUCATED OR CREDENTI ALED IN OTHER STATES BE EFFICIENT AND EFF ECTIVE TO
250-ENCOURAGE MORE TEACH ERS AND OTHER SCHOOL PERSONNEL TO LIVE AN D WORK
251-IN THE STATE.
234+ (3) COMPLETE A COMPREHENS IVE INDUCTION PROGRA M IN 33
235+ACCORDANCE WITH SUBS ECTION (A)(4) OF THIS SECTION . 34
236+ 6 HOUSE BILL 945
252237
253- (B) Subject to the rules and regulations that are implemented according to §
254-6–704 of this subtitle, the State Superintendent [may] SHALL PURSUE AND make an
255-agreement with the appropriate educational authority of any other state THAT HAS
256-SUBSTANTIALLY EQUIVA LENT CREDENTIALING R EQUIREMENTS OTHERWIS E
257-REQUIRED BY THIS TIT LE to provide for reciprocity in the certification of teachers.
258238
259- [(b)] (C) Subject to the regulations of the Board, the State Superintendent may
260-accept the accreditation for certification purposes of a program for teacher preparation if:
239+ (c) (1) The Department, after a reasonable period of review and assessment, 1
240+shall determine whether one of the assessments of teaching skill [required] APPROVED for 2
241+initial teacher certification under this section more adequately measures the skills and 3
242+knowledge required of a highly qualified teacher. 4
261243
262- (1) The accreditation is granted by a recognized national accrediting
263-agency; and
244+ (2) If the Department makes a determination under paragraph (1) of this 5
245+subsection that requires a revision to the statutory requirements for initial teacher 6
246+certification, the Department shall, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government 7
247+Article, submit a report to the General Assembly on or before the next September 1 on its 8
248+recommendations for revising the qualifications for initial teacher [licensure] 9
249+CERTIFICATION . 10
264250
265- (2) The institution preparing the teachers is in another state.
251+ (d) (1) The Department shall actively monitor and assess, during their 11
252+implementation and development, new teacher standards and assessments produced under 12
253+this section for any negative impact on the diversity of teacher candidates passing the 13
254+initial teacher certification assessments. 14
266255
267- SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That this Act shall take effect July
268-1, 2024.
256+ (2) The Department shall report the results of its monitoring and 15
257+assessment to the Accountability and Implementation Board established under § 5–402 of 16
258+this article. 17
269259
270-Approved by the Governor, April 25, 2024.
260+6–705. 18
261+
262+ (a) IT IS THE INTENT OF T HE GENERAL ASSEMBLY THAT THE PRO CESS FOR 19
263+INITIAL CERTIFICATIO N OF QUALIFIED TEACH ERS AND OTHER SCHOOL PERSONNEL 20
264+EDUCATED OR CREDENTI ALED IN OTHER STATES BE EFFICIENT AND EFF ECTIVE TO 21
265+ENCOURAGE MORE TEACH ERS AND OTHER SCHOOL PERSONNEL TO LIVE AN D WORK 22
266+IN THE STATE. 23
267+
268+ (B) Subject to the rules and regulations that are implemented according to § 24
269+6–704 of this subtitle, the State Superintendent [may] SHALL PURSUE AND make an 25
270+agreement with the appropriate educational authority of any other state THAT HAS 26
271+SUBSTANTIALLY EQUIVA LENT CREDENTIALING R EQUIREMENTS OTHERWIS E 27
272+REQUIRED BY THIS TIT LE to provide for reciprocity in the certification of teachers. 28
273+
274+ [(b)] (C) Subject to the regulations of the Board, the State Superintendent may 29
275+accept the accreditation for certification purposes of a program for teacher preparation if: 30
276+
277+ (1) The accreditation is granted by a recognized national accrediting 31
278+agency; and 32
279+
280+ (2) The institution preparing the teachers is in another state. 33
281+
282+ SECTION 2. AND BE IT FURTHER ENACTED, That this Act shall take effect July 34
283+1, 2024. 35