Teachers in New Jersey under the new law, they will no longer have to pass a basic test in reading, writing and mathematics in order to be eligible for admission to public schools.
By the law of 1669 which was signed into law Gov. Phil Murphy, D., in June, took effect Wednesday at the start of the new year. The law aims to address the state’s teacher backlog by removing what the New Jersey Education Association (NJEA), the teachers’ union, called a “barrier” to certification in 2023.
The law says, “[T]A State Board of Education shall not require an applicant seeking a Certificate of Eligibility, Certificate of Eligibility with Advanced Qualifications, Provisional Certificate or Standard Teaching Certificate to complete a test of basic reading, writing and mathematics approved by the Commissioner of Education skills including but not limited to, Praxis Test of Basic Academic Skills for Teachers, to obtain a Certificate of Eligibility, Certificate of Eligibility with Advanced Status, Provisional Certificate, or Standard Certificate of education.”
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The Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators test uses over 40 states and territories in the country and includes questions on English and Mathematics as well as basic questions on specific subjects.
“We need more teachers. This is the best way to get them,” said Democratic state Sen. Jim Beach. when the bill was passed.
The 1669 act was intended to solve the teacher shortage problem in New Jersey. (iStock)
Teachers may still be required to take specialized tests for their fields. They will also require a minimum grade point average and credits related to their 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, several states have lowered teacher certification standards to combat a nationwide shortage. In 2022, California passed an emergency executive order ending required traditional credentials for remedial teachers recruit parents as substitutes.
Other states have passed orders to lower teacher hiring standards. (Getty Images)
Arizona passed a similar order that year allowing teachers to begin teaching before graduating from college.
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