Bill would require new teachers to pass basic skills exam

by Tim Pugmire, Minnesota Public Radio

St. Paul, Minn. — New teachers in Minnesota would have to prove their own competency in reading, writing and math under a bill advancing though the state Legislature.

The measure, which was up for a vote Monday in the Minnesota House, would require all teaching candidates to pass basic skills tests before getting their licenses.

Rep. Andrea Kieffer, R-Woodbury, said her bill doesn't solve a huge problem. But Kieffer said it's important to have a uniform approach for all teacher training colleges to follow.

"Different colleges will on their own decide if they want to require a student to pass a basic skills test before they enter the teaching program," Kieffer said. "Some of them require it before they get their degree. But others schools are passing through these students, and they're not able to pass the basis skills exam."

DFL Gov. Mark Dayton vetoed a similar bill last session. Kieffer said this year's version was modified to address the governor's specific concerns, although she doesn't know if he'll sign it.