Substitute Senate Bill No. 1392 amends the educator certification process in Connecticut by establishing new minimum content knowledge requirements for individuals seeking endorsements in specific subject areas, effective July 1, 2025. The Connecticut Educator Preparation and Certification Board (CEPCB) will be responsible for approving these requirements, which may include satisfactory evaluations on state-approved assessments, evidence-based assessments, or participation in residency or apprenticeship programs. The bill also mandates that these requirements be reviewed and updated biennially. Notably, it removes previous provisions that allowed applicants to bypass assessments if they had not been approved at the time of application, ensuring that all applicants must meet the new standards to be eligible for certification or additional endorsements.

Furthermore, the bill grants CEPCB exclusive authority to develop and approve standards and regulations related to educator preparation and certification, replacing the previous dual authority with the State Board of Education. It introduces alternative methods for demonstrating content knowledge, such as evidence-based assessments and supervised residency programs, particularly for candidates in teacher shortage areas. The bill also includes provisions for retroactive certification for teachers with lapsed certificates and waivers for competency examination requirements for applicants teaching subjects that do not require a bachelor's degree. Overall, the bill aims to enhance the quality of education by ensuring educators possess the necessary content knowledge while addressing teacher shortages and promoting diversity within the teaching workforce.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 10-145l
ED Joint Favorable Substitute: 10-145l, 10-150b, 10-150c, 10-150d
File No. 642: 10-145l, 10-150b, 10-150c, 10-150d