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.

In addition to the certification changes, the bill emphasizes the recruitment and retention of minority teachers through pilot programs and guidelines aimed at enhancing diversity within the educational workforce. It establishes the CEPCB with exclusive authority to develop and approve educator preparation and certification standards, replacing the previous dual authority with the State Board of Education. The bill also outlines alternative methods for demonstrating content knowledge and includes provisions for teachers with lapsed certificates to apply for retroactive certification under certain conditions. Overall, the bill aims to modernize the certification process, promote diversity, and ensure that educator preparation aligns with current educational standards.

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