The bill, introduced by Vincent A.V. Borja, amends Chapter 8, Title 5A of the Guam Administrative Rules and Regulations to enhance the certification process for educators, school administrators, and school counselors in Guam. It introduces a new section, 8102(ee), defining the Pre-Professional Basic Skills Assessment (BSA) and outlining various options for assessing basic skills in reading, writing, and mathematics. The bill also repeals and re-enacts section 8104(s), which details the issuance of certificates and the requirements for certification, including the examination of general knowledge and specialization. Notably, it allows for a one-time renewal of temporary counseling certificates and provides a more flexible reference to school administrator standards.

Key changes include the introduction of new methods for satisfying the basic skills requirement, such as coursework from regionally accredited institutions, and the acceptance of qualifying scores from standardized tests like the SAT and ACT. The bill replaces the Praxis exams with the BSA for the Temporary Teaching Certificate and outlines specific qualifications for Initial, Professional, and Master Educator Certificates, as well as for school counselors. It also modifies the requirements for school counselors, including the removal of the PRAXIS I requirement and adjustments to supervised field-based experiences. A severability clause is included to ensure the enforceability of remaining provisions if any part of the Act is deemed invalid, with the Act taking effect upon enactment.

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