The bill amends the Revised School Code to update the requirements for issuing teaching licenses, certificates, and endorsements by the superintendent of public instruction. It specifies that the superintendent shall issue teaching certificates only to individuals who have passed the appropriate available examinations, with provisions for accepting equivalent examinations for those holding certificates from other states, countries, or federally recognized Indian tribes. Additionally, the bill introduces a new provision allowing the superintendent to issue teaching certificates to noncertificated, nonendorsed teachers who have successfully taught in Michigan for a specified number of years without requiring them to pass the examinations.

Furthermore, the bill emphasizes the importance of reading instruction by mandating that individuals seeking professional certification must complete a course of study focused on reading disabilities and differentiated instruction. It also includes provisions for the development and approval of subject area examinations and requires the superintendent to report annually on the examination process and associated fees. The bill aims to streamline the certification process while ensuring that teachers meet necessary educational standards, particularly in reading instruction, to better support student learning outcomes.

Statutes affected:
Senate Introduced Bill: 380.1531