AR HB1590

Requires persons applying for initial licensure as elementary-level general education teachers or elementary-level special education teachers to pass the Foundations of Reading test and the General Curriculum test (including Mathematics subtest) of the Massachusetts Tests for Educational Licensure.

Prohibits the State Board of Education from requiring additional testing beyond the two specified tests for elementary-level teachers seeking initial licensure.

Authorizes the State Board of Education to set cut scores for the Massachusetts tests with strong consideration given to the cut scores used in Massachusetts.

Applies testing requirements to out-of-state teachers seeking Arkansas licensure and to nontraditional teacher licensure applicants, with exceptions for those holding valid out-of-state licenses with three years of documented teaching experience.

Maintains test scores as confidential records while allowing the Department of Education to provide each licensed person with their individual test score and grader analysis of the writing portion.