CT SB00379

Extends the Minority Teacher Recruitment Task Force reporting deadline from February 1, 2016 to June 30, 2017, and sets task force termination date as January 1, 2026.

Adds the executive director of the Asian Pacific American Affairs Commission as a task force member (twelfth member).

Establishes a Minority Teacher Recruitment Policy Oversight Council within the Department of Education effective July 1, 2016 to advise on recruiting and retaining minority teachers in Connecticut schools.

Modifies teacher certification requirements to use state reading, writing, and mathematics competency exam scores as diagnostic tools for remedial instruction rather than gatekeeping devices for program admission.

Streamlines out-of-state teacher certification by removing master's degree and national board certification requirements, and authorizing the Commissioner of Education to establish interstate agreements to facilitate certification of qualified educators from other states.