IL HB0655

Removes the requirement that educator licensure candidates pass a teacher performance assessment, effective July 1, 2021.

Retains the requirement that all candidates pass a content area knowledge test before receiving an educator license.

Establishes an Alternative Educator Licensure Program for Teachers with 4 phases: coursework, one year of residency teaching, a second year of residency with mentor support, and comprehensive assessment of teaching effectiveness.

Requires candidates for the alternative program to hold a bachelor's degree with 3.0 GPA, complete a major in the content area, pass the content area test, and complete the required coursework before entering the residency phase.

Allows alternative provisional educator endorsements to be valid for up to 2 years of teaching, renewable for a third year if needed, with residency experience not counting toward tenure.