MN HF990

Creates a new tiered teacher licensing system with differentiated roles for teachers at various career stages, effective September 1, 2013.

Requires the Board of Teaching and Commissioner of Education to establish an advisory task force to develop recommendations for statewide tiered licensing based on research-based competencies, ongoing professional growth, and performance assessments aligned with student outcomes.

Task force must include representatives from Education Minnesota, school administrator associations, teacher education colleges, principals associations, parent networks, business groups, school boards, and career/technical educators, with a joint report due February 15, 2012.

Mandates that initial teacher licensure candidates pass skills examinations in reading, writing, and mathematics, and complete pedagogical knowledge and subject-specific teaching skills examinations, with enhanced requirements for reading instruction for pre-K and elementary teachers.

Requires teacher renewal licenses to include continuing education in positive behavior interventions, curriculum accommodations for diverse learners, reading preparation, and recognition of early warning signs of mental illness in children and adolescents.