MN SF996

Allows nonnative English language speakers who teach in other languages to delay passing the skills examination in reading, writing, and mathematics for up to 36 months after becoming eligible for an initial teaching license and to hold a temporary license during that period.

Permits candidates who fail the skills examination three times in reading, writing, or mathematics to take a board-approved credit-bearing course in that subject area as an alternative to passing that portion of the examination.

Requires the Board of Teaching to report annually to the legislature on the number of teacher candidates taking the skills examination, those who achieve qualifying scores, score distributions, repeat test-takers, and the number of persons using the nonnative English speaker or alternative course exemptions.

Allows the Board of Teaching to issue temporary one-year teaching licenses to out-of-state teachers who have not yet passed the skills examination; such applicants must pass the skills examination during that one-year period to be eligible for a continuing license.

Effective date is the day following final enactment, except provisions allowing the alternative course option become effective August 1, 2014.