MN SF473

Clarifies teacher skills examination requirements by allowing candidates to pass either a reading, writing, and mathematics skills exam OR demonstrate attainment of requisite composite scores on ACT Plus Writing or SAT; permits up to two temporary one-year teaching licenses for otherwise qualified candidates who have not yet met these requirements.

Establishes teacher licensure reciprocity with adjoining states through NASDTEC interstate agreements, allowing fully certified teachers from neighboring states to transfer certification to Minnesota and receive a full five-year continuing license without additional exams if licensure rigor is comparable.

Reforms unrequested leave of absence (layoff) procedures effective 2016-2017 to base placement on subject matter licensure, evaluation outcomes and effectiveness ratings, and locally determined criteria rather than seniority alone; allows both probationary and continuing contract teachers within same effectiveness category to be laid off.

Prohibits school administrators from placing students in consecutive years in classrooms of teachers with lowest evaluation ratings unless no other teacher at the school teaches that grade or subject area.

Modifies nonlicensed community experts hiring process from requiring Board of Teaching approval to requiring reporting to the Board, and changes technical education instructor exemption from part-time vocational education to career and technical education programs.