HF 23 Summary

• Establishes state goal for teachers of color and American Indian teachers to increase at least 2 percentage points per year by 2040 to reflect diversity of student population and ensure equitable access to effective diverse teachers.

• Requires Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board to publish biennial reports beginning in 2020 assessing effectiveness of state-funded programs addressing shortage of racially and ethnically diverse teachers, in consultation with state Indian Affairs Council and ethnic councils.

• Creates "Grow Your Own" grant program with three categories: residency programs for teacher candidates, programs serving adults (career changers and community members), and programs serving secondary school students to pursue teaching.

• Requires at least 80% of residency program grant funds support tuition scholarships or stipends for candidates of color or American Indian seeking teaching licenses, with optional 5-year commitment to teach in district.

• Amends teacher licensing requirements to waive reading, writing, and mathematics skills exam for nonnative English speakers teaching in native language or world language instruction, and requires monthly untimed testing opportunities with fee waivers for federal grant-qualified test takers.