HB 994 Summary

• Effective July 1, 2020, teacher candidates must meet one of three criteria to enter an approved teacher education program: ACT score of 21 (or SAT equivalent), passing score on Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators examination, or minimum 2.75 GPA on pre-major coursework.

• Same entry requirements (ACT 21, Praxis Core passing score, or 2.75 GPA) apply to nontraditional teaching route candidates under the Teach Mississippi Institute (TMI) program.

• Changes the implementation date for TMI program qualifications from September 30, 2015 to July 1, 2020, and expands TMI sites from three congressional districts to four congressional districts.

• Allows individuals with Praxis Core passing scores, ACT scores of 21, or 2.75 GPA to apply to the Teach Mississippi Institute program for grades 7-12 teaching positions, replacing previous language about Praxis I and II requirements.