HB 1053 Summary

• Requires the State Board of Education to waive minimum scores on the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators examination for nontraditional teaching route applicants when a critical shortage of teachers exists in the state.

• Authorizes the State Board of Education to establish rules for issuing a special, nonrenewable five-year teacher's license to educators who do not qualify for standard or expert citizen licenses, recognizing teacher shortages particularly in rural areas.

• Maintains existing entrance requirements for approved teacher education programs (ACT score of 21, passing Praxis Core score, or 3.0 GPA) while allowing score waivers during critical shortage periods.

• Effective July 1, 2021.