NJ S3243

State Board of Education must reduce the current two-semester and 175-hour clinical practice requirements for teacher candidates seeking a certificate of eligibility with advanced standing.

Commissioner of Education must develop recommendations for reducing clinical practice requirements in consultation with education organizations including the New Jersey Education Association, School Boards Association, Association of School Administrators, and Principals and Supervisors Association.

Certificate of eligibility with advanced standing is a lifetime validity certificate issued to candidates who meet degree, academic, and test requirements and complete an educator preparation program.

Current regulations require 175 hours of clinical practice with at least 100 hours completed in the semester immediately before full-time clinical practice; the bill aims to allow completion in one semester instead of two.

Takes effect immediately and applies to the first full academic year following enactment.