New Jersey Ends Basic Skills Test Requirement for Teachers Amid Shortage
New Jersey has officially eliminated the requirement for prospective public school teachers to pass a basic reading, writing, and mathematics test as part of the certification process.
The law, signed by Governor Phil Murphy in June, went into effect at the start of the new year and aims to address the state’s teacher shortage. The New Jersey Education Association (NJEA) advocated for the change, describing the test as a “barrier” to certification.
According to the new law, “[T]he State Board of Education shall not require a candidate seeking a certificate of eligibility, a certificate of eligibility with advanced standing, a provisional certificate, or a standard instructional certificate to complete a Commissioner of Education-approved test of basic reading, writing, and mathematics skills including, but not limited to, the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators test, in order to obtain a certificate of eligibility, a certificate of eligibility with advanced standing, a provisional certificate, or a standard instructional certificate.”
The Praxis Core test, used in over 40 states and territories across the US, assesses basic reading, writing, and mathematics skills. Despite the removal of this requirement, prospective teachers may still need to pass subject-specific tests, meet GPA requirements, and hold a bachelor’s degree.
This policy change mirrors measures taken in other states to combat teacher shortages. Arizona, for example, recently enacted a law allowing educators to begin teaching before completing their college degrees. These efforts reflect broader challenges in recruiting and retaining teachers nationwide, according to a report by Fox News.
