Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to amend certain educational requirements in Minnesota, specifically focusing on teacher candidates' performance assessments and student teacher placements.

Main Provisions

• Discontinuation of edTPA: The bill directs the Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board to stop requiring teacher candidates to complete the edTPA (a performance assessment for teacher candidates). This includes any parts, tasks, or the complete assessment.

• Rulemaking Changes: The Board is tasked with amending current rules to reflect the removal of the edTPA requirement.

• Student Teacher Placement: The bill requires that student teachers be placed within 30 miles of their preferred location or school site. There is an allowance for placements beyond 30 miles if both the teacher candidate and the teacher preparatory program agree to it.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• The removal of the edTPA requirement represents a shift from current teacher assessment practices, potentially altering how teacher candidates demonstrate readiness to teach.

• The specific rule of placing student teachers within 30 miles of their preferred location is a new requirement intended to accommodate student teachers' geographic preferences.

Relevant Terms

teacher candidates, edTPA, performance assessment, student teacher placement, Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board, teacher preparatory program.