ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) — The Senate has sent Gov. Mark Dayton a bill requiring teachers to pass a skills test.
The bill requires Minnesota teachers to pass a basic skills test in reading, writing and math before they receive a teaching license. Current law allows licensed teachers to take and retake the test for up to three years. The bill would also require all out-of-state teaching license applicants to pass the test.
Supporters have said the measure will keep unqualified teachers out of the classroom. The Senate passed the bill in a 60-1 vote. Last week the House passed the bill unanimously.
Bill sponsor Sen. Ted Daley says the governor's office has seemed open to the bill. Dayton has not taken a public stance on it yet.
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.
