Indianapolis, In. — A bill authored by Republican state senator from Oldenburg Jean Leising that would replace Indiana’s teacher licensing exams has passed the Senate unanimously.
Senate Bill 532 would require the State Board of Education to replace the current Indiana teacher licensing exams with new nationally administered exams.
“A number of would-be teachers who excelled in the classroom are repeatedly failing the licensing tests required of them,” Leising said. “This has not always been an issue. Five years ago, Indiana changed from a nationally administered licensing exam to a customized exam, and teaching candidates are struggling to pass. Not only is this keeping potentially great teachers out of the classroom, but some schools are resorting to substitute teachers, who are only required to have a high school diploma. Our students should be taught by college graduates if they are available.”
SB 532 would require the Indiana Department of Education to implement the new exams by Sept. 1, 2021.
SB 532 will now move to the House of Representatives for consideration.
