Chapter 165

2003 -- S 0595 SUBSTITUTE A

Enacted 07/10/03

AN ACT

RELATING TO EDUCATION -- CERTIFICATION OF TEACHERS

Introduced By: Senator Leo R. Blais

Date Introduced: February 13, 2003

It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. Section 16-11-2.3 of the General Laws in Chapter 16-11 entitled

"Certification of Teachers" is hereby amended to read as follows:

16-11-2.3. Standardized testing -- Issuance of certificates. -- (a) No person shall be

barred from certification under this chapter solely because of his or her score on any standardized

teacher's examination. The board of regents for elementary and secondary education may require

those persons who score below a preset level on such an examination to undergo a successful job

performance review, based on criteria established by the board of regents, annually for three (3)

years. The teacher's certification shall be given provisionally on an annual basis during said time.

(b) Nothing contained herein shall be construed to require the board of regents to

administer any written examination to prospective teachers seeking certification; provided,

however, that no such examination shall be required of nonteaching personnel in the school

system.

(a) No person who obtained an initial certificate prior to January 8, 2002 shall be barred

from certification under this chapter solely because of his or her score on any standardized

teacher's examination; provided, however, that he or she successfully completes an assessment,

based on criteria established by the board of regents for elementary and secondary education, in

accordance with 34 CFR section 200.56.

(b) The board of regents for elementary and secondary education may administer a

written examination to prospective teachers seeking certification.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.     

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LC01965/SUB A

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