ST. PAUL (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.

Dayton vetoed a similar bill last year, but sponsor Sen. Ted Daley says the new version was written to address Dayton's concerns. Dayton has not said if he will sign the bill.

Copyright 2012 The Associated Press.

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