Minnesota Senate Sends Teacher Testing Bill to Governor

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.