The budget contains confusing messages for public education and it's full of contradictions. It dangerously undermines the integrity of teacher certification by allowing just about anyone to teach, while at the same time providing incentives for licensed teachers to go through a rigorous national certification process. The provision expands alternative permits to cover people with five years of work experience to teach music, art, foreign languages and computer science. The governor did partially veto language requiring DPI to give people permanent licenses if requested by local school boards. At a time when we are calling for higher teacher standards, the state is now adding a provision that undermines the integrity of teacher licensing.
Teaching requires specialized education and training.
We are very concerned that allowing untrained people into the classroom will harm the quality of education children receive. The governor also did not veto language allowing school districts to opt out of state exams tied to statewide academic standards. It makes no sense to remove some of the accountability for student achievement by allowing school districts to replace state tests with their own. At a time when we are calling for higher standards for schools and students, this measure allows districts to avoid setting and measuring standards. It is ironic that state officials pushed so hard for statewide standards, and now appear to be backing away from them.