In certification of teachers, further providing for evaluation of applications for certification.
Summary
HB2354 would amend the Pennsylvania Public School Code to require the Department of Education to create and implement a one-time fee waiver for certain teacher-certification candidates who need to retake a required assessment. The waiver would apply to an eligible applicant who failed a certification assessment by three or fewer scaled score points, has taken the test no more than once before requesting the waiver, and registers to retake the same assessment within one year of the original score release.
The bill also requires the Department to publish the policy on its public website and distribute it to advanced preparation programs, alternative program providers, and preparing institutions. The measure is aimed at reducing the financial burden on near-passing candidates and giving them a second chance to complete certification requirements without paying another testing fee.
Impact
If enacted, HB2354 would add a new subsection to Section 1216 of the Public School Code of 1949 governing evaluation of applications for certification. It would not change the underlying certification assessments themselves, but it would create a state-level fee waiver process for retesting in limited circumstances and impose administrative duties on the Department of Education to publicize and distribute the policy. The bill would affect teacher candidates, educator preparation programs, alternative certification providers, and the Department’s certification administration practices.
Sentiment
Based on the bill text and the absence of recorded committee debate or votes, the measure appears to be framed as a supportive, candidate-friendly policy intended to help aspiring teachers who narrowly miss passing a required exam. The overall sentiment is likely favorable toward reducing barriers to certification and easing costs for near-passing applicants. No formal opposition, amendments, or recorded roll-call concerns are provided in the available materials.
Contention
The main potential point of contention is the narrow eligibility standard: only applicants who miss the passing score by three or fewer scaled points, have attempted the assessment only once before, and retest within one year qualify. Supporters may view this as a targeted fairness measure, while critics could argue it is either too limited to meaningfully help teacher shortages or too generous in waiving fees for repeated testing. Another possible issue is administrative burden on the Department of Education and whether the waiver could affect testing program revenue.
In certification of teachers, further providing for certificates qualifying persons to teach, for standard employment application, for career and technical instructional certificate and for postbaccalaureate certification; and abrogating regulations.