HF2230: Teacher Education and Licensing

Requires, starting July 1, 2027, that all higher education institutions offering teacher preparation must include targeted clinical experiences and preparation for serving students with disabilities and English learners. It sets new practicum hour requirements and differentiated standards for endorsements in special education and English learner instruction. The bill also introduces a mandatory end-of-program assessment for all practitioner candidates, to be identified and scored by the Department of Education, with accompanying data reporting and remediation requirements. Additionally, it requires a new self-paced special education law course for those seeking certain teaching licenses in special education. Effective 7/1/2027.

Key Points & Impacts:

• Requires all practitioner preparation programs to include clinical experiences and preparation for serving students with disabilities and English learners, effective July 1, 2027.

• Sets minimum practicum hour requirements: 15 hours for all students (focused on instruction for special populations) and 40 hours for students seeking an English learner endorsement.

• Mandates the Department of Education to establish differentiated standards for clinical and practicum experiences based on student endorsement goals (general, special education, English learner instruction).

• Requires a summative end-of-program assessment, designed and scored by the Department of Education, for all practitioner candidates before completing their programs, effective July 1, 2027.

• Institutions must analyze and provide remediation opportunities for students who do not meet the minimum assessment score set by the Department.

• Beginning August 1, 2028, the Department must publicly report program-level passage rates, support efforts, and remediation plans related to the assessments.

• Defines 'English learner' as per existing state code for clarity and consistency in application.

• Requires completion of a Department-created, self-paced special education law course as a condition for awarding class B or conditional licenses to individuals applying to teach in special education settings.