New Jersey has officially removed the requirement for teachers to pass a basic skills test in reading, writing, and mathematics, effective January 1, 2025.
The law, signed by Governor Phil Murphy in June 2024, aims to ease the state’s ongoing teacher shortage by eliminating a major barrier to entering the profession.
The law, known as Act 1669, means that candidates for teaching positions in New Jersey will no longer need to pass the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators exam, which tests basic literacy and math skills.
This move comes amid growing concerns about a nationwide teacher shortage exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The New Jersey Education Association (NJEA), which supports the change, has argued that the previous testing requirement was redundant and overburdensome.
Assemblywoman Pamela R. Lampitt, chair of the Assembly Education Committee, emphasized how important it is to attract more qualified individuals into teaching.
She noted that the shortages in the educational workforce were causing harm to communities and students. She expressed that filling the educator training pipeline with motivated individuals who wanted to stay in the profession was crucial.
Senator Jim Beach, the bill’s primary sponsor, pointed out that the teacher shortage was a significant issue.
He believed that removing the basic skills tests would effectively increase the number of teachers in the state.
He argued that the change would make the certification process more accessible to potential educators.
However, critics, including billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk, raised concerns about the impact on educational quality.
Musk questioned the wisdom of allowing teachers to become certified without demonstrating basic reading and math proficiency, suggesting that it could make it more difficult for them to effectively teach students.
Supporters of the law, however, maintained that it was necessary to address the teacher shortage, particularly in high-demand areas like math and science.
While the new law removes the basic literacy exam, aspiring teachers will still need to meet other qualifications, such as holding a bachelor’s degree and passing specialized exams in their subject areas.
The decision is part of a broader trend across the country, as states like New York, California, and Arizona have also adjusted certification requirements to address teacher shortages.
New Jersey’s education department has specifically expressed a pressing need for math and science educators.
As teacher turnover and burnout continue to pose challenges, the law is seen by many as a step toward easing recruitment difficulties, although the long-term effects on educational outcomes remain uncertain.
