New Jersey Eliminates Reading, Writing, and Math Requirements for Teachers

The state of New Jersey has passed a new law that will eliminate basic reading, writing, and mathematics test requirements for public school teachers.

As Fox News reports, Act 1669 was signed into law by Governor Phil Murphy (D-N.J.) in June of 2023, and went into effect on Wednesday, January 1st. The law was passed in an effort to address the shortage in public school teachers, with proponents of the bill suggesting that test requirements made it harder for people to become teachers. This effort was backed by the teachers’ union New Jersey Education Association (NJEA), which called such test requirements a “barrier” to certification.

“We need more teachers. This is the best way to get them,” said State Senator Jim Beach (D-N.J.) upon the bill’s passing.

“[T]he State Board of Education shall not require a candidate seeking a certificate of eligibility, a certificate of eligibility with advanced standing, a provisional certificate, or a standard instructional certificate to complete a Commissioner of Education-approved test of basic reading, writing, and mathematics skills including, but not limited to, the Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators test, in order to obtain a certificate of eligibility, a certificate of eligibility with advanced standing, a provisional certificate, or a standard instructional certificate,” the new law states.

The Praxis Core Academic Skills for Educators (PCASE) test is a near-universal standard for those seeking to become teachers, as it is currently in use in more than 40 states and territories. As such, New Jersey’s elimination of three of the most important subjects is likely to reduce the overall quality of teachers in the New Jersey public school system.

However, teachers in the Garden State may still be required to pass some sort of standardized test when it comes to their specific subject. They will also be required to maintain a minimum GPA and certain credits, as well as a bachelor’s degree in the subject they wish to teach.