Legislative Testimony: LB960, Eliminate certain basic skill and content test requirements for eligibility for teaching certificates

Chair Walz and Members of the Education Committee, my name is Nicole Fox, and I’m here on behalf of the Platte Institute in support of LB960. LB960 would remove the requirement for the PRAXIS tests to enter into a teacher education program or prove competence.

It would allow teachers educated in Nebraska to prove their competence through their school’s academic offerings and training, and it would enable those educated outside of Nebraska who may come from a state that doesn’t use a PRAXIS exam for certification to potentially come and be part of our education workforce without jumping through those hoops.

We believe it’s important to remember with this—as with all state licensing or certification issues—that no state certification or licensure guarantees competence. It just assures that a hoop has been jumped through. Those licensed or certified will still need to prove that they are capable of teaching—through their student teaching programs or their experience and recommendations.

An occupational license of any sort doesn’t guarantee a job or that a person will be good if they get the job, just as a driver’s license doesn’t ensure that a person is a safe driver or will never be in an accident.

We encourage the advancement of the principles found in LB960—perhaps as part of an amendment to LB1218, for which you should have received a letter in support from Platte.