AN ACT to repeal the standardized testing requirement for teacher licensure and to prohibit the state board of education from adopting rules or policies implementing a standardized testing requirement for teacher licensure.

The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:

SECTION 1.(a)  G.S. 115C‑269.15(a) is repealed.

SECTION 1.(b)  G.S. 115C‑269.25(g) is repealed.

SECTION 1.(c)  G.S. 115C‑270.15 is repealed.

SECTION 1.(d)  Article 17E of Chapter 115C of the General Statutes is amended by adding a new section to read:

§ 115C‑270.15A.  Prohibition on examination requirements.

The State Board of Education shall not adopt any rules or policies requiring any applicant for a teacher license pursuant to G.S. 115C‑270.20 to complete a standardized examination as a condition for receiving a teacher license.

SECTION 1.(e)  G.S. 115C‑270.20(4a) reads as rewritten:

(4a)    Limited license. – A three‑year renewable license issued to an individual who meets the requirements of this subdivision. A limited license shall only be requested by the local board of education currently employing or seeking to employ the individual and shall be used for continued employment only in that local school administrative unit. The State Board shall not require individuals to demonstrate preparation through achieving a prescribed minimum score on a standardized examination for a limited license. To receive a limited license, one of the following shall be met:

a.         In‑state licensee. – Both of the following are met:

1.         The individual was issued an IPL or RL, but failed to fulfill examination requirements under G.S. 115C‑270.15 licensure requirements adopted by the State Board after three years of licensure.

2.         The local board of education submits to the State Board an affidavit stating that the teacher is currently employed by that local board, is an effective teacher, and will be encouraged to continue to pursue a CPL. The affidavit shall be signed by both the principal and superintendent for the school to which the teacher is currently assigned.

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SECTION 2.  This act is effective when it becomes law and applies to anyone applying for a teacher license on or after that date.