SB 1709

B eginning July 1, 2027, this bill requires a person seeking the first issuance of a practitioner teacher license or practitioner occupational teacher license to achieve a passing score on the United States civics test described below in order to obtain the license. This bill requires the department of education to do all of the following:  Prepare a United States civics test composed of 100 questions collected from the questions that are set forth within the civics test administered by the United States citizenship and immigration services to persons seeking to become naturalized citizens.  Beginning January 1, 2027, administer the test to persons seeking the first issuance of a practitioner teacher license or practitioner occupational teacher license.  Provide a person who achieves a passing score on the test with a certificate of completion. A person must correctly answer at least 70 questions to receive a passing score on the test. This bill prohibits the department from providing persons seeking the first issuance of a practitioner teacher license or practitioner occupational teacher license with any remediation or civics instruction in preparation for the test. However, the depa rtment must provide links on its website to reference materials and instructional resources the department deems appropriate or helpful to such persons in preparation for the test.