National Teacher Certification Fairness Act Exposed

The National Teacher Certification Fairness Act was adopted by ALEC's Education Task Force at the States and Nation Policy Summit on December 13, 2001, and approved by the full ALEC Board of Directors in January, 2002.

CMD's Bill Summary

This "model" legislation attempts to equate a group that opposes teacher's unions and supports reducing the authority of university-based schools of education in certifying teachers with the long-standing, non-partisan "National Board for Professional Teaching Standards" (NBPTS). It proposes replacing the words "National Council on Teaching Quality" for every mention of the NBPTS in any statute, regulation, or spending bill. The NCTQ is reportedly funded by individuals and organizations known to have ideologically "conservative" ties and agendas.

ALEC Bill Text

Summary

This act creates a level and open playing field between nationally recognized teacher certification programs.

Model Bill

Section 1.{Short Title}

This act shall be cited as the National Teacher Certification Fairness Act.

Section 2. {Open Competition}

Wherever possible in appropriate state statute, the following language change shall be made:

(A) Wherever statue, regulation, or spending bill mentions National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, insert, “or National Council on Teacher Quality.”

Section 3. {Testing Fee Support}

If state testing fee support is provided to teachers seeking National Board for Professional Teaching Standards certification, the following language change shall be made:

(A) Wherever National Board for Professional Teaching Standard is mentioned, insert, “or National Council on Teaching Quality’s testing fees, whichever is less.”

Section 4. {Severability clause}

Section 5. {Repealer clause}

Section 6. {Effective date}

Adopted by ALEC's Education Task Force at the States and Nation Policy Summit December 13, 2001.

Approved by full ALEC Board of Directors January, 2002.