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House approves basic competency exam for new teachers
Summary
The Utah House passed HB 76, requiring a basic competency exam (sponsor cited Praxis II as an option) for first-time teacher certification; supporters said it improves screening, while critics warned tests alone won’t ensure teacher quality. The bill passed 57–17 and goes to the Senate.
Representative Bradley T. Johnson, sponsor of House Bill 76, told the House the bill would add a basic competency exam for first-time teacher certification and called it "a piece of the puzzle" in improving teacher quality. He said states use tests such as the Praxis II and described the measure as a screening tool to keep poorly prepared candidates out of classrooms.
"This bill...requires that we have a basic competency exam," Johnson said, framing the…
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