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Panel advances Tennessee Civics Education Act requiring civics test for initial endorsements
Summary
With amendments narrowing the scope to teachers seeking initial endorsements in civics, history or social studies, the committee passed HB 1658 to require the Department of Education to develop a U.S. civics test for initial teacher licensing; fiscal estimates include an initial state cost around $105,000 and recurring costs every four years.
Sponsor explained HB 1658, the Tennessee Civics Education Act, would require the Department of Education to develop a U.S. civics test for individuals seeking an initial applicable teacher license or a specified endorsement. Amendments narrowed the requirement to persons seeking initial endorsements for social studies, history or civics rather than applying to all teachers.
The committee discussed existing Praxis subject-matter requirements, possible burdens on teachers, and fiscal impacts. The fiscal note shown during committee discussion estimated initial state costs of about $105,000 and roughly $60,000 every four years thereafter to create and maintain the test. After debate and amendment the committee voted to advance HB 1658 to full education (6 ayes, 1 no).
