2019 Senate Bill 657 / 2020 Public Act 316

Revise special education teacher certificate

Introduced in the Senate

Nov. 13, 2019

Introduced by Sen. Lana Theis (R-22)

To revise a law that allows teachers in the process of getting a state teachers certificate to teach under an interim teaching certificate, by repealing a provision that bans this for special education teachers.

Referred to the Committee on Education and Career Readiness

Feb. 26, 2020

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the bill pass.

March 10, 2020

Amendment offered

To revise the requirements, qualification and conditions an individual would have to meet to get the proposed interim special education teaching certificate with a slightly different list, in particular increasing the amount of training required to get the interim certificate from 12 credit hours to 32, with each representing seven hours in the classroom. Also, to require the state to contract with a university to obtain a report on school teacher shortage claims (an area where special education programs in particular appear to face challenges).

The amendment passed by voice vote

Passed in the Senate 31 to 7 (details)

To revise a law that allows teachers in the process of getting a state teachers certificate to teach under an interim teaching certificate, by repealing a provision that bans this for special education teachers. However, candidates would be required to obtain the equivalent of 32 credit hours of training to qualify, with each credit representing seven hours in the classroom. The bill would also require the state to contract with a university to obtain a report on school teacher shortage claims (an area where special education programs in particular appear to face challenges).

Received in the House

March 10, 2020

Referred to the Committee on Education

June 17, 2020

Reported without amendment

Refer to the Committee on Ways and Means with the recommendation that the substitute (H-2) be adopted.

Referred to the Committee on Ways and Means

Dec. 15, 2020

Reported without amendment

With the recommendation that the substitute (H-2) be adopted and that the bill then pass.

Dec. 17, 2020

Passed in the House 70 to 35 (details)

To revise a law that allows teachers in the process of getting a state teachers certificate to teach under an interim teaching certificate, by repealing a provision that bans this for special education teachers. However, candidates would be required to obtain the equivalent of 32 credit hours of training to qualify, with each credit representing seven hours in the classroom. The bill would also require the state to contract with a university to obtain a report on school teacher shortage claims (an area where special education programs in particular appear to face challenges).

Received in the Senate

Dec. 18, 2020

Passed in the Senate 31 to 6 (details)

To concur with the House-passed version of the bill.

Signed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer

Dec. 29, 2020