Qualifications of applicants for licenses -- Changes in qualifications

(1) As used in this section: (a) "Literacy preparation assessment" means an examination that evaluates an individual's knowledge of the science of reading, related to literacy instruction for an individual who teaches preschool, elementary school, or special education. (b) "Required literacy preparation assessment" means a literacy preparation assessment that the state board uses to determine the qualifications of license applicants. (2) The state board shall establish by rule made in accordance with Title 63G, Chapter 3, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act, the scholarship, competencies, training, and experience required of license applicants. (3) (a) The state board shall announce any increase in the requirements when made. (b) An increase in requirements shall become effective not less than one year from the date of the announcement. (4) (a) Except as provided in Subsection (4)(b), the state board may determine by examination or otherwise the qualifications of license applicants. (b) The state board may not make licensure contingent upon passage of a pedagogical performance assessment. (5) If the state board uses a required literacy preparation assessment under Subsection (4): (a) (i) the state board shall make rules to allow an LEA to hire a license applicant who does not successfully pass the required literacy preparation assessment for a limited duration pending successful passage; and (ii) the license applicant is not eligible for a professional educator license described in Section 53E-6-201 until the license applicant successfully passes the required literacy preparation assessment; and (b) the state board may make rules in accordance with Title 63G, Chapter 3, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act, to: (i) establish exemptions for the required literacy preparation assessment; and (ii) develop a pathway to demonstrate early literacy competency as an exception to the requirement to pass the required literacy preparation assessment.