(a) (1) This subsection applies to individuals who have graduated from a teacher preparation program or an alternative teacher preparation program.
(2) Beginning on July 1, 2025, to qualify for an initial certificate an individual shall:
(i) Pass the subject–specific examinations under § 6–125 of this subtitle;
(ii) Meet one of the following qualifications:
1. Subject to paragraph (3) of this subsection, pass:
A. A nationally recognized, portfolio–based assessment of teaching ability; or
B. A portfolio–based assessment of a nationally accredited teacher preparation program; or
2. Subject to paragraph (4) of this subsection, complete a rigorous local school system teacher induction program that lasts for the lesser of:
A. 3 years; or
B. The amount of time a teacher may hold a conditional teacher certificate;
(iii) Meet one of the following qualifications:
1. Pass a basic literacy skills assessment approved by the Department under § 6–125 of this subtitle;
2. Hold a degree from a regionally accredited educational institution and have earned a minimum overall cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or its equivalent on the most recently earned degree; or
3. Submit documentation to the Department of having received effective evaluations from a local school system for 3 years;
(iv) Pass a rigorous State–specific examination of mastery of reading instruction and content for the grade level the individual will be teaching; and
(v) Satisfactorily complete any other requirements established by the State Board.
(3) An individual who graduates from a teacher preparation program in the State who passed a nationally recognized, portfolio–based assessment may not be required to take the assessment more than one time.
(4) (i) In order to satisfy the requirements of paragraph (2)(ii)2 of this subsection, a candidate for an initial teacher certificate shall submit documentation to the Department that the candidate has completed a rigorous comprehensive induction program, established in accordance with § 6–117 of this subtitle, that meets the requirements of this paragraph.
(ii) The comprehensive induction program shall be developed by a local school system, either independently or collaboratively with other local school systems.
(iii) Before establishing a comprehensive induction program, one or more local school systems shall submit a plan for the program to the Department and the Accountability and Implementation Board.
(iv) The comprehensive induction program shall include a locally developed portfolio component that is aligned with the Interstate Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium Standards.
(v) A teacher preparation program or an alternative teacher preparation program may use the locally developed portfolio component under subparagraph (iv) of this paragraph as meeting a portion of the coursework requirements of the program.
(vi) A candidate who satisfactorily completes a comprehensive induction program established in accordance with this paragraph may not be required to pass a nationally recognized, portfolio–based assessment of teaching ability.
(b) In addition to any other requirements established by the State Board, to qualify for a certificate in the State, a teacher who graduated from an institution of higher education in another state or holds a professional license or certificate from another state shall:
(1) Pass an examination of teaching ability within 18 months of being hired by a local school system;
(2) Hold an active National Board Certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards; or
(3) Complete a comprehensive induction program in accordance with subsection (a)(4) of this section.
(c) (1) The Department, after a reasonable period of review and assessment, shall determine whether one of the assessments of teaching skill approved for initial teacher certification under this section more adequately measures the skills and knowledge required of a highly qualified teacher.
(2) If the Department makes a determination under paragraph (1) of this subsection that requires a revision to the statutory requirements for initial teacher certification, the Department shall, in accordance with § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, submit a report to the General Assembly on or before the next September 1 on its recommendations for revising the qualifications for initial teacher certification.
(d) (1) The Department shall actively monitor and assess, during their implementation and development, new teacher standards and assessments produced under this section for any negative impact on the diversity of teacher candidates passing the initial teacher certification assessments.
(2) The Department shall report the results of its monitoring and assessment to the Accountability and Implementation Board established under § 5–402 of this article.