§6–126.

    (a)    (1)    This subsection applies to individuals who have graduated from a teacher preparation program approved by the Department or an alternative teacher preparation program.

        (2)    Beginning on July 1, 2025, to qualify for an initial certificate an individual shall:

            (i)    Subject to paragraph (3) of this subsection, pass a nationally recognized, portfolio–based assessment of teaching ability;

            (ii)    Pass a rigorous State–specific examination of mastery of reading instruction and content for the grade level the individual will be teaching; and

            (iii)    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 as a requirement to graduate under § 6–121 of this subtitle may not be required to take the assessment more than one time.

    (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; or

        (2)    Hold an active National Board Certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards.

    (c)    (1)    The Department, after a reasonable period of review and assessment, shall determine whether one of the assessments of teaching skill required 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 licensure.

    (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.