Secondary Teacher Preparation: Connecticut

Analysis of Connecticut's policies

Connecticut requires that its secondary teacher candidates pass a Praxis II content test to teach any core secondary subjects.  Unfortunately, Connecticut permits a significant loophole to this important policy by allowing both general science and general social studies licenses, without requiring subject-matter testing for each subject area within these disciplines (see Goals 1-G and 1-H).

To add an additional field to a secondary license, teachers in Connecticut must pass a Praxis II content test as well as complete subject-specific coursework requirements, generally around 30 semester hours. However, as stated above, the state cannot guarantee content knowledge in each specific subject for those secondary teachers who add the combination science or general social studies endorsements. 

Citation

Connecticut Code 10-145f Regulation of State Board of Education 10-145d-428, -451

Recommendations for Connecticut

Require subject-matter testing for all secondary teacher candidates.
Connecticut wisely requires subject-matter tests for most secondary teachers but should address any loopholes that undermine this policy (see Goals 1-G and 1-H). This applies to the addition of endorsements as well.

State response to our analysis

Connecticut asserted that science teachers may hold a content-specific certificate in the following five science areas: biology, chemistry, earth science, general science and/or physics. The state added that candidates must earn a major in that content area and pass a content-specific Praxis II exam, adding: "The general science certificate is typically used by middle school and freshman science courses that include content on biology, chemistry and physical science topics."

Connecticut also noted that the information regarding the general history/social studies certificate is accurate and is the only "general" certificate issued in the state. 

Last word

The issue of general science is addressed more fully in Goal 1-G. Connecticut should ensure that its requirements do not make it possible for secondary teachers to be licensed to teach any core subjects with insufficient content knowledge.