INDIANAPOLIS (AP) _ The State Board of Education has approved new rules for Indiana teacher licensing that will cut requirements for obtaining certain permits.
The licensing fight split along similar political lines as the many education battles which have peppered Indiana politics for the past few years. The board voted 7-3 Wednesday to approve the new standards.
Supporters of conservative education changes say the new rules will make it easier for more teachers to enter the classroom. But teachers unions and others say that the new rules cut the qualifications for new teachers and will reduce the quality of education.
Former Gov. Mitch Daniels and former Schools Superintendent Tony Bennett began the push for an overhaul in 2009 in part as a way to bring in alternative teaching groups like Teach for America.
