Limiting requirements for issuance of professional teaching certificate

SB 197 modifies West Virginia's teacher certification rules by exempting certain candidates from basic skills and subject matter tests. Specifically, it removes the testing requirement for individuals who completed standard teacher education programs (including those with less than a 3.0 GPA in such programs) and for those with alternative certification pathways. The bill maintains other requirements like bachelor's degrees, background checks, and pedagogical training. This change directly affects new teachers seeking standard teaching certificates through traditional education pathways. The bill does not alter requirements for alternative certification programs, administrative credentials, or paraprofessional roles.