TRENTON, N.J. — Elon Musk has sparked online debate over New Jersey’s recent decision to eliminate basic skills testing for aspiring teachers, criticizing the policy in a tweet posted Wednesday. “So teachers don’t need to know how to read in New Jersey?” Musk wrote. “Seems like that would make it challenging to teach kids how to read.”
The change, which went into effect on January 1, removes the requirement for prospective teachers to pass the Praxis Core Test, a standardized exam assessing basic proficiency in reading, writing, and math. The measure was signed into law by Democratic Governor Phil Murphy in June 2024 as part of the state’s budget for 2025, a move intended to address a growing teacher shortage.
Supporters of the legislation, including lawmakers and education advocates, argue that the Praxis exam is an unnecessary barrier that prevents capable candidates from entering the teaching workforce. “We need more teachers,” Democratic lawmakers stated during deliberations over the bill. The state Senate approved the measure in a 34-2 vote last May.
Critics of the policy, including some education groups, have expressed concerns that dropping the test could compromise teaching quality in New Jersey schools. They warn that without basic skills assessments, there may be fewer assurances that new teachers possess the fundamental knowledge needed to lead a classroom effectively.
Governor Murphy’s office has not commented on Musk’s statements, but the policy has reignited a debate about the balance between relaxing entry barriers to attract teachers and maintaining standards for education quality.
