With recent complaints about low pass rates under current testing programs, Indiana is switching up its teacher licensing program in hopes of addressing a shortage of teachers within the Hoosier state.

ETS, a nonprofit organization, will replace Pearson beginning September 2021 as the provider of licensing tests for prospective teachers, said Indiana Department of Education spokesman Adam Baker.

This move comes after Republican state Senator, Jean Leising, of Oldenburg, introduced legislation this year that required the state Board of Education to adopt a program that’s administered nationally.

Pearson customized its tests to Indiana standards, while ETS provides national exams. For many years, Indiana educators and prospective teachers have criticized Pearson’s testing program, which has been the state’s testing vendor since 2014.

Tim McRoberts, associate executive director of the Indiana Association of School Principals, said the changes could definitely be helpful in the long-run.