The State Board of Education has agreed to allow schools to hire teachers for certain subjects who have expertise but no education degree.

The regulations approved Tuesday require teachers to meet one of three criteria: They would need an out-of-state license and to pass the licensure tests, or at least a bachelor’s degree and at least five years of related work experience in science, technology, engineering or math, or an industry-recognized certificate in a technical profession and at least five years of related work experience.

The Topeka Capital-Journal reports the regulations are temporary pending a 120-day public comment period.

The Kansas National Education Association opposes the regulations.

Supporters say the new option would be used mostly in career and technical education, and would give smaller districts more hiring flexibility.

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(Information from: The Topeka Capital-Journal)