Black teachers: How to recruit them and make them stay
Lessons in higher education: What California can learn
Keeping California public university options open
Superintendents: Well-paid and walking away
The debt to degree connection
College in prison: How earning a degree can lead to a new life
California teacher candidates may be able to use coursework they have taken to satisfy their degree requirements to prove they are ready to teach, instead of taking some state tests currently required to obtain a teaching credential, according to a proposal by Gov. Gavin Newsom.
If legislators approve the proposal, teacher candidates will no longer have to take the California Basic Educational Skills Test, or CBEST, or the California Subject Examinations for Teachers, otherwise known as the CSET. Those two tests are among several that teacher candidates are required to pass before they earn a credential, and many potential teachers have failed.
Currently, a teacher candidate is required to prove proficiency in basic reading, writing and math by passing the CBEST or other approved exams. The test is usually taken before a student is accepted into a teacher preparation program.
The governor’s proposal would allow candidates to avoid the test if they have earned a grade of B or better in coursework and on tests approved by a university teacher preparation program or the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.
Teacher candidates also have been required to pass tests that are part of the California Subject Examinations for Teachers to earn a credential. Elementary school teachers must pass three tests — in science and math; reading, language, literature, history and social science; and physical education, human development and visual and performing arts — to earn a multiple-subject credential. Middle and high school teachers earn single-subject credentials in areas such as art, biology or English by passing at least one subject exam.
The new proposal would allow teacher candidates to use college courses in subjects related to the credential they are seeking, or a combination of courses and tests, to prove they are competent to teach a subject.
If the Legislature approves the proposal, the changes would go into effect on July 1.
“The commission is always seeking ways to broaden opportunities for aspiring teachers to enter the classroom,” said Sasha Horwitz, spokesman for the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. “We are excited that the state budget includes plans to move away from testing as the primary way to meet the basic skills and subject-matter requirements.”
The commission still considers the two tests “reliable assessments of teacher preparation,” said Mary Vixie Sandy, executive director. “The administration’s proposal to provide new flexibilities, complements the existing testing options by allowing aspiring teachers to meet these requirements in conjunction with rigorous alternative indicators of proficiency.”
The proposal is part of an education budget trailer bill accompanying the proposed 2021-22 budget Newsom announced in January. Several trailer bills were released Tuesday, offering details about the policy changes in the proposed budget.
California’s teacher candidates have been required to take up to six tests to earn a credential, depending on what they plan to teach. The tests have been a major stumbling blocks for many, with nearly half of California’s potential teachers struggling to pass the standardized tests required to earn a credential, according to data from the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.
In the last two years the commission has convened workgroups and held numerous meetings to study how to best reform the testing process. The Covid-19 pandemic ramped up these efforts as testing centers closed, making it difficult to take the required tests.
In the spring the governor and Commission on Teacher Credentialing eased some rules for the required tests. In a budget trailer bill last June the governor gave teachers more time to complete all the requirements for a credential and more time to submit information missing from applications.
The commission passed several resolutions in April that made it easier for teacher candidates to move into classrooms, including voting to waive the 600-hour requirement for student teaching and allowing university educators to decide when teacher candidates are ready to teach.
The proposed changes to teacher testing in the budget trailer bills are largely the same as those proposed last year in Assembly Bill 1982, which addressed the CBEST, and Assembly Bill 2485, which addressed the CSET. Both failed to pass before the end of the legislative session last year. The biggest difference between the budget proposal and the bills is that the bills, meant to help teachers complete their credentials during the coronavirus pandemic, were set to end after three years. The new proposal has no sunset date.
State lawmakers are planning to reintroduce the Assembly bills this year to better ensure the changes become law, even if they are removed during the budget process, Horwitz said.
A third bill on teacher testing — Senate Bill 614 — also failed to make it to a vote last year, but it was not addressed in Newsom’s budget package. The bill would have eliminated the Reading Instruction Competence Assessment, or RICA, with a basic writing skills test on the Teacher Performance Assessment.
Teacher candidates take the RICA after they receive a bachelor’s degree and are enrolled in a teacher preparation program. Teacher candidates planning to teach elementary school or special education must pass the test to earn a credential. The Commission on Teacher Credentialing assembled a panel to recommend alternatives to the RICA last year because of its high failure rate.
If the latest proposal passes, teacher candidates will still be required to take the RICA and the California Teaching Performance Assessment, which measures how well teacher candidates assess students, design instruction, organize subject matter and other skills. The performance assessment is required for teachers, except special education teachers, before they can earn a credential.
Panelists discussed dual admission as a solution for easing the longstanding challenges in California’s transfer system.
A grassroots campaign recalled two members of the Orange Unified School District in an election that cost more than half a million dollars.
Legislation that would remove one of the last tests teachers are required to take to earn a credential in California passed the Senate Education Committee.
Part-time instructors, many who work for decades off the tenure track and at a lower pay rate, have been called “apprentices to nowhere.”
Comments (42)
Comments Policy
We welcome your comments. All comments are moderated for civility, relevance and other considerations. Click here for EdSource's Comments Policy.
Silvia Martinez 7 months ago7 months ago
What college courses would suffice/meet the CSET requirements?
jen 12 months ago12 months ago
Just amazing, all this brouhaha over tests. My husband and I went to school and taught in CA before returning to the Heartland, so we took all the tests -- before they were "dumbed down," as it's been a couple of decades now! Geez, it doesn't matter if you're going to be a school social worker or whatever, if you can't do "the 3 R's" (Do we still know what those are these days?), do you … Read More
Just amazing, all this brouhaha over tests. My husband and I went to school and taught in CA before returning to the Heartland, so we took all the tests — before they were “dumbed down,” as it’s been a couple of decades now!
Geez, it doesn’t matter if you’re going to be a school social worker or whatever, if you can’t do “the 3 R’s” (Do we still know what those are these days?), do you even belong in a place of learning?
For one thing, there’s always paperwork to be filled out, reports to write, and records to keep. You write letters to parents, you keep stats on student attendance and behavior– things like that, that are outside the realm of “teaching the basics.”
But also– you need to have a love of learning and the capability to do so — and yes, that includes the ability to demonstrate your learning, which means passing tests. Not to do the “I walked 10 miles to school in 3 feet of snow” thing, but when we took the tests, nobody even studied for them — it was assumed that the basic skills tests (CBEST or whatever they have now) — 8th grade level stuff — were pretty much a joke….and content area material, you should know from classes.
The only exception was testing into other credentials – we did that for other areas, and yes, we brushed up on things, but even there – if you were interested enough to teach in another area, that was an area you had done a lot of reading and research in, for fun – that’s why you picked that content to add a credential in – so you already knew a lot about it.
Oh, well. It’s just … well, we all know that if you can’t pass a basic skills test, you really should retake the classes and pay better attention or become an autodidact and teach yourself so that you can teach others. Would we apply for a job in business without knowing basic computer literacy?
Scott Martin 2 years ago2 years ago
I have a couple questions about the CSET. Do I have to take the CSET if my degree was in Liberal Arts? Also, my GPA was 2.0. I’m in my second year at Placer County of Education and my GPA is 3.9. Can I combine those two programs on my overall GPA? Will I be a candidate for the CSET wavier program?
Thanks for your time.
Nicole 3 years ago3 years ago
So those of us who paid all that money for those tests should get reimbursed for the time and money. I’m glad it isn’t required anymore, but some of us did spend hundreds of dollars, so it isn’t fair. Can they do this with the induction program too? I’m starting to think teaching is a scam lol
Donna J Smith 3 years ago3 years ago
In contradiction to those who want to "vanquish" CBEST and CSET testing. This is absolutely ridiculous. The CBEST in particular is not that hard. If you can't pass a simple reading and math test in English, you should not teach until you can! And as to CSET -- the same thing. However, I DO think that the California Teaching Commission should seriously negotiate with Pearson-VUE, who administers these tests, for … Read More
In contradiction to those who want to “vanquish” CBEST and CSET testing. This is absolutely ridiculous. The CBEST in particular is not that hard. If you can’t pass a simple reading and math test in English, you should not teach until you can! And as to CSET — the same thing. However, I DO think that the California Teaching Commission should seriously negotiate with Pearson-VUE, who administers these tests, for lower pricing. That is for certain.
It is absolutely ridiculous to be charged excessive fees for taking these tests. If this company cannot offer lower pricing, then certainly the CTA (like Medicare) should “negotiate” with a company(ies) that will offer much lower pricing — say 1/2 the price. It can be done and it should be done!! No one should be forced to pay each time they take an exam!!
On that, you have my total agreement.
Darin Bubica 3 years ago3 years ago
I’ve taken the CBEST. If you can’t pass that ridiculously easy test you should not be a teacher. They should have kept it and made it harder.
Erica Williams 3 years ago3 years ago
Did they pass the bill?! Does anyone know?!
I don’t see why I need to take the CBEST in order to become a School Social Worker. I’m here to help, support and be resourceful to students. I don’t plan on teaching math or teaching a course. It just doesn’t make sense. I hope they find a solution.
Dr. Brenda Williams 3 years ago3 years ago
I would to know if the bill has been passed that will eliminate the CBEST and CSET.
Thank you
Replies
Kimberly Perez 3 years ago3 years ago
Yes, the bill passed two days ago. We are waiting for trailer bill to explain what the details and regulations will be.
Raphael Lamas 3 years ago3 years ago
Good afternoon Kimberly. So now that the bill to use course work, instead of the CBEST, why do we have to wait for trailer bill to pass to get our credential? I need to get my PPSC in social work. I would appreciate a clarification. Thank you.
MT 3 years ago3 years ago
I contacted CTC today via chat function and someone let me know that for those of us obtaining a PPSC, this applies to us. We can show coursework taken to meet the CBEST requirement 🙂 So happy!
Erica 3 years ago3 years ago
I feel that I have proof that I'm equitable through my coursework in undergraduate and graduate school. I do not need additionally an unnecessary test after that to tell me that I'm "not equitable", that "I'm a failure" and so on. It is a slap in the face that we have all those exams to prove that we are fit to teach a classroom, when we have continuously worked hard through our academic years and … Read More
I feel that I have proof that I’m equitable through my coursework in undergraduate and graduate school. I do not need additionally an unnecessary test after that to tell me that I’m “not equitable”, that “I’m a failure” and so on. It is a slap in the face that we have all those exams to prove that we are fit to teach a classroom, when we have continuously worked hard through our academic years and are considered professional academics.
As anyone knows, working towards a degree is not an easy game. And so, I feel that the test are written in a way to make prospective teachers fail because it is convenient for the pocket of Pearson. If you are one of those that have passed the exam, good for you. You have managed to control your anxiety, your life stress or maybe you were lucky and didn’t have any of that. But those of us that are struggling and considering changing career paths mainly feel that the system failed us. Wasn’t our hard work through our college years enough?
Funny how life works. Overall, I hope that anyone that hasn’t been in our shoes to reserve their opinions because like it or not, we are also professionals with a degree that we cannot put into practice. I sincerely hope they remove those exams.
Victoria Morrow 3 years ago3 years ago
I pray that this bill gets passed so that I no longer have to study for the CSET Multiple Subject Matter. It took me a few times to pass the CBEST, I have passed one part of the CSET Multiple and I have two sections that I have been trying to pass. I am so close to passing, however, with the pandemic, I am really struggling. I hope that I have passing scores this time. … Read More
I pray that this bill gets passed so that I no longer have to study for the CSET Multiple Subject Matter. It took me a few times to pass the CBEST, I have passed one part of the CSET Multiple and I have two sections that I have been trying to pass. I am so close to passing, however, with the pandemic, I am really struggling. I hope that I have passing scores this time. Otherwise, please pass this bill that I will not have to attempt it again.
I love teaching, I am very good at what I do, my students love me, and other teachers rely on me. Please do not let this test hold me back any longer. “Settled!”
Strident Teacher 3 years ago3 years ago
So when do we find out if this legislation passed or not? How do we find out?
Replies
Crystal 3 years ago3 years ago
I read somewhere they will have a legislature session and vote on it around June 15. I'm hoping and praying it happens. I always freeze up when I go to take a major test. I know my stuff. I have so many people tell me that I will be a great teacher. Even people who are not friends or family have told me that. It's been a dream of mine since I was a child. … Read More
I read somewhere they will have a legislature session and vote on it around June 15. I’m hoping and praying it happens.
I always freeze up when I go to take a major test. I know my stuff. I have so many people tell me that I will be a great teacher. Even people who are not friends or family have told me that. It’s been a dream of mine since I was a child. UNLV (Las Vegas) screwed me over when I did my student teaching. They set me up for failure, in my opinion. They stuck me in Kindergarten with a teacher who’d never taught it before that year. I was the only student teacher at the school who didn’t get the grade requested.
Michelle K. Gross 3 years ago3 years ago
I tutor teachers--most of whom have college degrees that they earned in the United States--who want to raise their scores on the writing portion of the CBEST. Universities should have exit exams that include writing. California has such a university, and I provide its website to my students so that they can get some insight into what makes a coherent, grammatic writing sample. http://web.archive.org/web/20200809135351/https://gwpe.humboldt.edu/sample-personal-experience-essays If a teacher candidate has never had adequate feedback on writing, I … Read More
I tutor teachers–most of whom have college degrees that they earned in the United States–who want to raise their scores on the writing portion of the CBEST. Universities should have exit exams that include writing. California has such a university, and I provide its website to my students so that they can get some insight into what makes a coherent, grammatic writing sample. http://web.archive.org/web/20200809135351/https://gwpe.humboldt.edu/sample-personal-experience-essays
If a teacher candidate has never had adequate feedback on writing, I suggest taking the Accuplacer because it is a lot less expensive than the CBEST and it will identify whether a remedial English class at a community college is going to be useful. I try to look beyond the irony of this.
Replies
bryanna 3 years ago3 years ago
To my knowledge, we do have exit exams. I did my undergrad at CSUDH and graduated 2019. They gave 2 choices: 1. Take an English writing competency course and at the end your final exam is to write an essay in 2 sessions, called the GWE (Graduation Writing Exam) . 2. Take the GWAR (Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (both are graded on similar scales). I know CSULB has a similar meet this requirement. Not sure … Read More
To my knowledge, we do have exit exams. I did my undergrad at CSUDH and graduated 2019. They gave 2 choices: 1. Take an English writing competency course and at the end your final exam is to write an essay in 2 sessions, called the GWE (Graduation Writing Exam) . 2. Take the GWAR (Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (both are graded on similar scales). I know CSULB has a similar meet this requirement. Not sure if it’s all across CSU’s, but just wanted to pass that info along. 🙂
Angie 3 years ago3 years ago
What can we do to have this bill passed? Is there anything we can do on our part to bring up our concerns? It’s the CSETS that drive me crazy!
Gur 3 years ago3 years ago
It is still a proposal right? Not a bill ?
How would it work/ process?
A. Matthews 3 years ago3 years ago
I passed by CBEST 4 years ago. It was extremely easy. To study for it, I simply downloaded a sample test guide from the internet for free. I went through all the questions in a couple of days. I then focused on re-doing the ones I had gotten wrong and going over the concepts underlying those questions. The week before the exam, I studied 2 days straight to refresh the … Read More
I passed by CBEST 4 years ago. It was extremely easy. To study for it, I simply downloaded a sample test guide from the internet for free. I went through all the questions in a couple of days. I then focused on re-doing the ones I had gotten wrong and going over the concepts underlying those questions. The week before the exam, I studied 2 days straight to refresh the concepts I had learned.
I have never been a teacher at a private school (which usually don’t require credentials) or out of state. I had been a tutor.
I see no reason why someone aspiring to be a teacher and mold the minds of our children – and the intellect of the coming generations – can’t pass this basic test. Someone who can’t pass it obviously doesn’t know enough to teach and should be kept out of the classroom!
Replies
crystal Valdez 3 years ago3 years ago
Not everyone can study their buttons off and pass. I have studied hard and failed three times. That is why I didn't get my license to teach in Vegas. I didn't pass the test. I missed it by 4 points. FOUR! I am passionate and good at what I do. I subbed for 6 years most of the time long term only and the principals loved me as did the parents. If I can … Read More
Not everyone can study their buttons off and pass. I have studied hard and failed three times. That is why I didn’t get my license to teach in Vegas. I didn’t pass the test. I missed it by 4 points. FOUR! I am passionate and good at what I do. I subbed for 6 years most of the time long term only and the principals loved me as did the parents. If I can do what my passion is, I’d be much happier than I am now. Not having to take the CSET will be even better!
K. Villa 3 years ago3 years ago
Prospective teachers that are required to take the CBEST usually already have an undergraduate degree. How does it make sense to test someone on writing and math when the first two years for undergraduate programs in CA require you to take English and Math courses in order to graduate? Having a B.A. should already be proof that the individual meets the basic English and Math requirements. The CBEST is used create more profit for assessment … Read More
Prospective teachers that are required to take the CBEST usually already have an undergraduate degree. How does it make sense to test someone on writing and math when the first two years for undergraduate programs in CA require you to take English and Math courses in order to graduate? Having a B.A. should already be proof that the individual meets the basic English and Math requirements.
The CBEST is used create more profit for assessment corporations and is not an accurate representation of whether or not a person is ready to teach. Just because a person has access to the time and money needed to take the CBEST & CSET does not mean they are effective educators. Not everyone has the financial means and the privilege to take these exams as many times as they’d like. There is more to being a good teacher than just acing an exam.
Aaron P Kahle 3 years ago3 years ago
Anyone know when this is supposed to be decided on? I do not see a date given.
Replies
Crystal 3 years ago3 years ago
I read they are supposed to vote on it June 15 and it will take effect July 1. This would be an amazing step for me since I’m trying to get in the internship program with the university I’m going to. The last step I need is a job offer from the district but they require the CSET for what I’m applying for!
Adrienne 3 years ago3 years ago
My daughter has been in the performing arts since she was a child, with thousands of hours spent in all aspects of theatrical productions as well as dance and choral events. She graduated cum laude with a BFA in Musical Theatre, and has acted in, directed, and stage-managed professional regional productions and been a member for years of a traveling troupe that performed elementary school children's stories. In addition, she has selected plays and directed … Read More
My daughter has been in the performing arts since she was a child, with thousands of hours spent in all aspects of theatrical productions as well as dance and choral events. She graduated cum laude with a BFA in Musical Theatre, and has acted in, directed, and stage-managed professional regional productions and been a member for years of a traveling troupe that performed elementary school children’s stories. In addition, she has selected plays and directed them for several years for a high school (whose credentialed theatre teacher appears unable to do this), and for six months ran an ambitious performing arts program comprised of classes and productions in theatre, chorus, and dance at a junior high when the instructor was on leave. The school was so impressed with her that she is now their first choice when a substitute teacher is needed in any subject, and works in that capacity nearly every day. Students and parents love her. She has decided to obtain her teaching credential and become a full-time teacher, for she loves connecting with students, and passing on the life skills one learns in a high-quality theatre program.
The problem? She does not do well on standardized tests. She passed the CBEST without a problem, but would have a tough time passing the CSET in English which is the test that most closely aligns with her desire to run a high school theatre program. We have looked at sample test questions online, and find that quite a few of them require extremely specific knowledge of, say, comparative writing styles of certain late-20th century authors, or other things that aren’t really general knowledge. She can spend hundreds, or maybe thousands of dollars on test prep and testing, but we know she will likely have trouble passing (as numerous actual English majors apparently do).
Something is wrong with this picture. My daughter is so hard-working, reliable, and inspirational, and would be an asset to any school, especially in theatre. Standardized tests do not give a complete or even reliable assessment; they may test knowledge, but they also evaluate test-taking ability which varies widely. It seems to me that the whole picture should be looked at for credential candidates, not merely test scores, especially when someone has already proven themselves to be eminently capable of doing the job. Isn’t that what we are starting to realize should be done with students? Why not the teachers themselves?
Replies
Christine 3 years ago3 years ago
In the same boat with my daughter pursuing Physical Education credential. I feel your pain, and hope the Commission is working towards changing these requirements!
Leslie 3 years ago3 years ago
Have there been any updates about the CSET alternatives? Anyone know where we can keep track of this news? Thanks!
Replies
Suzanne Garrett 3 years ago3 years ago
I received this information from a Manager of Credentialing at the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing when I asked the same question: "Short answer is no, it’s not approved yet. The Legislature began holding budget hearings in February and we have not heard any concerns with the proposals. That said, the legislature will not take any votes on the budget (or trailer bills) until most likely June. The regular process is for the Governor to … Read More
I received this information from a Manager of Credentialing at the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing when I asked the same question: “Short answer is no, it’s not approved yet. The Legislature began holding budget hearings in February and we have not heard any concerns with the proposals. That said, the legislature will not take any votes on the budget (or trailer bills) until most likely June. The regular process is for the Governor to introduce the proposed budget in January, and then submit the revised budget in May in response to update fiscal projections or legislative concerns. At that point the Legislature will debate the budget in earnest. The budget must be passed by June 15, and you are correct that the changes would go into effect July 1, 2021.”
Raquel 3 years ago3 years ago
Did you find any update on if the budget was passed or not? I can’t seem to find info on it.
Otak Jump 3 years ago3 years ago
CBEST may be an “easy” test, but that does not make it a valid measure of basic skills. As teachers we need to pay attention to evidence. There is no real evidence that CBEST is a valid indicator of future competence in the classroom and there is plenty of evidence that many groups struggle to pass, such as candidates who are from disadvantaged communities, who have learning differences, who have learned English as a … Read More
CBEST may be an “easy” test, but that does not make it a valid measure of basic skills. As teachers we need to pay attention to evidence. There is no real evidence that CBEST is a valid indicator of future competence in the classroom and there is plenty of evidence that many groups struggle to pass, such as candidates who are from disadvantaged communities, who have learning differences, who have learned English as a second language, who are immigrants, not to mention those who have anxiety disorder. Look at the data; standardized tests are not a good gatekeeper, but they are a good obstacle for many qualified candidates.
As teachers we also need to have the humility that just because something was “easy” for us does not mean if should be easy for everyone. It’s like chiding someone in a wheelchair for not being able to climb the flight of stairs we just went up. There are already plenty of checkpoints to make sure teachers are ready to be in a classroom: university preparation programs, district personnel departments and induction programs, site administrators and evaluators.
The idea that lack of standardized testing will “dumb down” our profession may in fact mask an inability to recognize that many types of intelligence exist and are important to being an excellent teacher. Are you ready to be “tested” on your emotional intelligence? Your artistic intelligence? Your creative intelligence? You better be ready to use them in the classroom.
Replies
kathy 3 years ago3 years ago
The CBEST is a valid measure of basic skills in mathematics and English. As a professor of Mathematics at a CA college who trains future teachers, I see many students who are not be able to pass this exam, which could be passed by a majority of 8th grade students. Our teachers should be able to glide through this exam easily! The CSET exams test whether a person knows the content of what they will … Read More
The CBEST is a valid measure of basic skills in mathematics and English. As a professor of Mathematics at a CA college who trains future teachers, I see many students who are not be able to pass this exam, which could be passed by a majority of 8th grade students.
Our teachers should be able to glide through this exam easily! The CSET exams test whether a person knows the content of what they will be teaching. There is no reason to waiver these exams if we want competent teachers.
Michelle R. 3 years ago3 years ago
I would have to agree with a couple of the comments. The CBEST is not that difficult to pass. It is basic reading, writing, and math. These basic skills are very important when teaching ... even elementary. regard to the CSETS: I completely agree with the reasons for the changes. Having 31 years of elementary teaching and over 20 years as a mentor, the TPAs are very important to all teacher candidates. Induction is … Read More
I would have to agree with a couple of the comments. The CBEST is not that difficult to pass. It is basic reading, writing, and math. These basic skills are very important when teaching … even elementary. regard to the CSETS: I completely agree with the reasons for the changes. Having 31 years of elementary teaching and over 20 years as a mentor, the TPAs are very important to all teacher candidates.
Induction is also a very important program to complete which helps solidify what was learned in credentialing classes. I am very glad to hear that the RICA will remain. Seeing teachers not understanding how to teach reading is very difficult especially with the learning loss from Covid.
Craig 3 years ago3 years ago
Of course they want to eliminate rigorous testing of potential teachers as the pool of candidates shrinks while the demand for teachers continues to rise. But truly, if someone can't pass the CBEST, they shouldn't be a teacher. In Germany, teachers go through a four-year university program where they can be "washed out" if professors do not deem students to be viable teacher candidates. Yes, testing of teachers can be biased. One example is that … Read More
Of course they want to eliminate rigorous testing of potential teachers as the pool of candidates shrinks while the demand for teachers continues to rise. But truly, if someone can’t pass the CBEST, they shouldn’t be a teacher. In Germany, teachers go through a four-year university program where they can be “washed out” if professors do not deem students to be viable teacher candidates.
Yes, testing of teachers can be biased. One example is that the State of California requires a rigorous paper that many students who are not native English speakers can’t pass. So while they were able to pass the CSET to teach Spanish at the high school level, they could not read and write well enough to understand, write and pass the EdTPA in their subject matter, an examination which really does not foretell anything about being a good teacher of any subject matter.
Every test is flawed and biased in some way so there should be multiple ways a candidate can show they would make a fine teacher. Instead of testing for subject-matter competence, how about a test to prove you can manage a classroom first!
Tina 3 years ago3 years ago
I think this would be amazing. I received my Biology degree from UC San Diego and still had to pay $102 for the CBEST (to show that I can read and write at a college level) and $297 for the three science subtests (CSET Science 1 &2, and CSET Biology). In addition, I had to pay the CTC fees($50 for the certificate of clearance, I think about $50-60 for fingerprinting, $100 for the initial application … Read More
I think this would be amazing. I received my Biology degree from UC San Diego and still had to pay $102 for the CBEST (to show that I can read and write at a college level) and $297 for the three science subtests (CSET Science 1 &2, and CSET Biology). In addition, I had to pay the CTC fees($50 for the certificate of clearance, I think about $50-60 for fingerprinting, $100 for the initial application fee, and about $50 to upgrade for the preliminary credential).
Then, in order to clear my credential, I had to pay another $5000 for the clear credential (BTSA/Induction) program, and then the application fee (about $102 if I can recall) in order to be a fully certified teacher. This does not even include the cost of the teacher credentialing program.
I think that if a teacher can show their proficiency of the material through aligned courses at university, then they should have the opportunity to waive at least the test requirement.
SD Parent 3 years ago3 years ago
I worry that it's not the tests that are challenging but that the candidates haven't actually mastered the material. For example, I can't tell you how many times letters sent home from teachers and even principals were rife with errors in grammar and punctuation. I've often wondered how I could expect these teachers to educate my children in how to write when the teachers, themselves, hadn't mastered it. The idea that the state should … Read More
I worry that it’s not the tests that are challenging but that the candidates haven’t actually mastered the material. For example, I can’t tell you how many times letters sent home from teachers and even principals were rife with errors in grammar and punctuation. I’ve often wondered how I could expect these teachers to educate my children in how to write when the teachers, themselves, hadn’t mastered it. The idea that the state should lower the bar even more by eliminating assessments that test for basic competence is a terrible idea.
Marc A Winger 3 years ago3 years ago
As an adjunct prof at CSUN I had lots of students in the admin credential/masters degree program who could not write a coherent and/or grammatically correct paper. It’s obvious that class grading, at least in my experience, is not a good proxy for the CBEST.
Dr. Bill Conrad 3 years ago3 years ago
Our utterly disgraced former president Trump once famously said that 'if we stop testing right now, we'd have very few cases' of the COVID-19 virus. This insane statement is in perfect harmony with the even crazier new theory of action of the lost in the fog K-12 education system – the diminution of teacher credentialing testing. First tier professions like law and medicine expect their candidates to pass very rigorous multi-day exams. The third tier pretend … Read More
Our utterly disgraced former president Trump once famously said that ‘if we stop testing right now, we’d have very few cases’ of the COVID-19 virus. This insane statement is in perfect harmony with the even crazier new theory of action of the lost in the fog K-12 education system – the diminution of teacher credentialing testing.
First tier professions like law and medicine expect their candidates to pass very rigorous multi-day exams. The third tier pretend profession of teaching moves away from rigorous testing as the testing is too challenging for the very poorly prepared candidates who exit the woeful colleges of education.
EdSource recently reported that the state is now recruiting teachers from the bus lots, cafeterias, and janitor closets to enter the “profession” of teaching. The caring teacher trumps competent teachers. So, it makes sense that the state is moving away from testing to ensure opportunities for fourth tier teaching candidates.
The end of testing for teachers is just one more artifact of a failed and racist K-12 education system. Learn more about the myriad of malaise that afflict K-12 education in my new book called the Fog of Education. (http://sipbigpicture.com)
Our only hope is our children who must rise up to address the abomination that K-12 education has become.
Replies
Verenice 3 years ago3 years ago
You are a teacher yourself, so you are not an actual “professional"? The quote you shared about Trump and the circumstance you use to compare it to are not mutually exclusive. It has long been known that exams expose bias rather than competence.https://uscaseps.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/standardized-testing.pdf Measuring true competence is not measured solely or mainly by standardized exams. Also, the way that you infer that janitors and cafeteria are are not good candidates to become teachers in a … Read More
You are a teacher yourself, so you are not an actual “professional”? The quote you shared about Trump and the circumstance you use to compare it to are not mutually exclusive.
It has long been known that exams expose bias rather than competence.https://uscaseps.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/standardized-testing.pdf Measuring true competence is not measured solely or mainly by standardized exams.
Also, the way that you infer that janitors and cafeteria are are not good candidates to become teachers in a “profession” shows your privilege. You think so poorly of people who work in those jobs. I have seen those same people become lawyers and doctors that you think so highly of. Who are you to say who is capable of becoming a teacher? You are after all, a teacher of that “profession.”
Dr. Bill Conrad 3 years ago3 years ago
Hello Verenice, I have been in education for over 45 years at all levels and all over the country. I have seen the good, the bad, and the ugly. I have been in far too many classrooms of children of color and see the teacher profoundly incompetent in both content and pedagogy. Of course you will find a few janitors and cafeteria workers who have the potential to be great teachers. However, that would be a special … Read More
Hello Verenice,
I have been in education for over 45 years at all levels and all over the country. I have seen the good, the bad, and the ugly. I have been in far too many classrooms of children of color and see the teacher profoundly incompetent in both content and pedagogy.
Of course you will find a few janitors and cafeteria workers who have the potential to be great teachers. However, that would be a special case find and not a system pattern. Medicine, law, and business recruit from the highest tiers of candidates. They would never in a million years consider recruiting candidates from bus lots. Unfortunately, teaching is considered to be a third tier profession. High quality candidates are not attracted to the field. Until we have top tier candidates clamoring to become teachers, we will be left with teachers who are not competent in content and/or pedagogy. That is our reality.
You are correct that I was once a middle school science teacher. I was a good teacher and even won an award for designing and implementing a class in the inner city for Latinos called The Super Saturday Science Special. However, I do rue the fact that I did not follow through on my Biology graduate work to become a scientist. I settled as many do for teaching. It is what it is.
One only needs to look at the student outcome data to see the failure of the system to attract and retain the brightest. Half of California third graders can’t read. Only 1 out of 5 Hispanics nationwide can do grade level math. Only about 14% of 11th grade Blacks can do grade level math.
The data does not lie. We should not rage against the thermometers. We all need to look in the mirror and raise our game as the children and families deserve it.
In my view, the grownups in this system are very satisfied and are not in a mood to change. They can always blame the victim or their parents. The children must rise up and transform the system.
Thanks for your comments.
Check out my book at http://sipbigpicture.com to get a more in depth view of my perceptions on the maladies and racism that affect our lost in the fog K-12 education system.
Raphael Lamas 3 years ago3 years ago
But teachers do not earn as much as law enforcement and teachers do not make as much as doctors and nurses. Even a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) makes more money than a teacher. Dr. Bill Conrad, I would highly encourage you to look at the salary of law enforcement and people who who in the medical field.
Michael Lusardi 3 years ago3 years ago
I understand what you are saying. However, with all due respect, Dr. Conrad, "All does not mean all." I have been a paraeducator in California for the past 18 years. I have worked in special education with many teachers and have never taught or seen anyone teach at the level of the CSET. The system needs to be revamped. I’ve changed more diapers, pushed around wheelchairs, and worked through behavioral issues than teach any type … Read More
I understand what you are saying. However, with all due respect, Dr. Conrad, “All does not mean all.” I have been a paraeducator in California for the past 18 years. I have worked in special education with many teachers and have never taught or seen anyone teach at the level of the CSET. The system needs to be revamped.
I’ve changed more diapers, pushed around wheelchairs, and worked through behavioral issues than teach any type of subject matter. To become a special education teacher, you are required to take the CSET multi-subject exam. Really? Really? This is absolutely ridiculous! I earned a Bachelor of Arts degree and couldn’t pass the Math and Science portion (failed by 3 points). I refused to keep paying $100 each time to re-take this archaic multi-subject test that should not be required for special education.
I dedicated the past 18 years to special education, and refused to waste time studying for a ridiculous and expensive test (one of many). So… I went back to school and earned an MBA in June 2020. I really hope this bill passes. California needs a change, and aspiring teachers who have the hearts and patience to teach should be given that chance. I passed the CBEST; and, for teaching special education, that should be more than enough.
Marina Parenti 3 years ago3 years ago
Medical and judicial fields are strenuous in testing, but absolutely incomparable to compensation in salary and therefore not relevant to the discussion. This is seriously a flawed conversation if you strike to only include opinions and racial uplift when teacher's salaries qualify as some of the most under-compensated professionals in America. A fair point is to examine what's on offer here on July 1st. The possibility for California is an equal employment opportunity … Read More
Medical and judicial fields are strenuous in testing, but absolutely incomparable to compensation in salary and therefore not relevant to the discussion. This is seriously a flawed conversation if you strike to only include opinions and racial uplift when teacher’s salaries qualify as some of the most under-compensated professionals in America. A fair point is to examine what’s on offer here on July 1st. The possibility for California is an equal employment opportunity that has been obfuscated by a test not reflective of skills and experience and certainly not foretelling of economic abuse at the pay scale level.
I welcome this opportunity, bring it on, and may the odds be ever in the favor of the students.