Background
On July 9, 2021, the Governor signed AB 130 (Chap. 44, Stats. 2021) which established new options for demonstrating the Basic Skills Requirement (BSR). The options allow the Commission and Commission-approved preparation programs to verify that a candidate or applicant has demonstrated basic skills proficiency by verifying qualifying college-level coursework. Commission-approved preparation programs may also use a combination of coursework and other previously available options to meet the BSR.
Options available prior to AB 130:
- Pass the CBEST
- Pass the CSET: Multiple Subjects Plus Writing Skills Examination
- Pass the CSU Early Assessment Program or the CSU Placement Examinations
- Achieve Qualifying Score on the SAT or ACT
- College Board Advanced Placement (AP) Examinations
- Pass a Basic Skills Examination from Another State
Additional options resulting from AB 130:
- Meet the Basic Skills Requirement by Coursework
- Meet the Basic Skills Requirement by Coursework and Exam
This resource focuses on the new options resulting from AB 130. For information on all, including established, options for satisfying the Basic Skills Requirement, refer to Credential Leaflet CL-667.
Meet the Basic Skills Requirement by Coursework
Qualifying college-level coursework may be used to satisfy the Basic Skills Requirement if verified by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing or a Commission-approved preparation programs. The information below outlines the coursework requirements.
What Coursework is Acceptable?
Acceptable Coursework:
- Must have earned a grade of "B-" or better, Pass/Credit acceptable if institution does not issue letter grades
- Must be completed at a Regionally Accredited institution, including community colleges
- Must have earned 3 semester units or 4 quarter units
- Must have been taken for academic credit
- Must be degree applicable (not remedial)
- For Reading: must be in the subject of critical thinking, literature, philosophy, reading, rhetoric, or textual analysis
- For Writing: must be in the subject of composition, English, rhetoric, written communications, or writing
- For Mathematics: must be in the subject of algebra, geometry, mathematics, quantitative reasoning, or statistics
NOT Acceptable Coursework:
- Professional development or continuing education units
- Inservice training or workshops
- Non-credit bearing courses
- Courses where credits do not apply toward the requirements for an Associate degree, Baccalaureate degree, or higher degree
Who can verify my BSR coursework?
- A Commission-Approved Program
- The Commission on Teacher Credentialing (if applying directly)
The chart linked below provides minimum scores needed for each option when mixing two or more pathways.
Webinar: New Options for Candidates to Meet the Basic Skills Requirement
The webinar linked below provides guidance related to the additional avenues by which a candidate may satisfy the Basic Skills Requirement, as established by AB 130.
Resources
- Frequently Asked Questions regarding BSR Options
- Basic Skills Requirement (Leaflet CL-667)
- Assembly Bill 130: Availability of New Options to Meet the Subject Matter and the Basic Skills Requirements (Coded Correspondence 21-05)
- Verification of Basic Skills Requirement (Form 41-BSR) To be completed by Preparation Programs only