The TK-12 Education Trailer Bill (AB 130), signed by Governor Newsom in July 2021, created new pathways for aspiring teachers to demonstrate both the basic skills and content knowledge required for California credentialing processes. California expanded the choices available to education candidates by permitting relevant, collegiate-level, coursework to be used to meet the basic skills requirements in place of the California Basic Education Skills Test (CBEST). In addition, the state has released a list of undergraduate majors that can be substituted for California Subject Examination for Teachers (CSET) passage.
LaFetra College of Education (LFCE) is thrilled with the state’s recognition that intentionally designed, performance-based measures are rigorous and valid alternatives to traditional tests for determining one’s readiness for educator preparation. This new flexibility creates multiple pathways for aspiring teachers and counselors to meet basic skills and content requirements in a variety of ways.
Basic Skills Requirement (BSR)
Candidates seeking admission to a teaching credential or PPS credential program can submit their request for a BSR evaluation as part of their application for admission. You will find the Basic Skills Consideration Form on your admission checklist.
Subject Matter Requirement (SMR)
LaFetra students who would like to have an alternative method of meeting subject matter competency evaluated, in place of the CSET exam, need to complete the application for Alternative Subject Matter Requirement Form and send it to their credential analyst for review.
Credential Analysts
| Name and Title | Phone | |
|---|---|---|
| Martha Farahat Academic Advisor and Credential Analyst |
(909) 448-4969 | mfarahat@laverne.edu |
| Lawrence Gaona Senior Credential Analyst & Academic Advisor III |
(909) 448-4676 | lgaona@laverne.edu |
| Judy Henson Assoc Dir, Teacher Educ Prog |
(909) 448-4992 | jhenson@laverne.edu |
| Shawna Moon Credential Analyst & Academic Advisor II |
(909) 448-4604 | smoon@laverne.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
- Question I heard there are changes to the CBEST and CSET. Is this true?
- Answer
The TK-12 Education Trailer Bill (AB 130), signed by Governor Newson in July 2021, created new pathways for aspiring teachers to demonstrate both the basic skills and content knowledge required for California credentialing processes. California expanded the choices available to education candidates by permitting relevant collegiate-level coursework to be used to meet the basic skills requirements in place of the California Basic Education Skills Test (CBEST). In addition, the state has released a list of undergraduate majors that can be substituted for California Subject Examination for Teachers (CSET) passage.
- Question What should I do if I believe I qualify for a basic skills (CBEST) deferral?
- Answer
If you are a LaFetra student who would like to have alternative basic skills requirements evaluated in place of the CBEST exam, please complete the Basic Skills Requirement Form for review by a university credential analyst. All directions are included within the form.
If you are an undergraduate student who would like to know more about meeting basic skills requirement via coursework, please reach out to your academic advisor to discuss approved class options.
- Question What degrees meets subject matter competency requirements in place of the CSET?
- Answer
The following majors are approved to waive the following CSETs:
Major Potential CSET Exam Waiver Agriculture Agriculture Art Art Business Business English English World Languages (May include ASL, Mandarin, Cantonese, Farsi, Filipino, French, German, Hebrew, Hindi, Hmong, Russian, Spanish, Vietnamese or any other language that the commission determines is appropriate.)
World Languages (May include ASL, Mandarin, Cantonese, Farsi, Filipino, French, German, Hebrew, Hindi, Hmong, Russian, Spanish or Vietnamese.)
Health Science Health Science Home Economics Home Economics Industrial and Technology Education Industrial and Technology Education Mathematics Foundational Math Music Music Physical Education Physical Education Science Foundational Science Social Science Social Science Liberal Studies Multiple Subject Interdisciplinary major that contains language studies, literature, mathematics, science, social studies, history, the arts, physical education, and human development. Multiple Subject The Commission notes that successful completion of coursework, as verified by a Commission-approved program of professional preparation that addresses each of the Commission-adopted domains of the applicable subject matter requirements, will also be considered for subject matter competency.
- Question How quickly can one apply for a preliminary credential if approved?
- Answer
While we are aware of the approved CSET waiver degrees, we have not yet been given the review criteria for the CSET waiver process. We will implement this procedure as soon as we receive the specifics from the state. We have not been given a timeline for when this will happen.
- Question What if we had already passed multiple of the CSETS but need just one more? Would the alternative still help?
- Answer
Yes, if you have an approved degree that aligns with your selected credential, you may use it to waive any outstanding sections of the CSET.
- Question I am Undergraduate, Educational Studies graduate who is currently pursuing single subject credentials with a Master of Educational Technology. I am looking to focus on math for single subject, however, is willing to perform multiple subjects for middle school grades.
- Answer
Your degree supports a multiple subject CSET waiver, however your credential coursework is for a single subject credential. If you would like to switch to multiple subject, you will need to complete the multiple subject sequence of courses prior to student teaching.
- Question I passed the Reading section of the CBEST and received a B- for Algebra1 & B+ for Algebra 2. In writing I took essay writing and received a B+ & for research writing received A-, will these count as alternatives?
- Answer
This seems like a likely pairing; however, our analysts will need to evaluate your transcript to confirm a basic skills waiver. Please complete and submit the Basic Skills Requirement Form as soon as possible.
- Question I am an Education Specialist seeking a K-12 mild/mod credential. What majors may qualify me for the subject matter competency requirement?
- Answer
As indicated in Coded Correspondence 21-05 , Education Specialist credential candidates may now use an academic major or the CSET in the approved areas listed below to meet subject matter competency.
Liberal Studies or the following single subject areas:
- Agriculture
- Art
- Business
- Dance
- English
- World Language
- Health Science
- Home Economics
- Industrial and Technology Education
- Mathematics
- Music
- Physical Education
- Science
- Social Science
- Theater
