This study examines why the passing rates of African Americans on the CBEST are the lowest in California at 60%. Madkins (2011) identified licensure testing as a significant reason why African Americans cannot enter the teaching progression. According to Darling-Hammond et al. (2016), California has an ongoing credentialed teacher shortage. An…

This response to a previous article concerning the use of the CBEST considers the importance of periodic review of testing and scoring procedures, the uses and improvement of these procedures, and the search for alternatives which better suit the intended purposes. (CB)

A protracted class-action suit against California's Commission on Teacher Credentialing (by 15 minority individuals and 3 organizations) proved a major loss for plaintiff educators. The Ninth Circuit's ruling follows the trend of high-stakes testing decisions favoring the government, despite revised Office of Civil Rights guidelines. (MLH)

This paper reports on the promises and pitfalls of the recently legislated basic skills testing requirement for teaching or service credential applicants in California. The California Basic Education Skills Test (CBEST), developed by Educational Testing Service from specifications set by Advisory Board to the State Department of Education, tests…

California State University, Fresno developed a comprehensive program to increase the number of minority students admitted into its teacher education program. The program, developed by the School of Education and Human Development (SOEHD), resulted from claims that the mandatory California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST) impedes and…

The California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST) was developed as the means by which applicants for teaching or service credentials could demonstrate proficiency in reading, writing, and mathematics. Demonstration of proficiency in these skills was required for the issuance of a credential starting February 1, 1983. When examinees registered…