Executive Director Commission on Teacher Credentialing SUBJECT: Changes to the Basic Skills Requirement

Code (EC) §44830 pertaining to the BSR for teachers who have not been employed in a position requiring certification within 39 months. SB 280 (Chap.145, Stats. 2007) amends EC 44274.2 pertaining to the BSR for individuals applying for teaching certification based on training in another state or U.S. territory. This correspondence explains the provisions of both SB 112 and SB 280 regarding changes to the BSR. Key Provisions: Senate Bill 112 SB 112 exempts an individual from passing the California Basic Education Skills Test (CBEST) for employment purposes if an individual has met one of the options for meeting the BSR or holds a credential prior to CBEST being established as a requirement on February 1, 1983. Questions concerning this section should be addressed to the local employing agency. Senate Bill 280 SB 280 allows all teachers prepared in another state or U.S. territory, regardless of their employment status, to apply for the preliminary credential prior to meeting the BSR. Individuals issued an initial teaching credential prior to satisfying the BSR must meet the requirement within one year of their credential issue date. Questions concerning this section may be addressed to the contact information listed below. Important Dates: Both SB 112 and SB 280 will be effective January 1, 2008. Coded Correspondence 07-18: Changes to the Basic Skills Requirement page