Credentialing commission could change the way California tests teachers

California’s Commission on Teacher Credentialing is considering whether the state should continue to use educator assessments customized for the state, adopt assessments given in other states, use a combination of both, or do something else.

A $25.6 million Pearson contract, which expires on Oct. 31, 2025, currently provides testing for the California Basic Education Skills Test, the California Subject Examinations for Teachers, the Reading Instruction Competency Assessment and the California Preliminary Administrative Credential Examination.  

On Friday, commissioners directed staff to begin research on how best to improve teacher assessments in the state and to report back at a future meeting.

Commissioner Ira Litt called the assessment system “imperfect and overly burdensome.” The end of the contract offers the commission an opportunity to influence the next generation of teachers, he said.

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