Frequently Asked Questions Related to AB 130
Basic Skills Requirement FAQ
How can I meet the Basic Skills requirement to start a credential program?
On June 29, 2024, Governor Newsom signed a budget trailer bill, SB 153 (Chap.38, Statutes of 2024), that allow candidates to use their bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education as demonstration of the Basic Skills Requirement (most commonly known as CBEST), effective immediately.
Can a candidate who took courses at a college or university outside of the United States use those courses to meet the Basic Skills Requirement?
Yes, as long as the candidate has obtained an evaluation from a Commission approved foreign transcript evaluating agency showing that the coursework is equivalent to courses taken at a regionally-accredited college or university in the United States. Additionally, courses covering the reading and writing components must demonstrate proficiency in the English language.
Subject Matter Requirement FAQ
Is it true that CSET is no longer required to get a teaching credential or does SSU still require you to pass the CSET if you want to join the credential program?
This is incorrect; subject matter is still required for admission and to obtain a teaching credential. Previously, to meet the Subject Matter Requirement, candidates must have either received a passing score on the applicable CSET examination or completed a Commission-approved subject matter waiver program. AB 130 expands the available options to allow candidates to meet the Subject Matter Requirement through coursework or a combination of exam and coursework.
What degree majors are acceptable for Single Subject credential candidates who wish to meet the subject matter requirement via degree major?
At this time, the degree major must correspond to the authorization to be listed on a Single Subject Credential. For example, a degree authorization in English would qualify to cover the subject matter competency or Single Subject credential in English. The law as written requires that the degree major exactly align with the subject area of the credential, meaning that a candidate who is completing a Single Subject credential program in Science: Biological Science would need to have earned a degree in Biology or Biological Science. A degree in Environmental Biology would not be acceptable for this purpose.
What if a candidate’s degree is in a closely related subject, but is not in the exact subject of the single subject credential they seek?
The current statutory language does not provide leeway for the acceptance of closely related subjects; the match must be exact. The Commission has begun work on emergency regulations that would expand the degree majors that could meet the Subject Matter Requirement through subsumed subjects or through evaluation of the coursework taken to complete the degree. These regulations would clarify that the subsumed subjects as outlined in Title 5 section 80005 would be acceptable degree majors for meeting subject matter. This flexibility is not available until and unless it is approved by the Office of Administrative Law.
According to the list of approved subjects I must have a degree in World Language to teach a foreign language, is this correct?
The degree major must be in the language to be taught regardless of any mention of World Language. For example, a degree major in Spanish will meet the subject matter requirement for the Single Subject: Spanish credential.
My degree major is in Kinesiology, does this meet the subject matter for physical education?
No, a degree major in Kinesiology alone will not satisfy the requirement. The degree must list Physical Education. For example, Kinesiology: Physical Education will satisfy the subject matter requirement.
My undergraduate degree major is in Liberal Studies however, I also have a Mater's degree in Music. Can I use my Master's degree major to satisfy the subject matter requirement to teach Music?
Yes, Ed. Code Section 44259 states the degree major must be a BA or higher, so a Master's degree in Music will meet the requirement.
For the coursework option in which the preparation program reviews the course content a candidate has taken against the domains of the applicable Subject Matter Requirements, can a Commission-approved preparation program evaluate a candidate’s coursework for the subject matter domains now?
Programs should not begin to evaluate coursework until the Commission has completed the process of promulgating regulations that will clarify and make specific the criteria for evaluation for example; who should do the evaluation and what the credit and/or letter grade requirements are. The Commission is working to finalize those emergency regulations now that the new Subject Matter Requirement provisions are in effect and will provide additional guidance in the coming weeks to programs that wish to compete these coursework evaluations.