As a provision of the AB 130 education trailer bill signed July 9 by Gov. Gavin Newsom, these new options allow California Teacher Commission-approved educator preparation programs to accept qualifying college-level coursework, the use of certain majors, and a combination of coursework and passage of applicable examination subtests.

To fulfill the basic skills requirement, the coursework must show the candidate has earned at least three semester units (or equivalent quarter units) and meet conditions that include earning a grade of B-minus or better in certain subjects in reading, writing and mathematics. Acceptable coursework must have been taken for academic credit (earned units) at a regionally accredited college or university. Programs using this new option should attach the new 41-BSR form to any credential recommendation where the candidate has met the basic skills requirement by coursework or a combination of coursework and exams.

More information about the BSR can be found at the CTC website, www.ctc.ca.gov/credentials/leaflets/basic-skills-requirement-(cl-667); subsequent guidance, FAQs, and technical assistance for program sponsors regarding the subject matter competency will be published by the CTC soon.