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…

At a time when Dual Language programs are growing exponentially, educators' conversations revolve around the challenges to identify, name, and confront the pressing issues in effective preparation and continued professional development for bilingual teachers. Currently, the preparation for candidates varies across university programs despite state…

California is in the midst of a severe special education teacher shortage that threatens the state's ability to improve outcomes for students with disabilities, who often have the greatest needs but receive the least expert teachers. To help policymakers address the shortage, the Learning Policy Institute conducted an analysis of the special…

This report presents the "Annual Report Card on California Teacher Preparation Programs for the Academic Year 2016-2017" as required by Title II of the Higher Education Act. In 2008, the law was reauthorized and changes were made to the Title II data collection and reporting requirements. The 2008-09 reporting year was the pilot year in…

This report presents the "Annual Report Card on California Teacher Preparation Programs for the Academic Year 2015-2016" as required by Title II of the Higher Education Act. In 2008, the law was reauthorized and changes were made to the Title II data collection and reporting requirements. The 2008-09 reporting year was the pilot year in…

A study examining political and economic issues of the teacher certification movement, focusing on how it affects teacher shortages, presents data regarding the impact of the California Basic Education Skills Test on instructional programs at racially isolated schools. (Author/CB)

Examines recent policy changes in teacher education and how they impact on the recruitment and retention of minority students. Focuses on the conflicting concerns for both accountability and equal educational opportunity. (FMW)

Like many states, California has included a literacy screen, the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST), in the requirements that aspiring teachers must meet. In a state where demographic data indicate an increasing ethnic diversity among elementary and secondary student populations and an imminent teacher shortage that will be…

This report outlines problems in California's public school teaching force, from training to recruitment to retention. It describes who currently teaches, notes the lack of minority teachers in an increasingly diverse student population, and examines pathways to teaching and barriers to certification. It details the teaching crisis in the state's…