Until recently, teaching candidates had to take the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST) to teach in California schools. A recent law has changed that. On June 29, 2024, Gov. Gavin Newsom of California signed Senate Bill 153 into law. The state now recognizes a bachelor’s degree as demonstration of the state’s Basic Skills Requirement for aspiring teachers in the California public schools.
“This legislation shows that we’re all trying to address the teacher shortage together,” says Jerell Hill, Ed.D., dean of the School of Human Development and Education at Pacific Oaks College. “When you hear a policy being articulated that includes the voices from the field, it looks like we’re working together. And that’s really a true democracy.”
Tackling the Teacher Shortage
California employs 319,000 teachers, more than any other state, and is currently facing a shortage of about 10,000 teachers. This new law will help ease that shortage by limiting the time and financial burdens some face in becoming teachers. These concerns are particularly pressing at colleges such as Pacific Oaks where many of the students come from underserved populations. “If teachers are taking eight exams to get their license, then removing one barrier gives people more access,” Dr. Hill says.
The faculty and staff at Pacific Oaks are committed to improving these numbers. “I know on our campus we’ve developed a lot of intensive and remedial supports and test-taking opportunities through various platforms and tutoring to help with that,” Dr. Hill says.
Help for Education Majors
The college offers financial and academic support for students in the School of Human Development and Education, including:
- An assistance program for California’s Teaching Performance Assessment (TPA) through the School of Human Development and Education. This self-paced program includes learning modules and office hours with TPA expert faculty who support students in their particular areas. Students bring their exam scores and work one-on-one with the TPA coordinator and a faculty member who is an expert in that subject matter.
- Tutoring support through the online service 240 Tutoring
- Bilingual tutoring and laptop and textbook lending through the Student Success Center
In terms of financial assistance for Pacific Oaks students, options include:
- Institutional scholarships, offered directly by Pacific Oaks College
- Donor scholarships, supported by generous donors to the college
- Federal grant programs, including Pell Grants
As part of a combined effort at the federal, state, and institutional levels to support tomorrow’s teachers, Dr. Hill sees the passing of this legislation as an example of policy and economics coming together. “When you see a problem and you find a solution, everyone wins. Our children win, our candidates win, and institutions of higher education win,” he says.
For information about the programs at Pacific Oaks College, fill out the form below.
