The state’s investment the past several years to prepare more prospective teachers has paid dividends. In 2000–01, the state issued about 16,700 new full credentials, an increase of 20 percent from a decade earlier. The problem is that even this higher number is insufficient to meet the current demand and certainly not the projected demand for new teachers.

The problem may be compounded by the state’s budget situation. Reductions to the budgets of The University of California and The California State University systems could limit the state’s capacity to produce the large numbers of qualified teachers that are needed now or in the future.

Even as California is pushing to produce more qualified teachers, the state is increasing the standards for becoming a teacher. In a 1998 law, SB 2042, the Legislature required universities that prepare California teachers to ensure that the teachers they prepare are ready to help students meet the state’s rigorous academic standards. The law also required prospective teachers to pass a performance assessment based on these standards, an assessment that is being developed now and will be required in 2004.

These requirements are viewed as important steps in improving the capacity of those entering the teaching force. It is possible these increased requirements could reduce the number of individuals who are able to obtain teaching credentials and exacerbate the shortage of qualified teachers in California.