CBC Exception for MIT Students

CBC Exception for MIT Students

WSU’s Master in Teaching (MIT) program generally requires passing content exams for full admission. These exams are the standard method for demonstrating subject-matter knowledge required for state certification. However, candidates may apply to the program before taking or passing the exam.

If you do not receive a passing score on the content exam, you may be eligible for a Case-by-Case (CBC) Exception.  Details are outlined below:

• Elementary MIT candidates may start the program with their cohort on a conditional acceptance. To proceed past the first term of the program, the candidate must have attempted BOTH Elementary NES subtests at least once and  apply for Case-by-Case Exception which will include a self-evaluation and a compelling letter of support from a sponsoring faculty member is required.
• Secondary MIT candidates with a degree in their endorsement area are eligible to apply for Case-by-Case Exception after one exam attempt. The bachelor’s degree will serve as evidence of content knowledge proficiency along with the CBC Review Committee approval.
• Secondary MIT candidates without a degree in their endorsement area and who have attempted the exam at least once may start the program with their cohort on a conditional acceptance. To proceed, candidates must retake the exam a second time and if they still do not receive a passing score must  apply for Case-by-Case Exception which will include a self-evaluation and a compelling letter of support from a sponsoring faculty member is required.

Candidates will be asked to submit the following documents for each content exam exception:

• A 1-2 page response to the following questions:
  • Reflect upon your overall performance and experience with the content exam. What challenges did you experience? How is your score not indicative of your ability to teach this content to K-12 students? (No more than 1/2 page)
  • What tools or resources will you use to further improve your content knowledge in these specific areas moving forward? (No more than 1/2 page)
• Diagnostic and Competency Chart: Make a case that you have the necessary content knowledge to teach every level of your teaching endorsement. Using the competency chart affiliated with the non-passing exam you are requesting a CBC review for, describe how you have met the specific PESB content standards in ways other than the test. Your chart must include compelling evidence linked to coursework, such as descriptions of assignments, projects, and/or portfolios, and your instructor-evaluated performance on them. Here is a link to an example of a diagnostic chart.
• NES or WEST-E Score Reports and Diagnostic Reports for each test date of the non-passing exam you are requesting a CBC review of.
• Completed self-evaluation (see the “Endorsement self-evals” column here for your endorsement area)*
• Transcript(s) (unofficial is acceptable)
• One (1) compelling letter of support from a sponsoring faculty member*

*Only elementary MIT candidates or secondary MIT candidates without a degree in their endorsement area must submit these documents.

If you have any questions, please contact the Office of Field Services and Certification.

The submission deadline is July 15.  To be considered, candidates must have all other certification requirements completed and your CBC application submitted by July 15.

Failure to submit a complete packet correctly will slow down the process and be returned for resubmission. If your request is not submitted correctly by the deadline, then your request will not be reviewed until the next semester.

• Competency Charts
• Washington State Professional Educator Standards Board (PESB) competencies
• Common CBC Errors, Concerns, and Helpful Tips

WSU will take a holistic approach when reviewing the teacher candidate’s request. The CBC Review Committee will include a minimum of three members representing faculty, field/certification, and equity and inclusion. The committee will receive an electronic copy of students’ requests prior to meeting. The committee will meet via Zoom to review all candidates at one time.

Member roles:

• Faculty member(s) – responsible for assessing student’s coursework to confirm the student is adequately prepared. Committee members will receive student requests prior to the committee member meeting. Faculty may want to seek out colleagues’ input if they are not comfortable deciding on the specific content.
• Field and Certification member(s) – will confirm that the student was successful in the field (may need to reach out to student teaching supervisor if necessary) and that Washington State certification requirements are being met.
• Equity and Inclusion member(s) – will advocate for underrepresented candidates and understand inherent cultural and linguistic bias in the standardized system.

How students will be notified and certification:

• CBC Review Committee reviews the request and supporting materials
• Students are notified by the Certification Office of the decision
• If approved, the content exam requirement will be considered fulfilled