Pearson To Manage ELL Teacher Certification in California

• By David Nagel
• 10/20/08

The California Commission on Teacher Credentialing has awarded a two-year contract to Pearson to manage certification testing (CTEL) for ELL teachers. Pearson already manages three other certification tests that are part of teacher credentialing in California: the CBEST, CSET, and RICA.

"In California, more than 25 percent of our K-12 students are English Language Learners--the largest number of any state in the country--so it is particularly important that we ensure that our teachers are prepared to effectively teach these students," said Dale Janssen, executive director of the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing, in a statement released last week. "The CTEL exams were developed by the Commission in collaboration with California educators and the Evaluation Systems group of Pearson, and we are pleased to continue that relationship in this important credentialing area."

There are more than 1.5 million English language learners in California.

The CTEL (California Teachers of English Learners) exam comprises three individual tests covering language and language development, assessment and instruction, and culture and inclusion. Further information about California teacher certification testing can be found here.

About the Author

David Nagel is editorial director, education for 1105 Media's Public Sector Media Group and editor-in-chief of THE Journal. A 22-year publishing veteran, Nagel has led or contributed to dozens of technology, art and business publications.

He can be reached at dnagel@1105media.com. You can also connect with him on LinkedIn at or follow him on Twitter at @THEJournalDave (K-12) or @CampusTechDave (higher education).