The State - News from Oct. 3, 1986

Candidates for California teaching credentials showed continued improvement on the latest annual basic skills test with a 75% passing rate, a state commission reported. The passing rate for the 1985-86 academic year was two points higher than for 1984-85, and seven points better than 1982-83--the first year the test was offered. Eighty-six percent of first-time test takers passed the reading section, 82% passed the math section and 78% passed the writing sample. Passing scores are required on all sections for credentialing. The commission also said the number of candidates recommended for credentials in 1984-85, the most recent year for which there are statistics, totaled 9,562, or 24% more than the previous year.