Case-by-Case (CBC) Exception for Secondary MIT Students with Degree in Endorsement Area
Case-by-Case (CBC) Exception for Secondary MIT Students with Degree in Endorsement Area
WSU is committed to ensuring that (a) all viable applicants can attain candidacy and (b) we prepare a diverse workforce, and thus the CBC will be an option for MIT applicants who have not passed the content exam. The CBC exception process is for the content knowledge assessment and offers flexibility to provide a community-based review process with a diversity, equity, and inclusion framework. Beginning June 2022, eligible WSU MIT teacher candidates may pursue a CBC exception under WSU’s policy. WSU’s MIT program requires the passing of content exams for full admission to the program in most instances, but candidates may still apply to the program prior to taking/passing the content exam.
Candidates are expected to pass the content exams prior to full admission into the MIT program. Passing scores on these exams is the common and most traditional way to demonstrate content knowledge to meet state certification requirements. However, we understand that standardized testing has biases. If they do not receive a passing score, the CBC option is available.
Candidates must submit separate exception requests for each exam or subtest they have not passed.
The ACTFL Oral and Written exams are NOT eligible for the CBC exception.
MIT teacher candidates will provide a separate PDF packet for each content exam exception containing:
- Case-by-Case Cover Page (found here)
- 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)
- Make a case that you have the necessary content knowledge to teach every level of your teaching endorsement. Using the diagnostic and 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.
- 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)
- NES or WEST-E Score Reports and Diagnostic Reports for the non-passing exam you are requesting a CBC review of
- Transcript(s) (unofficial is acceptable)
Request a Case-by-Case Exception for MITs – Instructions Here
The submission dates are as follows:
- For MIT programs that begin in the fall, December 1
- For MIT programs that begin in the spring, April 15
- For MIT programs that begin in the summer, July 15
Candidates may submit their completed CBC packets by November 26, April 10, or July 10 for review by the CBC Specialist for suggestions and guidance on how to improve their current CBC request. Submissions will only be reviewed once prior to final submission.
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.
Diagnostic and Competency Charts
Washington State Professional Educator Standards Board (PESB) competencies
How to Convert and Combine PDF Files
Common CBC Errors, Concerns, and Helpful Tips
Case-by-Case Info Session Recording
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 colleague’s 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
- Student is notified by the Certification Office of the decision by the end of the term
- If approved, the content exam requirement will be considered fulfilled
View Frequently Asked Questions
*Accommodations are available if necessary. Contact sbickel@wsu.edu for additional information.