C-BASE is a criterion-referenced achievement examination which assesses student proficiency in English, mathematics, science, and social studies. In addition to evaluating academic achievement in these subjects, C-BASE measures cognitive processing skills in three cross-disciplinary competencies: interpretive reasoning, strategic reasoning, and adaptive reasoning.

Each of the four tested academic subjects–English, mathematics, science, and social studies– is organized into levels of increasing specificity: from subjects, to clusters, to skills, to enabling subskills.

The competencies–interpretive reasoning, strategic reasoning, and adaptive reasoning–represent hierarchical levels of cognitive processing. Such reasoning processes enable individuals to manipulate information beyond merely recalling facts. These competencies are necessary for students to succeed in understanding and using information regardless of subject content.

In Missouri, College BASE is required for entry into teacher education programs. Missouri's 1985 "Excellence in Education Act" requires that each prospective teacher education student must attain satisfactory ratings in several academic areas prior to admission into a state-approved teacher education program. Students can satisfy that requirement through College BASE. Through an amendment to Rule 5, CSR 80-805.20, in 1988 the State Board of Education adopted policies to implement the 1985 law. Students must achieve scores of at least 235 in each area (English, writing, mathematics, science, and social studies) of College BASE in order to gain admission into a teacher education program. Some institutions may establish higher standards for their students. Any student who fails to achieve the necessary scores in any of those areas must retake those sections of the exam. Students must still satisfy any other state or institutional requirements.

College BASE is administered at most Missouri colleges and universities five times each year for candidates to teacher education programs. Deadlines for registration are approximately two weeks prior to each test administration. The state-approved teacher education testing windows are in September/October, November/December, January, March, and June. Score reports are mailed to students and institutions 4-6 weeks following the end of the testing window.

REGISTRATION AND TEST DATES:

     REGISTRATION DEADLINE                  TEST DATE

     June 5, 2008                                   June 21, 2008

     September 11, 2008                         September 20, 2008

     November 20, 2008                          December 6, 2008

To register for the C-BASE exam at Missouri Western State University, please come to the Testing Center located in Eder Hall, Room 203.