The notion that a special basic skills test has to be developed is utter nonsense. Any of the existing standard tests would suffice. Some years ago I did a study for the NSF which required that I review standard test scores for new college entrants by college major. Needless to say Education Majors had the lowest average scores. The current state of education in the US is pitiful. The NEA and AFT should be charged with collective malpractice for enabling this to continue.
Teachers in my state, New York, do very well financially, “its for the childern” you know.
Recently an organization has taken to publishing teacher contracts across the state on the internet. In my town, the teacher contract call for increase in salaries of 22.5% over four years ending June 30, 2010. The Consumer Price Index over the four ended December 31, 2009 has been 9.4%. The wage increasea are 2.39 times the rate of inflation. In addition the teachers can earn extra money for taking classes the lead to advanced degees and get an additional increase in salary when the degree is obtained. Of course the school system will pay for the tuition in approved courses leading to advanced degrees.