Illinois education officials are considering whether the cost of teacher licensure tests are contributing to the state’s teacher shortage.  Reports from the Illinois State Board of Education, on how to sold the problem, while still maintaining high quality in classrooms.  Higher-education partners and teacher candidates have told members that one basic skill test costs $113 and another one is $300.  The board indefinitely has put on hold the Test of Academics Proficiency, starting on June 30th, while it studies other ways to test teachers’ basic skills.  3 bills are also pending in the Illinois General Assembly, that would eliminate the test or refund the cost for certain teachers.  A board lobbyist says that it has taken a neutral position on the bills that would eliminate the test.