This publication is a guide to assessing the competence of prospective elementary school teachers in the liberal studies teacher preparation programs in California. The guide was developed as part of a statewide response to legislated entry and exit standards for teachers in elementary and secondary schools. An introduction describes the regulations and executive orders which are the basis for the guide, and the conference at which the guide was developed. A section on the principles for assessment in the liberal studies outlines eight key questions raised at the conference and discusses the unity of goals among liberal studies programs. The next section establishes two categories of competencies: (1) generic competencies which are fundamental to all disciplines; and (2) specific competencies in language arts, social science and history, mathematics, science, humanities, visual and performing arts, physical education and health, and human growth and development. The following section discusses general guidelines for and methods of assessment. Next, two model assessment formats are presented with diagrams. A section of recommendations focuses on resource and administrative issues. The final section offers recommendations for providing information and advice to potential teachers. (JB)