Code Section Group

ARTICLE 4. Credential Types [44250 - 44277]

44250.

The commission shall issue only the following two types of credentials, with authorizations as hereinafter defined:

(a) A teaching credential.

(b) A services credential.

The commission may issue an internship teaching or services credential.

(Amended by Stats. 1993, Ch. 859, Sec. 2. Effective October 6, 1993.)

44251.

(a) The period for which a credential, as authorized under Section 44250 issued prior to September 1, 1985, is valid shall be as follows:

(1) For an internship credential: two years.

(2) For a preliminary credential, pending completion of the clear credential program: five years.

(3) For a life credential: the life of the holder.

(b) The period for which a credential issued on or after September 1, 1985, as authorized under Section 44250 is valid, shall be as follows:

(1) For an internship credential: two years.

(2) For a preliminary credential, pending completion of a beginning teacher induction program approved by the commission or the clear credential program: five years.

(3) For a clear teaching credential: the life of the holder, if the holder submits an application and fee for renewal every five years and meets all professional fitness requirements under Sections 44339, 44340, and 44341.

(4) For a clear services credential: the life of the holder, if the holder submits an application and fee for renewal every five years and meets all professional fitness requirements under Sections 44339, 44340, and 44341.

(Amended by Stats. 2009, Ch. 53, Sec. 3. (SB 512) Effective January 1, 2010.)

44251.2.

A credential, permit, certificate, or other document that is lawfully issued by the commission shall remain in force in accordance with the laws and regulations under which it was issued, and shall be exempt from new laws and regulations unless sections of this code are specifically amended to the contrary.

(Added by Stats. 2010, Ch. 36, Sec. 1. (AB 1374) Effective January 1, 2011.)

44252.

(a) (1) The commission shall establish standards and procedures for the initial issuance and renewal of credentials.

(2) (A) The commission shall require an initial or renewal applicant who submits an initial or renewal application for the applicant’s credential online, as part of the application process, to read and attest by electronic signature a statement that the applicant for the credential understands the duties imposed on a holder of a teaching credential or a services credential pursuant to the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (Article 2.5 (commencing with Section 11164) of Chapter 2 of Title 1 of Part 4 of the Penal Code), including, but not limited to, the duty of a holder of a teaching credential or a services credential to report to any police department, sheriff’s department, county probation department authorized to receive reports, or county welfare department, whenever the credentialholder, in the credentialholder’s professional capacity or within the scope of the credentialholder’s employment, has knowledge of or observes a child whom the holder of a teaching credential or a services credential knows or reasonably suspects has been the victim of child abuse or neglect.

(B) The commission shall require an initial applicant who submits an application in paper form, as part of the application process, to read and attest by signature a statement that the applicant understands the duties imposed on a holder of a teaching credential or a services credential pursuant to the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act (Article 2.5 (commencing with Section 11164) of Chapter 2 of Title 1 of Part 4 of the Penal Code), including, but not limited to, the duty of a holder of a teaching credential or a services credential to report to any police department, sheriff’s department, county probation department authorized to receive reports, or county welfare department, whenever the credentialholder, in the credentialholder’s professional capacity or within the scope of the credentialholder’s employment, has knowledge of or observes a child whom the holder of a teaching credential or a services credential knows or reasonably suspects has been the victim of child abuse or neglect.

(C) The statement described in subparagraphs (A) and (B) shall be substantially in the following form:

“As a documentholder authorized to work with children, it is part of my professional and ethical duty to report every instance of child abuse or neglect known or suspected to have occurred to a child with whom I have professional contact.

I understand that I must report immediately, or as soon as practicably possible, by telephone to a law enforcement agency or a child protective agency, and will send a written report and any evidence relating to the incident within 36 hours of becoming aware of the abuse or neglect of the child.

I understand that reporting the information regarding a case of possible child abuse or neglect to an employer, supervisor, school principal, school counselor, coworker, or other person is not a substitute for making a mandated report to a law enforcement agency or a child protective agency.

I understand that the reporting duties are individual and no supervisor or administrator may impede or inhibit my reporting duties.

I understand that once I submit a report, I am not required to disclose my identity to my employer.

I understand that my failure to report an instance of suspected child abuse or neglect as required by the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act under Section 11166 of the Penal Code is a misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in jail or by a fine of one thousand dollars ($1,000), or by both that imprisonment and fine.

I acknowledge and certify that as a documentholder, I will fulfill all the duties required of a mandated reporter.”

(b) The commission shall not issue initially a credential, permit, certificate, or renewal of an emergency credential to a person to serve in the public schools unless the person has demonstrated proficiency in basic reading, writing, and mathematics skills in the English language as provided in Section 44252.5 or 44252.7. The commission shall exempt the following persons from the basic skills proficiency test requirement:

(1) A person credentialed solely for the purpose of teaching adults in an apprenticeship program.

(2) An applicant for an adult education designated subject credential for other than an academic subject.

(3) A person credentialed in another state who is an applicant for employment in a school district in this state who has passed a basic skills proficiency examination administered by the state where the person is credentialed.

(4) A person credentialed in another state who is an applicant for employment in a school district in this state who has passed a basic skills proficiency examination that has been developed and administered by the school district offering that person employment, by cooperating school districts, or by the appropriate county office of education. School districts administering a basic skills proficiency examination under this paragraph shall comply with the requirements of subdivision (h) of Section 44830. The applicant shall be granted a nonrenewable credential, valid for not longer than one year, pending fulfillment of the basic skills proficiency requirement pursuant to Section 44252.5.

(5) An applicant for a childcare center permit or a permit authorizing service in a development center for the handicapped if the holder of the permit is not required to have a baccalaureate degree.

(6) The holder of a credential, permit, or certificate to teach, other than an emergency permit, who seeks an additional authorization to teach.

(7) An applicant for a credential to provide service in the health profession.

(8) An applicant who achieves scores on the writing, reading, and mathematics sections of the College Board SAT Reasoning Test, the enhanced ACT Test, or the California State University Early Assessment Program that are sufficient to waive the English placement test and the entry level mathematics examination administered by the California State University.

(9) An applicant for an eminence credential to be issued pursuant to Section 44262.

(10) (A) An applicant who earns at least a letter grade of B in qualifying coursework determined by a credential preparation program, or determined by the commission for an applicant not enrolled in a California credential preparation program, to sufficiently serve as an indicator of proficiency in basic reading, writing, and mathematics skills in the English language. As used in this section, “qualifying coursework” means a course or courses taken at a regionally accredited institution of higher education for academic credit that applies toward the requirements for an associate’s degree, baccalaureate degree, or higher degree. Qualifying coursework does not include professional development or continuing education units, inservice training or workshops, or courses where credits do not apply toward the requirements for an associate’s degree, baccalaureate degree, or higher degree.

(B) (i) For purposes of subparagraph (A), the following courses are sufficient to serve as indicators of proficiency in basic reading, writing, and mathematics skills:

(I) For reading proficiency, a course in the subjects of critical thinking, literature, philosophy, reading, rhetoric, or textual analysis.

(II) For writing proficiency, a course in the subjects of composition, English, rhetoric, written communications, or writing.

(III) For mathematics proficiency, a course in the subjects of algebra, geometry, mathematics, quantitative reasoning, or statistics.

(ii) A course that does not fall within a subject described in clause (i) may serve as an alternative indicator of proficiency if the applicant provides documentation in writing from the registrar or relevant department chair of the regionally accredited institution of higher education where the course was taken that the course includes the study of subjects in reading, writing, or mathematics, as those terms are described in clause (i). A course that meets these standards may combine the study of reading and writing.

(C) Qualifying coursework shall be a semester-length course of at least three units or a quarter-length course of at least four units.

(11) A credential preparation program or the commission may determine that an applicant has demonstrated proficiency in basic reading, writing, and mathematics skills in the English language through a combination of qualifying coursework described in paragraph (10), passage of a component or components of the state basic skills proficiency test described in subdivision (d) of Section 44252.5, and scores described in paragraph (8).

(12) An applicant who has obtained a baccalaureate degree or higher degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education.

(c) (1) The Superintendent shall adopt an appropriate state test to measure proficiency in these basic skills. In adopting the test, the Superintendent shall seek assistance from the commission and an advisory board. A majority of the members of the advisory board shall be classroom teachers. The advisory board also shall include representatives of school boards, school administrators, parents, and postsecondary educational institutions.

(2) The Superintendent shall adopt a normed test that the Superintendent determines will sufficiently test basic skills for purposes of this section.

(3) The Superintendent, in conjunction with the commission and approved teacher training institutions, shall take steps necessary to ensure the effective implementation of this section.

(d) This section does not require the holders of, or applicants for, a designated subjects special subjects credential to pass the state basic skills proficiency test unless the requirements for the specific credential required the possession of a baccalaureate degree. The governing board of a school district, the governing board of a consortium of school districts, or a governing board involved in a joint powers agreement that employs a holder of a designated subjects special subjects credential shall establish its own basic skills proficiency criteria for the holders of these credentials and shall arrange for those individuals to be assessed. The basic skills proficiency criteria established by the governing board shall be at least equivalent to the test required by the district, or in the case of a consortium or a joint powers agreement, by any of the participating districts, for graduation from high school. The governing board or boards may charge a fee to individuals being tested to cover the costs of the test, including the costs of developing, administering, and grading the test.

(e) The commission shall compile data regarding the rate of passing the state basic skills proficiency test by persons who have been trained in various institutions of higher education. The data shall be available to members of the public, including to persons who intend to enroll in teacher education programs.

(f) (1) Each applicant to an approved credential program, unless exempted by subdivision (b), shall take the state basic skills proficiency test in order to provide both the prospective applicant and the program with information regarding the proficiency level of the applicant. Test results shall be forwarded to each California postsecondary educational institution to which the applicant has applied. The program shall use test results to ensure that, upon admission, each applicant receives appropriate academic assistance necessary to pass the state basic skills proficiency test. Persons residing outside the state shall take the test no later than the second available administration following their enrollment in a credential program.

(2) It is the intent of the Legislature that applicants for admission to teacher preparation programs not be denied admission on the basis of state basic skills proficiency test results.

(Amended by Stats. 2024, Ch. 38, Sec. 28. (SB 153) Effective June 29, 2024.)

44252.1.

(a) It is the intent of the Legislature that a credential candidate enrolled in a credential preparation program receive reasonable time to complete the program without meeting new requirements, including, but not limited to, requirements added by statutes, regulations, or commission standards, after the candidate’s enrollment in the program. Further, to ensure that all candidates for a credential receive reasonable information and advice as they proceed through their program, the Legislature finds and declares that it is incumbent upon credential preparation programs to inform candidates of new requirements and extension provisions available to eligible candidates.

(b) For the purposes of this section, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

(1) “Enrolled” refers to an individual who, on or after January 1, 2002, continuously participates in and is working toward completing the requirements for a program that meets the minimum requirements for a California preliminary multiple or single subject teaching credential as specified in Section 44259. Whether an individual is enrolled shall be subject to verification by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing.

(2) “Continuously enrolled” refers to an individual who has begun a teacher preparation program and does not have a break in that participation that exceeds a period of 18 months.

(c) The commission shall adopt regulations to provide a credential candidate enrolled in a commission-accredited preparation program, including, but not limited to, an internship program as defined in Article 7.5 (commencing with Section 44325) and Article 3 (commencing with Section 44450), a professional preparation program as defined in Article 7 (commencing with Section 44320), or an integrated program of professional preparation as defined in Section 44259.1 with a grace period to complete the program without meeting new requirements, including, but not limited to, requirements added by statutes, regulations, or commission standards, after the candidate’s enrollment in the program. The commission shall also ensure through standards and accreditation procedures that credential preparation programs provide credential candidates with information about new requirements and extension provisions as outlined in this subdivision and subdivisions (d) and (e).

(1) The commission shall adopt regulations that provide a credential candidate enrolled in a commission-accredited preparation program time of not less than 24 months after enrollment in the program, during which time new or amended statutes, regulations, and commission standards that become effective and are imposed on credential candidates after the candidate’s enrollment date shall not apply to that candidate.

(2) The commission shall allow a credential candidate an extension of time in addition to the time specified pursuant to paragraph (1) to complete a credential program under the statutes, regulations, and commission standards in place at the time of the candidate’s enrollment if the candidate can demonstrate extenuating circumstances, including, but not limited to, personal or family illness, bereavement, or financial hardship and develops a plan, in consultation with the credential preparation program, for continued progress toward completion of the preparation program.

(d) The commission shall maintain a list of candidates who are allowed an extended time period to complete the program under the statutes, regulations, and commission standards in place at the time of the candidates’ enrollment prior to the effective date of a new or amended statute, regulation, or standard. This list shall include the projected date of program completion for each candidate.

(e) (1) A credential candidate enrolled in an integrated program of professional preparation pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 44259.1 is not subject to any new requirements added by statute, regulation, or commission standards if that candidate is continuously enrolled in the program, as defined in paragraph (2) of subdivision (b), and does not change the type of credential or program he or she is pursuing once enrolled.

(2) A credential candidate continuously enrolled in an integrated program of professional preparation pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 44259.1 who has completed all requirements necessary to begin the student teaching component of his or her program shall be eligible to receive an extension of 12 months, if necessary, to complete the outstanding requirements that were in place when that credential candidate began the preparation program, and shall not be subject to any new requirements added by statute, regulation, or commission standards, once that candidate begins the student teaching portion of his or her program.

(3) This subdivision does not limit the ability of a candidate to seek additional time to complete a credential pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (c).

(4) By June 30, 2004, the commission shall report to the education policy committees in each house of the Legislature on the success of the integrated program of professional development pursuant to Section 44259.1 toward preparing teacher candidates, including, but not limited to, the number of students admitted to the teacher education component in each program, the number of students who have completed all course requirements, including student teaching, and who have applied for a credential, the number of students applying for and receiving an extension pursuant to subdivision (e), and the information collected pursuant to subdivision (d).

(f) This section does not supersede subdivision (h) of Section 44259.

(g) A modification of a credentialing examination by the commission that is made as the result of a validity study or a passing standard study shall not be considered a new requirement for purposes of this section.

(h) If credential preparation coursework that a credential candidate has not yet taken is modified, the candidate shall take the modified coursework instead of the previously required coursework unless the modified coursework is not readily available, the modified coursework would result in an increased cost to the candidate, or completion of the modified coursework would delay the candidate’s completion of the credential preparation program.

(i) Once a candidate has received a preliminary California teaching credential pursuant to Section 44259 and is employed as the teacher of record in a California public school, the candidate shall not be subject to any new requirements for completing the induction phase required to obtain the professional clear teaching credential pursuant to Section 44279.4, for a period not to exceed the length of time provided for the preliminary teaching credential pursuant to Section 44251.

(Amended by Stats. 2005, Ch. 677, Sec. 26. Effective October 7, 2005.)

44252.2.

Coursework completed at a community or junior college that is regionally accredited by an accrediting agency listed in subparagraph (A) of paragraph (1) of subdivision (g) of Section 44203 or by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges may count as qualifying coursework for purposes of paragraph (10) of subdivision (b) of Section 44252.

(Added by Stats. 2021, Ch. 663, Sec. 5. (AB 320) Effective January 1, 2022.)

44252.5.

(a) The commission shall administer the state basic skills proficiency test pursuant to Sections 44227, 44252, and 44830 in accordance with rules and regulations adopted by the commission. A fee shall be charged to individuals being tested to cover the costs of the test, including the costs of developing, administering, and grading the test. The amount of the fee shall be established by the commission to recover the cost of examination administration and development pursuant to Section 44235.3.

(b) The commission may enter into agreements with other states permitting the use of the state basic skills proficiency test as a requirement for the issuance of credentials or for teacher preparation program admission in those other states, provided that the use would advance the interests of the State of California and that the other states reimburse the Teacher Credentials Fund for a proportionate share of costs of the development and administration of the test.

(c) An individual who possesses a baccalaureate degree or higher degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education, or passes the state basic skills proficiency test, as adopted by the Superintendent, shall be considered proficient in the skills of reading, writing, and mathematics, and shall not be required to be retested by this test for purposes of meeting the proficiency requirements of Sections 44227, 44252, and 44830.

(d) An individual who passes one or more components of the state basic skills proficiency test in the subjects of basic reading, writing, or mathematics shall be deemed to have demonstrated the individual’s proficiency in these subject areas and shall not be required to be retested in these subjects during subsequent test administrations.

(Amended by Stats. 2024, Ch. 38, Sec. 29. (SB 153) Effective June 29, 2024.)

44252.6.

(a) The commission, no later than July 1, 2007, shall ensure that the California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET): Multiple Subjects be modified to add an assessment of basic writing skills at least as comprehensively and to the level of rigor that basic writing skills are assessed by the state basic skills proficiency test.

(b) Any individual who passes the CSET: Multiple Subjects, after it has been adjusted pursuant to subdivision (a), with the necessary score determined by the commission, shall be considered proficient in the skills of reading, writing, and mathematics, and shall not be required to pass the state basic skills proficiency requirements of Sections 44227, 44252, and 44830.

(c) The commission shall ensure that the consolidation and modification of assessments pursuant to this section does not result in an increase in the total fees paid by teacher credential candidates.

(Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 678, Sec. 2. (SB 488) Effective January 1, 2022.)

44252.7.

(a) Commencing on September 1, 1984, applicants for an initial regular children’s center instructional permit, and applicants for the renewal of an emergency children’s center permit or a limited service permit shall demonstrate proficiency in basic reading, writing, and mathematics skills by doing one of the following:

(1) Passing a proficiency test developed by a school district pursuant to either Section 45361.5 or 51216.

(2) Having met the requirements for an associate degree or baccalaureate degree.

(3) Passing the California Basic Education Skills Test.

(4) Passing a field-based assessment approved by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing.

(b) If a child care and development program teacher employed prior to September 1, 1984, in such a program receiving public funds does not demonstrate proficiency in basic skills pursuant to this section, he or she shall be given two years to master these basic skills without jeopardizing the renewal of his or her permit, and shall be given additional opportunities to be reassessed.

(c) Persons seeking compensation as a child care and development program teacher in such a program who have limited English-speaking ability may be granted an additional exemption to this requirement by the employing agency, for a period of up to one year, if the agency deems that the exemption is in the best interest of the children enrolled in the program. No person shall be exempted from these requirements for more than a total of three years.

(d) School districts receiving public funds to operate a child care and development program under direct contract with the State Department of Education and subject to regulations set forth in Title 5 of the California Administrative Code shall make available to persons seeking compensation for work as teachers in the program the test developed or administered pursuant to Section 45361.5 or 51216.

A school district may charge a fee to persons taking the test pursuant to the requirements of this section to fund the actual costs incurred by the district in giving the test.

(e) The State Department of Education shall make available an appropriate test meeting the requirements of this section to a person seeking compensation for work as a child care and development program teacher in such a center which is not administered by a school district. School districts shall assist the State Department of Education in fulfilling this requirement by making available to the department, upon request, the test developed or administered pursuant to Section 45361.5.

(f) The State Department of Education may charge a fee to persons taking the test pursuant to the requirements of this section to fund the actual costs incurred by the department in giving the test.

(Amended by Stats. 1984, Ch. 79, Sec. 4. Effective April 11, 1984.)

44252.8.

(a) The commission may defer the state basic skills proficiency test requirement in any case when illness, a family death, or another similar and justifiable personal reason prevented a credential applicant who had registered to take the test from taking the test, or in any case when circumstances entirely beyond the control of the applicant prevented his or her receipt of proof of having passed the test. However, the commission shall not grant a deferral to any person who has failed the state basic skills proficiency test.

Any person granted a deferral pursuant to this section shall take the state basic skills proficiency test at the next available opportunity, or the deferral shall terminate. If any person granted a deferral fails to pass the test, the deferral shall terminate.

(b) The commission shall keep a record of deferrals granted, the persons to whom they were granted, and the reasons for the deferrals.

(Added by Stats. 1986, Ch. 989, Sec. 3.)

44252.9.

(a) The Legislature finds and declares that the effective education of pupils in kindergarten and grades 1 to 12, inclusive, depends substantially on the academic skills, content competence, and pedagogical preparation of classroom teachers. It is essential that the ongoing administration of the state basic skills proficiency exam for teachers be carried out at all times by a competent contractor who adheres to high standards using sound, effective, and defensible assessment procedures. The administration of this exam is jeopardized by the increasing costs of the exam and statutory restrictions that remain in effect. To preserve and strengthen the screening of teacher candidates in relation to their basic academic skills, the Legislature intends to maintain the state examination that is administered by the commission pursuant to Section 44252.5, and to support needed improvements in exam-related services to teaching credential candidates.

(b) The commission shall make improvements to increase access to the state basic skills proficiency test, and shall improve exam-related services provided to candidates for teaching credentials, which may include, but are not limited to, the following:

(1) Administering the test more frequently.

(2) Increasing the number of testing locations.

(3) Making the exam available year-round by appointment at examination centers that are highly secure and professionally supervised.

(c) The commission shall adopt these improvements in consultation with the Department of Finance and shall report all improvements to the Legislature, no later than January 1, 2003.

(Amended by Stats. 2001, Ch. 745, Sec. 17. Effective October 12, 2001.)

44253.1.

The Legislature finds and declares that almost one million, or one of every five, pupils in California’s public schools are of limited English proficiency, and that the number of those pupils is increasing rapidly. In addition, the number of primary languages spoken by California’s limited-English-proficient pupils is increasing. The Legislature recognizes that limited-English-proficient pupils have the same right to a quality education as all California pupils. For these pupils to have access to quality education, their special needs must be met by teachers who have essential skills and knowledge related to English language development, specially designed content instruction delivered in English, and content instruction delivered in the pupils’ primary languages. It is the intent of the Legislature that the Commission on Teacher Credentialing implement an assessment system to certify those teachers who have the essential skills and knowledge necessary to meet the needs of California’s limited-English-proficient pupils.

(Added by Stats. 1992, Ch. 1050, Sec. 5. Effective January 1, 1993.)

44253.2.

For purposes of this chapter, the following terms shall have the following meanings, unless the context otherwise requires:

(a) “Instruction for English language development” means instruction designed specifically for limited-English-proficient pupils to develop their listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in English.

(b) “Specially designed content instruction delivered in English” means instruction in a subject area, delivered in English, that is specially designed to meet the needs of limited-English-proficient pupils.

(c) “Content instruction delivered in the primary language” means instruction in a subject area delivered in the primary language of the pupil.

(d) “Instruction for primary language development” means instruction designed to develop a pupil’s listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in the primary language of the pupil.

(e) “Culture and cultural diversity” means an understanding of human relations, including the following:

(1) The nature and content of culture.

(2) Cross cultural contact and interactions.

(3) Cultural diversity in the United States and California.

(4) Approaches to providing instruction responsive to the diversity of the pupil population.

(5) Recognizing and responding to behavior related to bias based on the characteristics listed in Section 220.

(6) Techniques for the peaceful resolution of conflict.

(Amended by Stats. 2007, Ch. 569, Sec. 23. Effective January 1, 2008.)

44253.3.

(a) The commission shall issue an authorization for a teacher to provide all of the following services to limited-English-proficient pupils:

(1) Instruction for English language development in preschool, kindergarten, grades 1 to 12, inclusive, and classes organized primarily for adults, except when the requirement specified in paragraph (1) of subdivision (b) is satisfied by the possession of a children’s center instructional permit pursuant to Sections 8301 and 44252.7, a children’s center supervision permit pursuant to Section 8301, or a designated subjects teaching credential in adult education pursuant to Section 44260.2. If the requirement specified in paragraph (1) of subdivision (b) is satisfied by the possession of a children’s center instructional permit, or a children’s center supervision permit, instruction for English language development is limited to the programs authorized by that permit. If the requirement specified in paragraph (1) of subdivision (b) is satisfied by the possession of a designated subjects teaching credential in adult education, instruction for English language development is limited to classes organized primarily for adults.

(2) Specially designed content instruction delivered in English in the subjects and at the levels authorized by the teacher’s prerequisite credential or permit used to satisfy the requirement specified in paragraph (1) of subdivision (b).

(b) The minimum requirements for the authorization, which may be completed at the same time as the initial preparation for the prerequisite credential or at a later date, shall include all of the following:

(1) Possession of a valid California teaching credential, services credential, visiting faculty permit, children’s center instructional permit, or children’s center supervision permit which credential or permit authorizes the holder to provide instruction to pupils in preschool, kindergarten, any of grades 1 to 12, inclusive, or classes primarily organized for adults, except for any of the following:

(A) Emergency credentials or permits.

(B) Exchange credentials as specified in Section 44333.

(C) District intern credentials as specified in Section 44325.

(D) Sojourn certificated employee credentials as specified in Section 44856.

(E) Teacher education internship credentials as specified in Article 3 (commencing with Section 44450) of Chapter 3.

(2) Passage of one or more examinations, or by completing an approved program that consists of coursework or a combination of coursework and examinations, that the commission determines is necessary for demonstrating the knowledge and skills required for effective delivery of the services included in the authorization.

(3) Completion of at least six semester units, or nine quarter units, of coursework in a second language at a regionally accredited institution of higher education. The commission shall establish minimum standards for scholarship in the required coursework. The commission also shall establish alternative ways in which the requirement can be satisfied by language-learning experience that creates an awareness of the challenges of second-language acquisition and development.

(c) Completion of coursework in human relations in accordance with the commission’s standards of program quality and effectiveness that includes, at a minimum, instruction in all of the following:

(1) The nature and content of culture.

(2) Cross-cultural contact and interactions.

(3) Cultural diversity in the United States and California.

(4) Providing instruction responsive to the diversity of the pupil population.

(5) Recognizing and responding to behavior related to the characteristics listed in Section 220.

(6) Techniques for the peaceful resolution of conflict.

(d) The commission shall establish alternative requirements for a teacher to earn the authorization, which shall be awarded as a supplementary authorization pursuant to subdivision (g) of Section 44225.

(e) A teacher who possesses a credential or permit described in paragraph (1) of subdivision (b) and is able to present a valid out-of-state credential or certificate that authorizes the instruction of English language learners may qualify for the authorization issued under this section by submitting an application and fee to the commission.

(f) The commission may issue an authorization under this section if the applicant possesses a valid California teaching credential and holds either of the following certificates issued by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards:

(1) Early and Middle Childhood/English as a New Language Certificate.

(2) Early Adolescence through Young Adulthood/English as a New Language Certificate.

(g) The authorization shall remain valid as long as the prerequisite credential or permit specified in paragraph (1) of subdivision (b) remains valid.

(Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 663, Sec. 6. (AB 320) Effective January 1, 2022.)

44253.4.

(a) The commission shall issue an authorization for a teacher to provide all of the following services to limited-English-proficient pupils:

(1) Instruction for English language development in preschool, kindergarten, grades 1 to 12, inclusive, and classes organized primarily for adults, except when the requirement specified in paragraph (1) of subdivision (b) is satisfied by the possession of a children’s center instructional permit pursuant to Sections 8363 and 44252.7, a children’s center supervision permit pursuant to Section 8363, or a designated subjects teaching credential in adult education pursuant to Section 44260.2. If the requirement specified in paragraph (1) of subdivision (b) is satisfied by the possession of a children’s center instructional permit or a children’s center supervision permit, instruction for English language development shall be limited to the programs authorized by that permit. If the requirement specified in paragraph (1) of subdivision (b) is satisfied by the possession of a designated subjects teaching credential in adult education, instruction for English language development shall be limited to classes organized primarily for adults.

(2) Specially designed content instruction delivered in English in the subjects and at the levels authorized by the teacher’s prerequisite credential or permit used to satisfy the requirement specified in paragraph (1) of subdivision (b).

(3) Content instruction delivered in the pupil’s primary language in the subjects and at the levels authorized by the teacher’s prerequisite credential or permit used to satisfy the requirement specified in paragraph (1) of subdivision (b).

(4) Instruction for primary language development in preschool, kindergarten, grades 1 to 12, inclusive, and classes organized primarily for adults, except when the requirement specified in paragraph (1) of subdivision (b) is satisfied by the possession of a children’s center instructional permit, a children’s center supervision permit, or a designated subjects teaching credential in adult education. If the requirement specified in paragraph (1) of subdivision (b) is satisfied by the possession of a children’s center instructional permit or a children’s center supervision permit, instruction for primary language development is limited to the programs authorized by that permit. If the requirement specified in paragraph (1) of subdivision (b) is satisfied by the possession of a designated subjects teaching credential in adult education, instruction for primary language development is limited to classes organized primarily for adults.

(b) The minimum requirements for the authorization, which may be completed at the same time as the initial preparation for the prerequisite credential or at a later date, shall include both of the following:

(1) Possession of a valid California teaching credential, services credential, visiting faculty permit, children’s center instructional permit, or children’s center supervision permit which credential or permit authorizes the holder to provide instruction to pupils in preschool, kindergarten, any of grades 1 to 12, inclusive, or classes primarily organized for adults, except for the following:

(A) Emergency credentials or permits.

(B) Exchange credentials as specified in Section 44333.

(C) District intern credentials as specified in Section 44325.

(D) Sojourn certificated employee credentials as specified in Section 44856.

(E) Teacher education internship credentials as specified in Article 3 (commencing with Section 44450) of Chapter 3.

(2) Passage of one or more examinations, or by completing an approved program that consists of coursework or a combination of coursework and examinations, that the commission determines is necessary for demonstrating the knowledge, skills, and language proficiency required for effective delivery of the services included in the authorization.

(c) To earn the authorization, teachers who hold the authorization described in Section 44253.3, or in Article 3.5 (commencing with Section 44475) of Chapter 3, as that section and that article existed on December 31, 1992, shall not be required to pass examinations that primarily assess the skills and knowledge necessary for effective delivery of the services included in the authorizations they possess.

(d) The authorization shall remain valid as long as the prerequisite credential or permit specified in paragraph (1) of subdivision (b) remains valid.

(e) The commission initially shall issue authorizations for languages spoken by the largest numbers of limited-English-proficient pupils for which there are reasonable numbers of teachers or potential teachers who speak those languages. The commission shall explore alternative ways to make authorizations available for other languages.

(f) A teacher who possesses a credential or permit described in paragraph (1) of subdivision (b), and who is able to present a valid out-of-state credential or certificate that authorizes content instruction delivered in a pupil’s primary language, may qualify for the authorization issued pursuant to this section by submitting an application and a fee to the commission.

(Amended by Stats. 2017, Ch. 561, Sec. 32. (AB 1516) Effective January 1, 2018.)

44253.5.

(a) The commission shall develop and administer examinations on which a teacher can demonstrate his or her competence in the knowledge and skills necessary for effective teaching of limited-English-proficient pupils. For the purpose of demonstrating the competencies specified in paragraphs (5) and (6) of subdivision (c) in languages for which the commission has developed no examinations, the commission may establish guidelines for approving assessments performed by organizations that are expert in the language and culture assessed.

(b) To the extent possible, the scope and content of the examinations shall be congruent with the scope and content of the commission-approved professional preparation programs for prospective teachers of limited-English-proficient pupils.

(c) The scope and content of the examinations shall consist of the professional skills and knowledge that are determined by the commission to be necessary for effective teaching of limited-English-proficient pupils, and shall include, but need not be limited to, the following domains of professional knowledge and skill:

(1) First- and second-language development and the structure of language.

(2) Methodology of English language development and specially designed content instruction in English.

(3) Culture and cultural diversity.

(4) Methodology of content instruction in the pupil’s primary language.

(5) The culture associated with a specific language group.

(6) Competence in a language other than English that is spoken by limited-English-proficient pupils in California.

(d) In the development of the examinations, the commission shall confer with selected professionals who are knowledgeable and experienced in the education of limited-English-proficient pupils, with colleges and universities that prepare teachers for limited-English-proficient pupils, and with the State Department of Education.

(Amended by Stats. 1994, Ch. 157, Sec. 1. Effective July 11, 1994.)

44253.6.

(a) Until the commission begins the administration of Section 44253.5, as added by Chapter 1050 of the Statutes of 1992, the commission shall continue to administer Sections 44253.5 and 44253.6 and Article 3.5 (commencing with Section 44475) of Chapter 3, as those sections and that article existed on December 31, 1992.

(b) A teacher who earned a passing score on a part of the examination for the bilingual cross-cultural certificate that was administered by the commission pursuant to Sections 44253.5 and 44253.6 as those sections existed on December 31, 1992, shall not be required by the commission, as a requirement for earning the certificate described in Section 44253.3 or 44253.4, to take a duplicate examination within nine years of the date when the teacher earned the passing score.

(c) A teacher who has passed both sections of the examination for the language development specialist certificate of competence that was administered by the commission pursuant to Article 3.5 (commencing with Section 44475) of Chapter 3 as that article existed on December 31, 1992, shall have five years from the date of his or her earliest passing score to complete the other requirements and apply for the language development specialist certificate of competence.

(d) After the commission begins to administer the examinations required by Section 44253.5, the commission shall continue to administer, until June 30, 1995, the examination for the language development specialist certificate administered pursuant to Article 3.5 (commencing with Section 44475) of Chapter 3 as that article existed on December 31, 1992, solely to those individuals who, on or after June 30, 1992, were enrolled in language development specialist programs approved by the commission pursuant to that article.

(e) Certificates of bilingual cross-cultural competence issued by the commission pursuant to Sections 44253.5 and 44253.6 as those sections existed on December 31, 1992, and certificates of competence as language development specialist issued by the commission pursuant to Article 3.5 (commencing with Section 44475) of Chapter 3 as it existed on December 31, 1992, shall remain valid as long as the holder’s prerequisite teaching credential for those certificates as specified in Sections 44253.5 and 44253.6 and Article 3.5 (commencing with Section 44475) of Chapter 3 remain valid.

(Amended by Stats. 1993, Ch. 809, Sec. 4. Effective January 1, 1994.)

44253.7.

(a) The Commission on Teacher Credentialing, based upon the availability of funds, shall develop objective and verifiable standards for an authorization for bilingual-cross-cultural competence for holders of an appropriate credential, certificate, authorization, or permit who will be serving English language learners. These authorizations may be issued to persons holding an appropriate credential or authorization issued by the commission, including, but not limited to, counselors; special education professionals, including, but not limited to, the holders of special education credentials, clinical services credentials, and school psychologist authorizations; and child development and preschool professionals.

(b) Candidates for the authorization, by oral and written examination, or by completing an approved program that consists of coursework or a combination of coursework and examinations, shall demonstrate all of the following either at the same time as the initial preparation for the prerequisite credential or at a later date:

(1) That the person is competent in both the oral and written skills of a language other than English.

(2) That the person is competent in both the oral and written skills in the English language. A passing score on the reading and writing portions of the basic skills proficiency test administered pursuant to Section 44252.5 or in accordance with Section 44252 shall satisfy the written skills portion of this requirement.

(3) That the person has both the knowledge and understanding of the cultural and historical heritage of the limited-English-proficient individuals to be served.

(4) That the person has the ability to perform the services the candidate is certified or authorized to perform in English and in a language other than English.

(c) The commission may develop rules and regulations setting forth objective and verifiable standards for approval of training programs leading to the authorizations issued pursuant to this section.

(d) For the purpose of assessing the qualifications established by the commission in accordance with this section, the commission shall develop rules, regulations, or guidelines establishing an assessment system that may include local educational agencies, institutions of higher education, and qualified nonprofit bilingual testing agencies as assessor agencies.

(e)  It is not the intent of the Legislature in enacting this section that possession of any authorization established by this section be a state-mandated requirement for employment. It is the intent that this is a matter for local educational agencies to determine.

(Amended by Stats. 2008, Ch. 660, Sec. 3. Effective January 1, 2009.)

44253.8.

(a) For the examinations required by Sections 44253.5 and 44253.7, the commission shall charge examination fees that are sufficient to recover the costs of developing and administering the examinations, including the costs of periodic studies of the examinations, except to the extent that these costs are recovered by appropriations from another source of funds.

(b) In addition to the fees collected pursuant to subdivision (a), within the limits set forth in this chapter, the commission may establish and collect fees to recover its costs for the administration of any assessment of teaching competence adopted by the commission to implement the provisions of this chapter, unless the costs are recovered by appropriations from another source of funds.

(Amended by Stats. 1999, Ch. 737, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 2000.)

44253.9.

The commission shall promulgate regulations to clarify and make specific the requirements and authorizations of credentials, certificates, and permits established pursuant to this article.

(Added by Stats. 1992, Ch. 1050, Sec. 14. Effective January 1, 1993.)

44253.10.

(a) A teacher with a basic teaching credential may be assigned to provide specially designed content instruction delivered in English, as defined in subdivision (b) of Section 44253.2, to limited-English-proficient pupils only if both of the following conditions are met:

(1) The teacher, as of January 1, 1999, is a permanent employee of a school district, county office of education, or school administered under the authority of the Superintendent, or was previously a permanent employee and then was employed in a school district within 39 months of the previous permanent status, or has been employed in a school district with an average daily attendance of not more than 250 for at least two years.

(2) The teacher completes 45 clock hours of staff development in methods of specially designed content instruction delivered in English before January 1, 2008. The extension of the date by which a teacher is required to complete this staff development shall not be construed as authorizing teachers to teach limited-English-proficient pupils without a certificate issued pursuant to this section or Sections 44253.3 and 44253.4.

(b) (1) The commission, in consultation with the Superintendent, shall establish guidelines for the provision of staff development pursuant to this section. The commission and the Superintendent shall use their best efforts to establish these guidelines as soon as possible, but not later than January 1, 1996. Staff development pursuant to this section shall be consistent with the commission’s guidelines.

(2) To ensure the highest standards of program quality and effectiveness, the guidelines shall include quality standards for the persons who train others to perform staff development training and for those who provide the training. The guidelines may require that teachers who qualify to provide instruction pursuant to paragraph (1) of subdivision (d) include a portion, within the total 45 clock hours of training provided pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (a), in English language development.

(3) The guidelines for training to meet the requirements of paragraph (1) of subdivision (d) may provide for 20 hours, or fewer hours as the commission may specify, of training in any aspect of English language development or specially designed content instruction delivered in English.

(4) The guidelines shall require that the staff development offered pursuant to this section be aligned to the teacher preparation leading to the issuance of a certificate pursuant to Section 44253.3 and any amendments made to that section. This alignment, however, shall not result in any increase in the number of hours of staff development necessary to meet the requirements of this section.

(5) The guidelines and standards established by the commission to implement this section shall require and maintain compliance with any requirements mandated by federal law for purposes of ensuring continued federal financial assistance.

(6) The commission shall review staff development programs in relation to the guidelines and standards established pursuant to this section. The review shall include all programs offered pursuant to this section except programs previously approved pursuant to subdivision (c). If the commission finds that a program meets the applicable guidelines and standards, the commission shall forward a report of its findings to the chief executive officer of the sponsoring school district, county office of education, or regionally accredited institution of higher education. If the commission finds that a program does not meet the applicable guidelines or standards, or both, the report of the commission shall specify the areas of noncompliance and the time period in which a second review shall occur. If a second review of a program by the commission reveals a pattern of continued noncompliance with the applicable guidelines or standards, or both, the sponsoring agency shall not offer the program to teachers who have not already enrolled in it. The effective date for commission approval of staff development programs not currently approved as of January 1, 2000, shall be on or before January 1, 2002, except for persons already enrolled in programs by January 1, 2002.

(7) By December 4, 2007, the commission shall report to the Legislature on the status of the 45-hour and the 90-hour alternative programs, including the strengths and weaknesses of the process and programs. In preparing the report, the commission shall include a summary of its review pursuant to paragraph (6) of the staff development programs.

(c) The staff development may be sponsored by any school district, county office of education, or regionally accredited institution of higher education that meets the standards included in the guidelines established pursuant to subdivision (b) or any organization that meets those standards and is approved by the commission. Any equivalent three semester unit or four quarter unit class may be taken by the teacher at a regionally accredited institution of higher education to satisfy the staff development requirement described in either subdivision (a) or (d), or both. Once the commission has made a determination that a college or university class is equivalent, no further review of the class shall be required pursuant to paragraph (6) of subdivision (b), regardless of the date of the initial review.

(d) (1) A teacher who completes the staff development described in subdivision (a) shall be awarded a certificate of completion of staff development in methods of specially designed content instruction delivered in English.

(2) A teacher who completes the staff development described in subdivision (a) may provide specially designed content instruction delivered in English, as defined in subdivision (b) of Section 44253.2, and instruction for English language development, as defined in subdivision (a) of Section 44253.2, in any departmentalized teaching assignment consistent with the authorization of the teacher’s basic credential. This authorization also applies to teachers who completed the required staff development before January 1, 2000.

(3) A teacher who completes the staff development described in subdivision (a) shall not be assigned to provide content instruction delivered in the pupil’s primary language, as defined in subdivision (c) of Section 44253.2.

(4) A teacher who completes the staff development described in subdivision (a) may be assigned to provide instruction for English language development, as defined in subdivision (a) of Section 44253.2, in a self-contained classroom under either of the following circumstances:

(A) The teacher has taught for at least nine years in California public schools, certifies that the teacher has had experience or training in teaching limited-English-proficient pupils, and authorizes verification by the entity that issues the certificate of completion. The teacher shall be awarded a certificate of completion in methods of instruction for English language development in a self-contained classroom.

(B) The teacher has taught for less than nine years in California public schools, or has taught for at least nine years in California public schools but is unable to certify that the teacher has had experience or training in teaching limited-English-proficient pupils, but has, within three years of completing the staff development described in subdivision (a), completed an additional 45 hours of staff development, including specially designed content instruction delivered in English and English language development training, as set forth in the guidelines developed pursuant to subdivision (b). Upon completion of this additional staff development, the teacher shall be awarded a certificate of completion in methods of instruction for English language development in a self-contained classroom.

(e) During the period in which a teacher is pursuing the training specified in paragraph (2) of subdivision (a) or subdivision (d), or both, including the period for the assessment and awarding of the certificate, the teacher may be provisionally assigned to provide instruction for English language development, as defined in subdivision (a) of Section 44253.2, or to provide specially designed content instruction delivered in English, as defined in subdivision (b) of Section 44253.2.

(f) (1) A teacher who completes the staff development with any provider specified in subdivision (c), and who meets the requirements of subdivision (a) or (d) for a certificate of completion of staff development in methods of specially designed content instruction delivered in English or English language development in a self-contained classroom, or both, shall be issued the certificate or certificates.

(2) A teacher who completes a staff development program in methods of specially designed content instruction delivered in English or English language development in a self-contained classroom, or both, who has been determined by the commission to meet the applicable guidelines and standards pursuant to paragraph (6) of subdivision (b), shall receive a certificate or certificates of completion from the commission upon submitting an application, a staff development verification form to be furnished by the commission, and payment of a fee to be set by the commission, not to exceed forty-five dollars ($45).

(3) A person who is enrolled in, or who has completed, a staff development program not approved by the commission before January 1, 2002, may, until January 1, 2003, apply to any of the following agencies for the certificate or certificates, but the teacher shall be issued the certificate or certificates by only one of these agencies:

(A) The school district in which the teacher is a permanent employee.

(B) The county office of education in the county in which the teacher is an employee for an agency specified in paragraph (1) of subdivision (a).

(C) Any school district or county office of education that provides staff development pursuant to subdivision (c). Before issuing a certificate or certificates based on an equivalent class or classes, as provided for in subdivision (c), the issuing agency shall determine if the class or classes meet the guidelines established pursuant to subdivision (b).

(4) Any school district or county office of education that issues a certificate of completion shall forward a copy of the certificate to the commission within 90 days of issuing the certificate.

(5) (A) An agency that issues a certificate or certificates of completion may charge the teacher requesting the certificate or certificates of completion a fee that will cover the actual costs of the agency in issuing, forwarding to the commission a copy of, and paying any fee charged by the commission for receiving and servicing, the certificate or certificates of completion.

(B) The commission may charge the agency that forwards a copy of a certificate or certificates of completion a one-time fee to cover the actual costs to the commission to file the copy or copies, and to issue duplicates when requested by the teacher. The fee shall not exceed an amount equal to one-half the fee the commission charges for issuing a credential.

(g) The certificate of completion is valid in all California public schools. A teacher who has been issued a certificate of completion may be assigned indefinitely to provide the instructional services named on the certificate in any school district, county office of education, or school administered under the authority of the Superintendent.

(h) The governing board of each school district shall make reasonable efforts to provide limited-English-proficient pupils in need of English language development instruction with teachers who hold appropriate credentials, language development specialist certificates, or cross-cultural language and academic development certificates that authorize English language development instruction. However, any teacher awarded a certificate or certificates of completion shall be deemed certificated and competent to provide the services listed on that certificate of completion. A teacher who completes staff development pursuant to this section may use those hours of staff development to meet the requirements of subdivision (b) of Section 44277.

(i) Any teacher completing staff development pursuant to this section shall be credited with three semester units or four quarter units for each block of 45 hours of staff development completed for the purpose of meeting the requirements set forth in subdivision (b) of Section 44253.3.

(j) Any school district may use funds allocated to it for the purposes of Chapter 3.1 (commencing with Section 44681) to provide staff development pursuant to this section.

(Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 663, Sec. 7. (AB 320) Effective January 1, 2022.)

44253.11.

(a) A teacher with a designated subjects teaching credential or a service credential with a special class authorization may enroll in a course that meets the minimum requirements of staff development in methods of specially designed content instruction delivered in English, as described in Section 44253.3, 44253.4, 44253.7, or 44253.10.

(b) (1) The commission, in consultation with the Superintendent, shall establish guidelines for the provision of staff development pursuant to this section that are at least as rigorous as the guidelines established pursuant to Section 44253.10. The commission and the Superintendent may designate guidelines established pursuant to Section 44253.10 in satisfaction of this subdivision. Staff development pursuant to this section shall be consistent with the guidelines of the commission.

(2) To ensure the highest standards of program quality and effectiveness, the guidelines shall include quality standards applicable to persons who train others to perform staff development training, as well as for persons who provide the training.

(3) The guidelines shall require that staff development offered pursuant to this section be aligned with the teacher preparation that leads to the issuance of a certificate pursuant to Section 44253.3.

(4) The guidelines and standards established by the commission to implement this section shall comply with federal law.

(5) The commission shall review staff development programs in relation to the guidelines and standards established pursuant to this section. The review shall include all programs offered pursuant to this section. If the commission finds that a program meets the applicable guidelines and standards, the commission shall forward a report of its findings to the chief executive officer of the sponsoring school district, county office of education, or regionally accredited institution of higher education. If the commission finds that a program does not meet the applicable guidelines or standards, or both, the report of the commission shall specify the areas of noncompliance and the time period in which a second review must occur. If a second review reveals a pattern of continued noncompliance with the applicable guidelines or standards, or both, the sponsoring agency shall be prohibited from continuing to offer the program to teachers.

(c) The staff development may be sponsored by a school district, county office of education, or regionally accredited institution of higher education that meets the standards included in the guidelines established pursuant to this section or an organization that meets those standards and that is approved by the commission. An equivalent course may be taken by a teacher at a regionally accredited institution of higher education in order to satisfy the staff development requirement. Once the commission makes a determination that a college or university class is equivalent, no further review of the class shall be required.

(d) (1) A teacher who completes the staff development described in this section shall be awarded a certificate of completion in methods of specially designed content instruction delivered in English.

(2) A teacher who completes the staff development described in this section is allowed to provide specially designed content instruction delivered in English, as defined in subdivision (b) of Section 44253.2.

(3) A teacher who completes the staff development described in this section shall not be assigned to provide content instruction delivered in the primary language of the pupil, as defined in subdivision (c) of Section 44253.2.

(e) A teacher who completes a staff development program in methods of specially designed content instruction delivered in English pursuant to this section shall receive a certificate of completion from the commission upon submitting an application, a staff development verification form to be furnished by the commission, and payment of a fee, as determined by the commission, not to exceed forty-five dollars ($45).

(f) The certificate of completion is valid in all public schools. A teacher who has been issued a certificate of completion may be assigned indefinitely to provide the instructional services named on the certificate in a school district, county office of education, or school administered under the authority of the Superintendent.

(g) Teacher assignments made in accordance with this section shall be included in the report required by Section 44225.6.

(h) The governing board of each school district shall make reasonable efforts to provide limited-English-proficient pupils in need of English language development instruction with teachers who hold appropriate credentials, language development specialist certificates, or cross-cultural language and academic development certificates that authorize English language development instruction. However, a teacher awarded a certificate or certificates of completion pursuant to this section shall be deemed certificated and competent to provide the services listed on that certificate of completion.

(i) A teacher completing staff development pursuant to this section shall be credited with three semester units or four quarter units for each block of 45 clock hours completed for the purpose of meeting the requirements set forth in subdivision (b) of Section 44253.3.

(Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 663, Sec. 8. (AB 320) Effective January 1, 2022.)

44254.

(a) The commission shall establish standards for a restricted reading certificate to enable holders of a teaching credential to provide the early development of reading and language arts skills and the early correction of a pupil’s reading difficulties.

(b) (1) The standards and qualifications for the restricted reading certificate shall include demonstrated knowledge of both of the following:

(A) Current and confirmed research in teaching basic reading skills that train the candidate for the restricted reading certificate in ongoing, diagnostic techniques that inform teaching and assessment.

(B) Teaching techniques for basic reading skills that include direct instruction in phonemic awareness, systematic, explicit phonics, and comprehension skills.

(2) The candidate shall also demonstrate knowledge of early intervention techniques, and shall receive guided practice with all of the aforementioned skills within a clinical setting. For the purposes of this section, “direct, systematic, explicit phonics” means spelling patterns, direct instruction in the relationships among sounds and symbols, and practice in connected, decodable text.

(c) The commission shall be authorized to issue a restricted reading certificate to holders of a teaching credential who meet the commission’s standards.

(Added by Stats. 1996, Ch. 1067, Sec. 6. Effective January 1, 1997. See similar Section 44254 (added by Stats. 1996, Ch. 1068), as amended by Stats. 1997, Ch. 17.)

44254.

(a) The commission shall establish standards for a restricted reading certificate to enable holders of a teaching credential to provide the early and continuing development of reading and language arts skills and the earliest possible correction of a pupil’s reading difficulties.

(b) The standards and qualifications for the restricted reading certificate shall include, but not be limited to, demonstrated knowledge of the following:

(1) Current and confirmed research in the teaching of basic reading skills, including research in ongoing, diagnostic techniques that inform teaching and assessment.

(2) Techniques for teaching basic reading skills that include direct instruction in phonemic awareness, direct systematic, explicit phonics, and comprehension skills.

(3) Early intervention techniques.

(c) A candidate for a restricted reading certificate shall receive, within a clinical setting, guided practice in all of the skills described in subdivision (b).

(d) The commission may issue a restricted reading certificate to a holder of a teaching credential who meets the commission’s standards.

(e) For purposes of this section, “direct systematic, explicit phonics” means spelling patterns, the direct instruction of sound and symbol relationships, and practice in reading connected, decodable text.

(Amended (as added by Stats. 1996, Ch. 1068) by Stats. 1997, Ch. 17, Sec. 28. Effective January 1, 1998.)

44256.

Authorization for teaching credentials shall be of four basic kinds, as defined below:

(a) (1) “Single subject instruction” means the practice of assignment of teachers and students to specified subject matter courses, as is commonly practiced in California high schools and most California junior high schools. The holder of a single subject teaching credential or a standard secondary credential or a special secondary teaching credential, as defined in this subdivision, who either (A) has completed 20 semester hours of coursework or 10 semester hours of upper division or graduate coursework approved by the commission at a regionally accredited institution of higher education in any subject commonly taught in grades 7 to 12, inclusive, other than the subject for which the credentialholder is already certificated to teach, or (B) has been verified as having subject matter competence pursuant to paragraph (5) of subdivision (b) of Section 44259 for any subject commonly taught in grades 7 to 12, inclusive, other than the subject for which the credentialholder is already certificated to teach, shall be eligible to have this subject appear on the credential as an authorization to teach this subject. The commission, by regulation, may require that evidence of additional competence is a condition for instruction in particular subjects, including, but not limited to, world languages. The commission may establish and implement alternative requirements for additional authorizations to the single subject credential on the basis of specialized needs. For purposes of this subdivision, a special secondary teaching credential means a special secondary teaching credential issued on the basis of at least a baccalaureate degree, a student teaching requirement, and 24 semester units of coursework in the subject specialty of the credential.

(2) For purposes of this subdivision, coursework completed at a community or junior college that is regionally accredited by an accrediting agency listed in subparagraph (A) of paragraph (1) of subdivision (g) of Section 44203 or by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges may count toward the 20 semester hours requirement.

(b) (1) “Multiple subject instruction” means the practice of assignment of teachers and students for multiple subject matter instruction, as is commonly practiced in California elementary schools and as is commonly practiced in early childhood education.

(2) The holder of a multiple subject teaching credential or a standard elementary credential who either (A) has completed 20 semester hours of coursework or 10 semester hours of upper division or graduate coursework approved by the commission at a regionally accredited institution of higher education in any subject commonly taught in grades 9 and below, or (B) has been verified as having subject matter competence pursuant to paragraph (5) of subdivision (b) of Section 44259 for any subject commonly taught in grades 9 and below, shall be eligible to have that subject appear on the credential as authorization to teach the subject in departmentalized classes in grades 9 and below. The governing board of a school district by resolution may authorize the holder of a multiple subject teaching credential or a standard elementary credential to teach any subject in departmentalized classes to a given class or group of pupils below grade 9, provided that the teacher has completed at least 12 semester units, or 6 upper division or graduate units, of coursework at a regionally accredited institution of higher education in each subject to be taught. The authorization shall be with the teacher’s consent. However, the commission, by regulation, may provide that evidence of additional competence is necessary for instruction in particular subjects, including, but not limited to, world languages. The commission may establish and implement alternative requirements for additional authorizations to the multiple subject credential on the basis of specialized needs.

(3) For purposes of this subdivision, coursework completed at a community or junior college that is regionally accredited by an accrediting agency listed in subparagraph (A) of paragraph (1) of subdivision (g) of Section 44203 or by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges may count toward the 20 semester hours or 12 semester units requirements.

(c) “Specialist instruction” means any specialty requiring advanced preparation or special competence, including, but not limited to, reading specialist, mathematics specialist, specialist in special education, or early childhood education, and such other specialties as the commission may determine.

(d) “Designated subjects” means the practice of assignment of teachers and pupils to designated technical, trade, or career technical courses which courses may be part of a program of trade, technical, or career technical education.

(Amended by Stats. 2024, Ch. 831, Sec. 2. (AB 2473) Effective September 28, 2024.)

44257.

(a) The commission shall issue single subject teaching credentials only in the following subjects:

(1) Agriculture.

(2) Art.

(3) Business.

(4) Dance.

(5) English.

(6) World Language.

(7) Health Science.

(8) Home Economics.

(9) Industrial and Technology Education.

(10) Mathematics.

(11) Music.

(12) Physical Education.

(13) Science.

(14) Social Science.

(15) Theater.

(b) The commission shall issue the single subject teaching credential in world language with an authorization to teach Mandarin, Cantonese, French, German, Russian, Spanish, or any other language that the commission determines is appropriate.

(c) Subjects that are commonly taught in departmentalized classes in California public schools shall be subsumed under the credential categories in subdivision (a).

(d) The commission shall issue single subject teaching credentials in the categories that were identified in Section 44282 as of December 31, 1993, to applicants who were in the process of preparing to earn those credentials before the effective date of the commission’s implementation of subdivision (a).

(e) (1) A person issued a single subject teaching credential in English before the establishment of a single subject teaching credential in theater is authorized to teach theater. A person pursuing a single subject teaching credential in English before the establishment of a single subject teaching credential in theater shall not become subject to additional requirements for the single subject teaching credential in English as a result of the authorization provided by this paragraph.

(2) A person issued a single subject teaching credential in physical education before the establishment of a single subject teaching credential in dance is authorized to teach dance. A person pursuing a single subject teaching credential in physical education before the establishment of a single subject teaching credential in dance shall not become subject to additional requirements for the single subject teaching credential in physical education as a result of the authorization provided by this paragraph.

(f) This section shall not be construed to prohibit a school district from employing a person who holds a single subject teaching credential in another subject with an authorization to teach theater from teaching theater, or a person who holds a single subject teaching credential in another subject with an authorization to teach dance from teaching dance.

(g) (1) (A) An individual holding a single subject teaching credential in Social Science, Business, Mathematics, or Home Economics is authorized to teach the personal finance course specified in subparagraph (H) of paragraph (1) of subdivision (a) of Section 51225.3.

(B) This paragraph does not constitute a change in, but is declaratory of, existing law.

(2) The commission may establish a supplementary authorization that authorizes individuals holding single subject teaching credentials not listed in subparagraph (A) of paragraph (1) to teach the personal finance course specified in subparagraph (H) of paragraph (1) of subdivision (a) of Section 51225.3.

(Amended by Stats. 2024, Ch. 37, Sec. 1. (AB 2927) Effective June 29, 2024.)

44257.2.

(a) In order to ensure excellence in teaching in specific subjects, the commission may issue a multiple or single subject teaching credential with a specified concentration in a particular subject based upon the depth of an applicant’s preparation in an important subject of the school curriculum. The commission shall establish and maintain standards for concentrations in particular subjects, as necessary.

(b) The commission shall determine the authorizations of teaching credentials with concentrations. The commission shall ensure that with the exceptions of the single subject credentials specified in subdivision (c) of this section, the authorization of a credential with a specified concentration shall not be more restrictive than the authorization of the same credential without the specified concentration.

(c) The commission shall issue the single subject teaching credentials in mathematics and science with a specified concentration in a particular subject. The commission shall establish and maintain standards for concentrations in the following specific subject areas:

(1) Mathematics shall consist of concentrations in advanced mathematics and foundational mathematics. The holder of a single subject credential in mathematics shall be qualified and authorized to teach courses in numbers and quantity, algebra, geometry, probability, and statistics in kindergarten and grades 1 to 12, inclusive.

(2) Science shall consist of concentrations in biological sciences, chemistry, geosciences, and physics. The holder of the single subject teaching credential in science shall be qualified and authorized to teach courses in general science, introductory science, integrated science, and coordinated science in kindergarten and grades 1 to 12, inclusive.

(Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 252, Sec. 16. (AB 167) Effective September 23, 2021.)

44257.3.

(a) For purposes of this section, the following definitions apply:

(1) “Recognition of study in linked learning” is a statement added to a single subject teaching credential that the credential holder has completed a commission-approved program in linked learning teaching methods that can be applied to the academic instruction authorized by his or her credential. A recognition of study in a linked learning teacher preparation program may be offered as part of an initial teacher preparation program or as a separate program for previously credentialed teachers.

(2) “Linked learning programs” are programs and pathways described in Section 52372.5 and may include, but are not limited to, California partnership academies.

(b) The commission may convene a workgroup to develop program standards for the issuance of a recognition of study for linked learning competence for holders of a single subject teaching credential who will be teaching pupils enrolled in linked learning programs pursuant to Section 52372.5.

(c) Members of the workgroup shall include, but are not limited to, representatives from:

(1) The department.

(2) Approved teacher preparation programs, including at least one representative from the California State University, the University of California, and independent institutions of higher education. To the extent practicable, representatives should have an academic interest or prior experience in preparing teachers to teach in linked learning programs.

(3) The business community, including representatives from local chambers of commerce.

(4) School districts, county offices of education, and charter schools that have implemented linked learning programs, California partnership academies, or other similar programs that integrate core academic subject and industry applications.

(5) Regional occupational centers and programs.

(6) Practicing career technical education teachers.

(7) Other organizations deemed appropriate by the commission.

(d) It is the intent of the Legislature that a successful candidate for a recognition of study developed in linked learning pursuant to subdivision (b) demonstrate appropriate knowledge, as determined by the commission based upon the recommendations of the workgroup convened pursuant to subdivision (b). Within the context of the academic content standards in kindergarten and any of grades 1 to 12, inclusive, this knowledge may include, but is not limited to, an understanding of the following:

(1) How to develop and maintain industry and postsecondary educational partnerships.

(2) Ongoing professional learning.

(3) Work-based learning strategies.

(4) Career exposure and development.

(5) Interdisciplinary collaboration and project-based teaching methods.

(6) California Career Technical Education Model Curriculum Standards adopted by the state board.

(e) With respect to any recognition of study in linked learning issued pursuant to subdivision (b), the California State University and other teacher preparation institutions are encouraged to establish goals for increasing the number of teachers prepared through linked learning programs.

(f) Beginning Teacher Support and Assessment programs are encouraged to provide appropriate support, mentoring, and assistance to beginning teachers who are teaching in linked learning programs, including candidates who are in externships.

(g) The commission may work with the Superintendent to gather and post, on an appropriate Internet Web site, best practices from school districts and schools on curriculum development and professional development relating to implementing and sustaining multiple pathway programs.

(h) The holder of a single subject teaching credential receiving a recognition of study in linked learning pursuant to subdivision (b) is not authorized to teach subject matter content or English learners unless he or she holds an appropriate authorization or is employed on the basis of a local assignment option.

(i) Any recognition of study in linked learning issued pursuant to subdivision (b) shall not be considered a type of authorization, shall not be used as a condition of employment, shall not replace a subject matter competence requirement, and shall not be used in making employment decisions pursuant to Section 44955.

(Added by Stats. 2011, Ch. 259, Sec. 2. (AB 1304) Effective January 1, 2012.)

44257.4.

The commission shall periodically review and assess the adequacy and relevance of the subjects of teaching credentials set forth in Section 44257, and shall report its findings and recommendations to the Legislature.

(Added by Stats. 1993, Ch. 809, Sec. 7. Effective January 1, 1994.)

44257.5.

(a) On or before July 1, 2024, the commission shall convene a workgroup on credentialing for instruction in computer science to do all of the following:

(1) Determine which single subject teaching credentials or designated subjects career technical education teaching credentials, if any, should also authorize teaching computer science.

(2) Determine whether a single subject teaching credential in computer science should be established.

(3) Make recommendations on strategies to meet the workforce demands associated with expanding access to computer science instruction to all pupils.

(b) At least one-half of the workgroup shall be composed of current classroom teachers with experience teaching computer science at the secondary level and the workgroup shall also include representatives from:

(1) School administration.

(2) Institutions of higher education involved in the preparation of teachers to teach computer science.

(3) Content experts in the field of computer science education.

(c) On or before July 1, 2025, the commission shall provide a report of the workgroup’s findings and recommendations to the appropriate policy and fiscal committees of the Legislature.

(d) This section shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2028, and as of that date is repealed.

(e) The implementation of this section is contingent upon an appropriation for its purposes in the annual Budget Act or another statute.

(Added by Stats. 2023, Ch. 834, Sec. 1. (AB 1251) Effective January 1, 2024. Repealed as of January 1, 2028, by its own provisions.)

44258.

A teacher who is authorized for single subject instruction may be assigned, with his consent, to teach any subject in his authorized fields at any grade level; preschool; kindergarten and grades 1 to 12, inclusive; or in classes organized primarily for adults, and similarly, a teacher authorized for multiple subject instruction may be assigned, with his consent, to teach in any self-contained classroom; preschool; kindergarten and grades 1 to 12, inclusive; or in classes organized primarily for adults; and similarly, a teacher authorized as a specialist teacher may be assigned, with his consent, to teach in his area of specialization at any grade level; preschool; kindergarten and grades 1 to 12, inclusive; or in classes organized primarily for adults.

(Enacted by Stats. 1976, Ch. 1010.)

44258.1.

The holder of a credential authorizing instruction in a self-contained classroom may teach in any of grades 5 to 8, inclusive, in a middle school, provided that he or she teaches two or more subjects for two or more periods per day to the same group of pupils, and, in addition, may teach any of the subjects he or she already is teaching to a separate group of pupils at the same grade level as those pupils he or she already is teaching for an additional period or periods, provided that the additional period or periods do not exceed one-half of the teacher’s total assignment.

(Amended by Stats. 1991, Ch. 1064, Sec. 1.)

44258.15.

Notwithstanding Section 44258.1, the holder of a credential authorizing instruction in a self-contained classroom may provide instruction in a team teaching setting or may regroup pupils across classrooms in subjects authorized by the governing board of the school district.

(Amended by Stats. 1994, Ch. 922, Sec. 80. Effective January 1, 1995.)

44258.2.

The holder of a single subject teaching credential or a standard secondary teaching credential may, with the credentialholder’s consent, be assigned by action of the governing board to teach classes in grades 5 to 8, inclusive, in a middle school, if the credentialholder has a minimum of 12 semester units, or six upper division or graduate units, of coursework at a regionally accredited institution of higher education in the subject to which the credentialholder is assigned. For purposes of this section, coursework completed at a community or junior college that is regionally accredited by an accrediting agency listed in subparagraph (A) of paragraph (1) of subdivision (g) of Section 44203 or by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges may count toward the 12 semester units requirement.

(Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 663, Sec. 10. (AB 320) Effective January 1, 2022.)

44258.3.

(a) The governing board of a school district may assign the holder of a credential, other than an emergency permit, to teach any subjects in departmentalized classes in kindergarten or any of grades 1 to 12, inclusive, if the governing board verifies, before making the assignment, that the teacher has adequate knowledge of each subject to be taught and the teacher consents to that assignment. The governing board shall adopt policies and procedures for the purpose of verifying the adequacy of subject knowledge on the part of each of those teachers. The governing board shall involve subject matter specialists in the subjects commonly taught in the school district in the development and implementation of the policies and procedures, and shall include in those policies and procedures both of the following:

(1) One or more of the following ways to assess subject matter competence:

(A) Observation by subject matter specialists, as defined in subdivision (d).

(B) Oral interviews.

(C) Demonstration lessons.

(D) Presentation of curricular portfolios.

(E) Written examinations.

(2) Specific criteria and standards for verifying adequacy of subject matter knowledge using any of the methods in paragraph (1). The criteria shall include, but need not be limited to, evidence of the candidate’s knowledge of the subject matter to be taught, including demonstrated knowledge of the curriculum framework for the subject to be taught and the specific content of the course of study in the school district for the subject, at the grade level to be taught.

(b) Teaching assignments made pursuant to this section shall be valid only in that school district. The principal of the school, or other appropriate administrator, shall notify the exclusive representative of the certificated employees for that school district, as provided under Chapter 10.7 (commencing with Section 3540) of Division 4 of Title 1 of the Government Code, of each instance in which a teacher is assigned to teach classes pursuant to this section. The commission may suspend the authority of a school district to use the teaching assignment option authorized by this section upon a finding that the school district has violated this section.

(c)  Nothing in this section shall be construed to alter the effect of Section 44955 with regard to the reduction by a school district governing board of the number of certificated employees.

(d) For purposes of this section, “subject matter specialists” are mentor teachers, curriculum specialists, resource teachers, classroom teachers certified to teach a subject, staff to regional subject matter projects or curriculum institutes, or college faculty.

(Amended by Stats. 2019, Ch. 782, Sec. 4. (AB 1219) Effective January 1, 2020.)

44258.7.

(a) The holder of a standard secondary credential who, before September 1, 1989, has taught successfully in a subject within the department of the credentialholder’s academic major or minor for a minimum of three years, as verified by the employing school district, may receive a supplementary authorization in that subject upon application, payment of a fee, which shall not exceed one-half of the regular credential fee, and evidence that one of the following has been accomplished:

(1) (A) Successful completion, by September 1, 1989, of a minimum of 12 semester units, or six upper division or graduate units, of coursework at a regionally accredited institution of higher education in the subject.

(B) For purposes of this paragraph, coursework completed at a community or junior college that is regionally accredited by an accrediting agency listed in subparagraph (A) of paragraph (1) of subdivision (g) of Section 44203 or by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges may count toward the 12 semester units requirement.

(2) The securing of a passing score on an examination in the subject approved by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing.

(3) Verification of competence in the subject matter by a subject area specialist not associated with the employing school district.

(b) A person who holds a teaching credential in a subject or subjects other than physical education may be authorized by action of the local governing board to coach one period per day in a competitive sport for which pupils receive physical education credit, provided that the credentialholder is a full-time employee of the school district and has completed a minimum of 20 hours of first aid instruction appropriate for the specific sport.

(c) A teacher employed on a full-time basis who teaches kindergarten or any of grades 1 to 12, inclusive, and who has special skills and preparation outside of the teacher’s credential authorization may, with the teacher’s consent, be assigned to teach an elective course in the area of the special skills or preparation, provided that the assignment is first approved by a committee on assignments. For purposes of this subdivision an “elective course” is a course other than English, mathematics, science, or social studies. The membership of the committee on assignments shall include an equal number of teachers, selected by teachers, and school administrators, selected by school administrators.

(d) Assignments approved by the committee on assignments shall be for a maximum of one school year, but may be extended by action of the committee upon application by the schoolsite administrator and the affected teacher. All initial assignments or extensions shall be approved before the assignment or extension. Districts making assignments under this subdivision shall submit a plan to the county superintendent of schools that shall include, but need not be limited to, the following:

(1) Statements signed by the district superintendent and the president or chairperson of the district governing board, approving the establishment of the committee.

(2) Procedures for selection of the committee membership.

(3) Terms of office for committee members.

(4) Criteria for determining teachers’ qualifications for these assignments.

(e) The Commission on Teacher Credentialing may develop and recommend general criteria that may be used by local committees on assignment in assessing a candidate’s qualifications.

(f) The commission shall issue an Activity Supervisor Clearance Certificate to candidates serving in a position pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 49024 upon verification of the candidate’s personal identification and verification that the candidate meets all professional requirements pursuant to Sections 44339, 44340, 44341, and 44346.5. Each certificate shall be issued initially for a five-year period and may be renewed. The commission shall establish a fee for the Activity Supervisor Clearance Certificate.

(Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 663, Sec. 11. (AB 320) Effective January 1, 2022.)

44258.9.

(a) (1) The Legislature finds and declares that continued monitoring of educator assignments by the commission and the county superintendents of schools and continued reporting of educator assignments by the department will help ensure that local educational agencies meet state and federal reporting requirements, including the requirements of the federal Every Student Succeeds Act (Public Law 114-95), or any other federal law that effectively replaces that act, and will ensure that the rate of educator misassignments remains low. To support pupil access to credentialed and appropriately assigned educators, the commission and the department shall collaborate to publish annual data on educator credentialing and assignment, at the school, local educational agency, and state level. To the extent possible, and with the funds provided for that purpose, each county office of education shall perform its duties as a monitoring authority, as specified in subdivision (e).

(2) The commission and the department shall collaborate to perform the duties specified in this section, with the commission executing the assignment monitoring process and the department facilitating the annual teaching assignment monitoring data production and publication.

(3) The teaching assignment monitoring outcome data reporting shall be executed in a manner consistent with the statewide system of support and the school accountability system established pursuant to Article 4.5 (commencing with Section 52059.5) of Chapter 6.1 of Part 28 of Division 4, county office of education monitoring established pursuant to Article 2 (commencing with Section 1240) of Chapter 2 of Part 2 of Division 1 of Title 1, and the state plan approved by the state board that is required for compliance with the federal Every Student Succeeds Act, or any other federal law that effectively replaces that act.

(b) For purposes of this section, the following definitions apply:

(1) “Assignment” means the placement of an individual in a teaching or services position. An “assignment” can be filled legally by an individual with a credential, permit, waiver, or any other document issued by the commission authorizing the assignment, or the individual may be otherwise authorized by statute.

(2) “Local educational agency” means a school district, county office of education, charter school, or state special school.

(3) “Misassignment” has the same meaning as defined in Section 33126. For purposes of this section, “employee,” as used in the definition of “misassignment” in Section 33126, includes an individual hired on a contract. For purposes of this section, in a charter school, “misassignment” shall apply only to employees in teaching positions.

(4) “Monitoring authority” means:

(A) The county office of education for school districts in the county and programs operated by the county office of education.

(B) The commission for a school district or county office of education that operates within a city or county in which there is a single school district, including the Counties of Alpine, Amador, Del Norte, Mariposa, Plumas, and Sierra, and the City and County of San Francisco, and the state special schools.

(C) (i) The chartering authority for a charter school.

(ii) Notwithstanding clause (i), in cases where a charter school operates under the authority of a school district in which the charter school is the sole schoolsite in the school district, the commission shall serve as the monitoring authority.

(5) “System,” unless the context requires otherwise, means the State Assignment Accountability System, which is an electronic data system administered by the commission for monitoring educator assignments and vacant positions and uses department data collected pursuant to Section 60900 for its functioning.

(6) “Vacant position” means a position to which a single-designated certificated employee has not been assigned at the time that the data are collected by the department pursuant to Section 60900.

(c) The commission and the department shall enter into a data sharing agreement for the department to provide the commission with educator assignment data necessary to annually identify educator assignments, including assignments filled by individuals on preliminary or clear credentials, intern credentials, permits or waivers, misassignments, and vacant positions at local educational agencies. The data sharing agreement shall also require the commission to make credential, permit, waiver, misassignment, vacant positions, and other relevant data available to the department to support reporting consistent with the state plan approved by the state board that is required for compliance with the federal Every Student Succeeds Act (Public Law 114–95), or any other federal law that effectively replaces that act, and applicable state reporting requirements, including for the statewide system of support established pursuant to Article 4.5 (commencing with Section 52059.5) of Chapter 6.1 of Part 28 of Division 4.

(d) The commission and the department may engage in a variety of activities designed to inform school administrators, teachers, and personnel within the county offices of education of the regulations and statutes affecting the assignment of educators and how data on educator assignments is published and used. These activities may include, but shall not necessarily be limited to, the preparation of instructive brochures and the holding of regional workshops.

(e) (1) The commission shall annually use the data provided by the department pursuant to subdivision (c) to produce an initial data file of vacant positions and educator assignments that do not have a clear match of credential to assignment. The commission shall notify local educational agencies and monitoring authorities of the opportunity to access the system and review the initial data file of potential misassignments and vacant positions.

(2) A local educational agency may do any of the following within 60 days of the commission’s notification pursuant to paragraph (1):

(A) Access and review the initial data file in the system to determine if each educator included in the initial data file is otherwise legally authorized for the assignment.

(B) Submit documentation or additional assignment information to the commission and monitoring authority showing that the educator is otherwise legally authorized for the assignment. This information may include the use of local assignment options outlined in any statute or regulation.

(C) Submit documentation to the commission and monitoring authority showing that a position identified in the initial data file as vacant was miscoded and that a legally authorized educator was assigned to the position.

(3) Information submitted to the commission and monitoring authority pursuant to paragraph (2) shall be submitted electronically through the system.

(4) A monitoring authority shall access the system to review the initial data file and any documentation or additional information submitted by a local educational agency for which it is a monitoring authority and make a determination of potential misassignments and vacant positions within 90 days of the commission’s notification pursuant to paragraph (1).

(5) The commission shall have the authority to make a final determination for all potential assignments and misassignments.

(6) After the 90-day review period pursuant to paragraph (4), the commission shall share all educator assignment data, including all preliminary and clear credentials, intern credentials, permits, waivers, misassignments, and vacant positions for that year, with the department for the department’s teaching assignment monitoring outcomes report and other state and federal reporting requirements.

(7) Once published, the commission shall post a link to the department’s teaching assignment monitoring outcomes reporting on its internet website, with resources for local educational agencies seeking to maintain a fully credentialed and properly assigned educator workforce.

(8) Notwithstanding any other law, the commission, when identifying misassignments using the system, shall identify an educator in a teaching position, including an educator at a charter school, as correctly assigned only when the educator holds the certificate or credential required by the commission for that assignment in a noncharter public school, taking into account local assignment options.

(9) Commencing in the 2020–21 school year, a chartering authority, as provided in this section, may request technical assistance to assist in its determination of potential misassignments and vacant positions from the county office of education in the county in which the chartering authority is located.

(10) For a school district, the county superintendent of schools shall notify, through the office of the school district superintendent, a certificated school administrator responsible for the assignment of a certificated person to a position for which the person has no legal authorization of the misassignment and shall advise the school administrator to correct the assignment within 30 calendar days. For a charter school, the monitoring authority shall notify the charter school administrator responsible for the assignment of a certificated person to a position for which the person has no legal authorization of the misassignment and shall advise the charter school administrator to correct the assignment within 30 calendar days.

(f) The system and the data reported from the system shall not be used by a local educational agency for purposes of evaluating certificated employees, certificated employee performance determinations, or employment decisions.

(g) If an employee, including an employee who is employed by a charter school, is required by a local educational agency to accept an assignment in a teaching or services position for which the employee has no legal authorization, all of the following shall occur:

(1) (A) After exhausting existing local remedies, an employee of a school district shall notify the superintendent of the school district, and an employee of a charter school shall notify the administrator of the charter school, in writing, of the illegal assignment.

(B) If no action is taken after the notice required pursuant to subparagraph (A), an employee of a school district shall notify the county superintendent of schools, and an employee of a charter school shall notify the chartering authority, in writing, of the illegal assignment.

(2) In the case of an assignment by a school district for which the employee has filed a notice that the employee has no legal authorization, the school district or county superintendent of schools shall advise the employee about the legality of the assignment within 15 working days. In the case of an assignment by a charter school for which the employee has filed a notice that the employee has no legal authorization, the administrator of the charter school or the chartering authority shall advise the employee about the legality of the assignment within 15 working days.

(3) A local educational agency shall not take adverse action against an employee who files a notice of misassignment pursuant to paragraph (1).

(4) Notwithstanding any other law, for purposes of a charter school authorized by the state board, the employee shall file the written notices regarding misassignment described in paragraph (1) with the commission.

(5) During the period of a misassignment, the certificated employee who files a written notice pursuant to subparagraph (B) of paragraph (1) shall be exempt from Section 45034.

(6) If it is determined that a misassignment has occurred, a performance evaluation pursuant to Article 11 (commencing with Section 44660) of Chapter 3 of the certificated employee in the misassignment shall be nullified.

(7) A certificated employee who has not attained permanent status is subject to the protections described in this subdivision and subdivision (f) even if the certificated employee does not provide notice pursuant to paragraph (1).

(h) For the 2019–20 school year, the final data file generated by the system to identify misassignments and vacant positions shall be nonconsequential and shall be provided to the department, local educational agencies, and monitoring authorities by the commission for informational purposes only.

(i) Commencing with the 2020–21 school year, and each school year thereafter, following the 90-day review period provided for monitoring authorities pursuant to subdivision (e), the commission shall do all of the following:

(1) Ensure local educational agencies have access to the results of the system’s process of assignment monitoring to support local continuous improvement efforts.

(2) Publish annual certificated educator assignment data that reflects the level of preparation and licensure of educators serving California pupils. This data shall include comprehensive information on all educator assignments, including those filled by individuals on permits or waivers, intern credentials, and preliminary or clear credentials, and those properly assigned and misassigned, at the schoolsite, local educational agency, county, and state level. The commission may also publish data on educators serving on administrative and pupil services credentials, educator preparation pathways, and educator retention, and whether certificated staff are employed in K–12 education.

(3) Support the department to do all of the following:

(A) Make annual educator assignment, misassignment, and vacant position data generated by the system publicly available in a searchable format on the department’s internet website. Data shall be updated annually and provide comprehensive information on teaching assignment outcomes inclusive of all educator classifications at the schoolsite, school district, and county level.

(B) Ensure that data for charter schools is distinguishable from data for noncharter public schools when made publicly available in a searchable format.

(C) Maintain each year’s data for no less than five years.

(D) Ensure that the publicly available misassignment data reported from the system shall not include any personally identifiable information, including names, social security numbers, home addresses, telephone numbers, or email addresses of individual educators.

(j) The commission may promulgate regulations that define standards for a local educational agency, including a charter school, that consistently misassigns educators and what sanctions, if any, to impose on that local educational agency.

(k) (1) On or before December 1, 2022, the commission shall report to the appropriate policy and fiscal committees of the Legislature on the development of the system, including, but not limited to, all of the following:

(A) The development and current status of the system.

(B) The ability of the system to efficiently produce accurate annual data on teacher misassignments.

(C) Statewide information regarding misassignments, delineated by credential type, assignment, and type of school.

(D) Use of local assignment options, delineated by local assignment option and type of school.

(E) Any recommendations to improve the system and the local assignment monitoring process required by this section.

(F) Identification of any need for further technical assistance for local educational agencies, including chartering authorities, to improve assignment monitoring and reduce the overall rate of misassignment.

(2) Pursuant to Section 10231.5 of the Government Code, the reporting requirement described in paragraph (1) shall be inoperative on December 1, 2026.

(l) This section shall not relieve a local educational agency from compliance with state and federal law regarding teachers of English learners or be construed to alter the definition of “misassignment” for purposes of Section 33126 or the definition of “vacancy” for purposes of Section 35186.

(Amended by Stats. 2024, Ch. 38, Sec. 30. (SB 153) Effective June 29, 2024.)

44258.10.

(a) Notwithstanding paragraph (9) of subdivision (e) of Section 44258.9, for teachers employed by charter schools during the 2019–20 school year, the monitoring authority shall not be required, pursuant to paragraph (9) of subdivision (e) of Section 44258.9, to advise the charter school administrator to correct a misassignment until July 1, 2025.

(b) This section shall become inoperative on July 2, 2025, and, as of January 1, 2026, is repealed.

(Added by Stats. 2019, Ch. 782, Sec. 7. (AB 1219) Effective January 1, 2020. Inoperative July 2, 2025. Repealed as of January 1, 2026, by its own provisions.)

44259.

(a) Except as provided in clauses (i) and (iii) of subparagraph (A) of paragraph (3) of subdivision (b), a program of professional preparation for multiple or single subject teaching credentials shall not include more than two years of full-time study of professional preparation.

(b) The minimum requirements for the preliminary multiple subject, single subject, or education specialist teaching credential are all of the following:

(1) A baccalaureate degree or higher degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education. Except as provided in subdivision (c) of Section 44227, for single subject teaching credentials, the baccalaureate degree shall not be in professional education. The commission shall encourage regionally accredited institutions of higher education to offer undergraduate minors in education and special education to students who intend to become single subject credentialed teachers.

(2) [Reserved]

(3) (A) Satisfactory completion of a program of professional preparation that has been accredited by the Committee on Accreditation on the basis of standards of program quality and effectiveness that have been adopted by the commission. In accordance with the commission’s assessment and performance standards, a program shall include a teaching performance assessment as set forth in Section 44320.2 that is aligned with the California Standards for the Teaching Profession. The commission shall ensure that a candidate recommended for a credential or certificate has demonstrated satisfactory ability to assist pupils to meet or exceed academic content and performance standards for pupils adopted by the state board. Programs that meet this requirement for professional preparation shall include any of the following:

(i) Integrated programs of subject matter preparation and professional preparation pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 44259.1.

(ii) Postbaccalaureate programs of professional preparation, pursuant to subdivision (d) of Section 44259.1.

(iii) Internship programs of professional preparation, pursuant to Section 44321, Article 7.5 (commencing with Section 44325), Article 11 (commencing with Section 44380), and Article 3 (commencing with Section 44450) of Chapter 3.

(iv) Degree programs offered pursuant to Article 5 (commencing with Section 78060) of Chapter 1 of Part 48 of Division 7 of Title 3.

(B) A program of professional preparation pursuant to subparagraph (A) shall provide experience that addresses all of the following:

(i) Health education, including study of nutrition, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and the physiological and sociological effects of the abuse of alcohol, narcotics, and drugs and the use of tobacco. Training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation shall also meet the standards established by the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross.

(ii) Field experience in methods of delivering appropriate educational services to pupils with exceptional needs in regular education programs.

(iii) Advanced computer-based technology, including the uses of technology in educational settings.

(4) Study of effective means of teaching literacy, including, but not limited to, the study of reading as described in subparagraphs (A) and (B), and evidence-based means of teaching foundational reading skills in print concepts, phonological awareness, phonics and word recognition, and fluency to all pupils, including tiered supports for pupils with reading difficulties, English learners, and pupils with exceptional needs. The study of effective means of teaching literacy shall be in accordance with the commission’s standards of program quality and effectiveness and current teaching performance expectations, shall be aligned to the current English Language Arts/English Language Development (ELA/ELD) Framework adopted by the state board, and shall incorporate the program guidelines for dyslexia developed pursuant to Section 56335. The study of reading shall meet the following requirements:

(A) Commencing January 1, 1997, satisfactory completion of comprehensive reading instruction that is research based and includes all of the following:

(i) The study of organized, systematic, explicit skills including phonemic awareness, direct, systematic, explicit phonics, and decoding skills.

(ii) A strong literature, language, and comprehension component with a balance of oral and written language.

(iii) Ongoing diagnostic techniques that inform teaching and assessment.

(iv) Early intervention techniques.

(v) Guided practice in a clinical setting.

(B) For purposes of this section, “direct, systematic, explicit phonics” means phonemic awareness, spelling patterns, the direct instruction of sound/symbol codes and practice in connected text, and the relationship of direct, systematic, explicit phonics to the components set forth in clauses (i) to (v), inclusive, of subparagraph (A).

(C) A program for the multiple subject teaching credential and the education specialist teaching credential also shall include the study of integrated methods of teaching language arts.

(5) (A) Verification of subject matter competence, demonstrated through one of the following methods:

(i) Completion of a subject matter program approved by the commission on the basis of standards of program quality and effectiveness pursuant to Article 6 (commencing with Section 44310).

(ii)  Passage of a subject matter examination pursuant to Article 5 (commencing with Section 44280).

(iii) Successful completion of coursework at one or more regionally accredited institutions of higher education that addresses each of the domains of the subject matter requirements adopted by the commission in the content area of the credential pursuant to Section 44282, as verified by a commission-approved program of professional preparation. Coursework completed at a community or junior college that is regionally accredited by an accrediting agency listed in subparagraph (A) of paragraph (1) of subdivision (g) of Section 44203 or by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges may count for purposes of this clause.

(iv) Successful completion of a baccalaureate or higher degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education with the following, as applicable:

(I) For single subject credentials, a major in one of the subject areas in which the commission credentials candidates.

(II) For multiple subject credentials, a liberal studies major or other degree that includes coursework in the content areas pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 44282.

(III) For education specialist credentials, either a major in one of the subject areas in which the commission credentials candidates or a liberal studies or other major that includes coursework in the content areas pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 44282.

(v) Demonstration that the candidate, through a combination of the methods described in clauses (i), (ii), and (iii) in whole or in part, has met or exceeded each of the domains of the subject matter requirements adopted by the commission in the content area of the credential pursuant to Section 44282 for multiple and single subject credentials, or pursuant to Section 44265 for education specialist credentials.

(B) (i) The commission shall ensure that subject matter standards and examinations are aligned with the academic content and performance standards for pupils adopted by the state board.

(ii) The commission shall maintain the subject matter domains that include both broad content areas to support coursework review pursuant to clause (iii) of subparagraph (A) and specific content elements to delineate subject matter examination specifications pursuant to clause (ii) of subparagraph (A) and Article 5 (commencing with Section 44280).

(6) Demonstration of a knowledge of the principles and provisions of the Constitution of the United States pursuant to Section 44335.

(7) Demonstration, in accordance with the commission’s standards of program quality and effectiveness, of basic competency in the use of computers in the classroom as determined by one of the following:

(A) Successful completion of a commission-approved program or course.

(B) Successful passage of an assessment that is developed, approved, and administered by the commission.

(c) The minimum requirements for the clear multiple or single subject teaching credential shall include all of the following requirements:

(1) Possession of a valid preliminary teaching credential, as prescribed in subdivision (b), possession of a valid equivalent credential or certificate, or completion of equivalent requirements as determined by the commission.

(2) Except as provided in paragraph (3), completion of a program of beginning teacher induction, including either of the following:

(A) A program of beginning teacher induction that is provided by one or more local educational agencies and has been approved by the commission on the basis of initial review and periodic evaluations of the program in relation to appropriate standards of credential program quality and effectiveness that have been adopted by the commission pursuant to this subdivision. The program standards shall encourage innovation and experimentation in the continuous preparation and induction of beginning teachers.

(B) A program of beginning teacher induction that is sponsored by a regionally accredited institution of higher education in cooperation with one or more local school districts, that addresses the individual professional needs of beginning teachers and meets the commission’s standards of induction. The commission shall ensure that preparation and induction programs that qualify candidates for professional credentials extend and refine each beginning teacher’s professional skills in relation to the California Standards for the Teaching Profession and the academic content and performance standards for pupils adopted by the state board.

(3) (A) If a candidate satisfies the requirements of subdivision (b) through completion of an accredited internship program of professional preparation, and if that internship program fulfills induction standards and is approved as set forth in this subdivision, the commission shall determine that the candidate has fulfilled the requirements of paragraph (2).

(B) If an approved induction program is verified as unavailable to a beginning teacher, the commission shall accept completion of an approved clear credential program after completion of a baccalaureate degree at a regionally accredited institution of higher education as fulfilling the requirements of paragraph (2). The commission shall adopt regulations to implement this subparagraph.

(d) The commission shall develop and implement standards of program quality and effectiveness that provide for the areas of application listed in clauses (i) to (iii), inclusive, of subparagraph (B) of paragraph (3) of subdivision (b), starting in professional preparation and continuing through induction.

(e) A credential that was issued before January 1, 1993, shall remain in force as long as it is valid under the laws and regulations that were in effect on the date it was issued. The commission shall not, by regulation, invalidate an otherwise valid credential, unless it issues to the holder of the credential, in substitution, a new credential authorized by another provision in this chapter that is no more restrictive than the credential for which it was substituted with respect to the kind of service authorized and the grades, classes, or types of schools in which it authorizes service.

(f) A credential program that is approved by the commission shall not deny an individual access to that program solely on the grounds that the individual obtained a teaching credential through completion of an internship program when that internship program has been accredited by the commission.

(g) Notwithstanding this section, persons who were performing teaching services as of January 1, 1999, pursuant to the language of this section that was in effect before that date, may continue to perform those services without complying with any requirements that may be added by the amendments adding this subdivision.

(h) Paragraph (4) of subdivision (b) does not apply to any person who, as of January 1, 1997, holds a multiple or single subject teaching credential, or to any person enrolled in a program of professional preparation for a multiple or single subject teaching credential as of January 1, 1997, who subsequently completes that program. It is the intent of the Legislature that the requirements of paragraph (4) of subdivision (b) apply only to persons who enter a program of professional preparation on or after January 1, 1997.

(Amended by Stats. 2024, Ch. 38, Sec. 31. (SB 153) Effective June 29, 2024.)

44259.1.

(a) (1) An integrated program of professional preparation shall enable candidates for teaching credentials to engage in professional preparation, concurrently with subject matter preparation, while completing baccalaureate degrees at regionally accredited institutions of higher education. An integrated program shall provide opportunities for candidates to complete intensive field experiences, including student teaching, in public schools maintaining prekindergarten, kindergarten, or any of grades 1 to 12, inclusive, early in the undergraduate sequence. The development and implementation of an integrated program shall be based on intensive collaboration among subject matter departments and education units within regionally accredited institutions of higher education and local public elementary and secondary school districts.

(2) A regionally accredited institution of higher education may offer a four-year or five-year integrated program of professional preparation that allows a student to earn a baccalaureate degree and a preliminary multiple or single subject teaching credential, early childhood specialist credential, or an education specialist instruction credential authorizing the holder to teach special education, including student teaching requirements, concurrently and within four or five years of study.

(3) The commission shall encourage regionally accredited institutions of higher education to offer integrated programs of professional preparation that follow the guidelines developed pursuant to this section. In approving integrated programs, the commission shall not compromise or reduce its standards of subject matter preparation pursuant to Article 6 (commencing with Section 44310) or its standards of professional preparation pursuant to paragraph (3) of subdivision (b) of Section 44259.

(4) The commission shall, as part of its accreditation process, collect information about integrated programs of professional preparation, including which regionally accredited institutions of higher education offer integrated programs of professional preparation and the number and type of credentials the programs produce.

(b) (1) Commencing with the 2005–06 school year, an integrated program offered by the California State University shall be designed to concurrently lead to a preliminary multiple subject or single subject teaching credential, early childhood specialist credential, or an education specialist instruction credential authorizing the holder to teach special education, and a baccalaureate degree. Recommendation for each shall be contingent upon satisfactory completion of the requirements for each.

(2) By July 1, 2004, the Chancellor of the California State University, in consultation with California State University faculty members, shall develop a framework defining appropriate balance for an integrated program of general education, subject matter preparation, and professional education courses, for both lower division and upper division students, including an appropriate range of units to be taken in professional education courses. In developing the framework, the Chancellor of the California State University and California State University faculty members shall consult with the Academic Senate for California Community Colleges on matters related to the effective and efficient use of, and appropriate role for, lower division coursework in an integrated program.

(c) (1) By January 1, 2005, the Chancellor of the California State University and the Chancellor of the California Community Colleges shall collaboratively ensure that both of the following occur:

(A) Lower division coursework completed by a community college student transferring to a California State University integrated program is articulated with the corresponding coursework of the California State University.

(B) The articulated community college lower division coursework is accepted as the equivalent to the coursework offered to students who enter that integrated program as freshman students.

(2) Commencing with the 2005–06 school year, each campus of the California State University shall invite the community colleges in its region that send significant numbers of transfer students to that campus to enter into articulation agreements. These articulation agreements shall be based on a fully transferable education curriculum that is developed pursuant to the framework developed under paragraph (2) of subdivision (b). Approval of one or more of the articulation agreements shall enable the coursework of a community college student to be accepted as the equivalent to the coursework offered to students who enter that integrated program as freshman students.

(d) A postbaccalaureate program of professional preparation may only be offered by a regionally accredited institution of higher education. These programs shall enable candidates for teaching credentials to commence and complete professional preparation after they have completed baccalaureate degrees at regionally accredited institutions of higher education. The development and implementation of a postbaccalaureate program of professional preparation shall be based on intensive collaboration among the regionally accredited institutions of higher education and local public elementary and secondary school districts.

(e) (1) (A) The commission shall develop and implement a program to award, on a competitive basis, planning grants of up to two hundred fifty thousand dollars ($250,000) each to regionally accredited institutions of higher education for the development of plans to guide the creation of four-year integrated programs of professional preparation, including student teaching, that lead to more credentialed teachers to teach, with an emphasis on the shortage fields identified in clause (i) of subparagraph (C) of paragraph (2).

(B) A regionally accredited institution of higher education awarded a planning grant under this paragraph may use the grant funds to create a new four-year integrated program of professional preparation or to adapt an existing integrated program of professional preparation to a four-year integrated program of professional preparation.

(C) A regionally accredited institution of higher education awarded a planning grant under this paragraph may use grant funds for any proper purpose in support of planning for a four-year integrated program of professional preparation, including, but not limited to, any of the following:

(i) To provide faculty release time to redesign existing courses.

(ii) To provide stipends for program coordinators to assist in collaboration with subject-matter professors and pedagogy professors.

(iii) To create summer courses for students in a four-year integrated program of professional preparation.

(iv) To recruit individuals for participation as students in four-year integrated programs of professional preparation.

(2) (A) The commission shall develop and implement a program to award, on a competitive basis, implementation or expansion grants of up to five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000) each to regionally accredited institutions of higher education for any of the following purposes:

(i) Developing a new integrated program of professional preparation as specified in subparagraph (C).

(ii) Establishing a new partnership with California community colleges to create four-year integrated programs of professional preparation.

(B) The commission shall conduct outreach to eligible institutions to encourage applications to develop programs in the shortage areas identified in clause (i) of subparagraph (C), and support institutions that need assistance in developing programs in these shortage areas that meet the commission’s criteria.

(C) The commission shall award one-time grants pursuant to subparagraph (A) for proposals to establish new integrated programs of professional preparation that support either of the following:

(i) Producing teachers in the designated shortage fields of special education, bilingual education, science, health, computer science, technology, engineering, mathematics, transitional kindergarten, or kindergarten.

(ii) Partnering with a California community college to create a four-year integrated program of professional preparation.

(D) A regionally accredited institution of higher education awarded a grant under this paragraph may use the grant funds to create a new four-year integrated program of professional preparation or to adapt an existing integrated program of professional preparation to a four-year integrated program of professional preparation.

(E) A regionally accredited institution of higher education awarded a grant under this paragraph may use grant funds for any proper purpose in support of implementation or expansion of a four-year integrated program of professional preparation, including, but not limited to, any of the following:

(i) To provide faculty release time to redesign existing courses.

(ii) To provide stipends for program coordinators to assist in collaboration with subject-matter professors and pedagogy professors.

(iii) To create summer courses for students in a four-year integrated program of professional preparation.

(iv) To recruit individuals for participation as students in four-year integrated programs of professional preparation.

(F) As a condition of the receipt of an implementation or expansion grant, a regionally accredited institution of higher education shall provide to the commission program and outcome data for at least five years after receiving the grant. The information shall include program design and features, the number of graduates, the number and type of credentials earned, the time taken to earn a degree and credential, and any other information the commission may require for purposes of documenting the effect of the grant and identifying effective practices in program design and implementation.

(3) The commission shall require applicants for planning grants under paragraph (1) and for implementation or expansion grants under paragraph (2) to provide assurances of all of the following:

(A) A commitment to implement a planned integrated program of professional preparation.

(B) A plan for recruitment and retention of candidates for educator shortage areas in subjects identified in clause (i) of subparagraph (C) of paragraph (2) in teacher preparation programs, including integrated programs of professional preparation.

(C) Coordination with existing sources of candidate support, such as the Golden State Teacher Grant Program established pursuant to Article 5.1 (commencing with Section 69617) of Chapter 2 of Part 42 of Division 5 of Title 3, and other forms of financial aid.

(D) Demonstrated commitment to expand enrollment in, and access to, teacher preparation programs, including enrollment in programs of integrated professional preparation.

(4) A regionally accredited institution of higher education that previously received a planning grant or an implementation or expansion grant may apply for a new grant, if the institution reports on the implementation timeline and status of the program established with the grant funding previously received and proposes any of the following:

(A) Expansion of integrated program capacity.

(B) New integrated programs in other credentialing fields.

(C) New California community college partnerships.

(5) The commission may use up to two hundred fifty thousand dollars ($250,000) of moneys appropriated for purposes of this subdivision to administer the grants described in paragraphs (1) and (2), pursuant to Department of Finance approval.

(6) The commission shall annually report to the appropriate fiscal and policy committees of the Legislature on any grants funded pursuant to this subdivision until funds are fully expended. In addition to the data required to be reported to the commission in subparagraph (F) of paragraph (2), the report shall also include data on the progress of community college partnerships and institutions relative to the assurances made pursuant to paragraph (3).

(7) The requirements of this subdivision are contingent upon the appropriation of funds for purposes of this subdivision in the annual Budget Act or another statute.

(Amended by Stats. 2022, Ch. 52, Sec. 50. (AB 181) Effective June 30, 2022.)

44259.2.

(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, including, but not limited to, paragraph (3) of subdivision (b) of Section 44259, the commission shall waive the requirements for completion of a program of professional preparation for any individual with a minimum of six years of full-time teaching experience in an accredited private school, as determined by the commission, in the subject and level of the credential sought, who complies with all of the following:

(1) The individual submits evidence of two years of rigorous performance evaluations while teaching in an accredited private school, based on criteria determined by the commission, on which the applicant received ratings of satisfactory or better.

(2) The individual meets the California requirements for teacher fitness pursuant to Sections 44339, 44340, and 44341.

(3) The individual satisfies the requirement for preparation in the instruction of pupils who are English language learners in accordance with paragraph (4) of subdivision (b) of Section 44259 and subdivisions (a) and (c) of Section 44259.5.

(b) Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, including, but not limited to, paragraph (3) of subdivision (b) of Section 44259, the commission shall waive the requirements for completion of the professional field experience component of a program of professional preparation for any individual with a minimum of three years of full-time teaching experience in an accredited private school, as determined by the commission, in the subject and level of the credential sought, who complies with all of the following:

(1) The individual submits evidence of two years of rigorous performance evaluations while teaching in an accredited private school, based on criteria determined by the commission, on which the applicant received ratings of satisfactory or better.

(2) The individual meets the California requirements for teacher fitness pursuant to Sections 44339, 44340, and 44341.

(Amended by Stats. 2006, Ch. 517, Sec. 9. Effective January 1, 2007.)

44259.3.

The commission shall review the minimum requirements set forth in Section 44259 for the preliminary and professional multiple subject teaching credential and shall recommend their revision as necessary, during the normal revision cycles, to ensure that teachers of the elementary grades receive training related to, and have knowledge of, developmentally appropriate teaching methods for pupils in kindergarten and grades 1 to 3, inclusive, who may be of the same grade level but of vastly different developmental levels. As part of its review, the commission shall ensure that the requirements link academic theory regarding child development to instructional methods designed for use in classrooms of young pupils of varying developmental levels. These instructional methods should be designed to ensure success and progress by all pupils and should especially help teachers ensure that children who enter school less prepared or with fewer skills than their classmates meet the expected performance standards for that grade by the end of the instructional year. At the conclusion of its review, the commission shall report to the Legislature on its recommended revisions, on or before January 1, 2001.

(Amended by Stats. 1999, Ch. 83, Sec. 30. Effective January 1, 2000.)

44259.5.

(a) By July 1, 2002, the commission shall ensure that an accredited program of professional preparation offered pursuant to paragraph (3) of subdivision (b) of Section 44259 satisfies standards established by the commission for the preparation of teachers for all pupils, including English language learners. The standards shall be based upon an independent job analysis of the essential knowledge, skills, and abilities needed by all classroom teachers to develop English language skills while maintaining academic progress across the curriculum and shall take into account existing standards and test specifications for the Crosscultural, Language and Academic Development certificate. The commission shall ensure that the standards established pursuant to this subdivision are aligned with the requirements of subparagraph (A) of paragraph (4) of subdivision (b) of Section 44259 and Section 60200.4.

(b) To maintain current statutory options for teachers in completing credential requirements, the commission shall provide candidates, including candidates prepared in other states, with an examination route to fulfilling the requirements pursuant to subdivision (a) for essential preparation to teach English language learners. The commission shall provide for a comprehensive validity study of the examination before implementing this section.

(c) Commencing July 1, 2003, the commission may not issue a preliminary teaching credential to an applicant pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 44259 unless the applicant has satisfied the standards and requirements established pursuant to subdivision (a) or has an authorization to provide services to English language learners issued pursuant to Section 44253, 44253.1, 44253.2, 44253.3, 44253.4, or 44253.10.

(d) Commencing July 1, 2003, an approved program of beginning teacher induction offered pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (c) of Section 44259 shall satisfy standards established by the commission and the Superintendent of Public Instruction for beginning teacher induction for teachers for all pupils, including English language learners. The commission and the superintendent shall incorporate in these standards the essential knowledge, skills, and abilities needed for first-year and second-year certificated teachers to apply effective instructional strategies that assist pupils to develop English language proficiency while maintaining academic progress across the curriculum. The standards shall be based upon the independent job analysis of the essential knowledge, skills, and abilities for all classroom teachers conducted pursuant to subdivision (a).

(e) Commencing July 1, 2005, the commission may not initially issue a professional clear teaching credential to an applicant pursuant to subdivision (c) of Section 44259 unless the applicant has satisfied the standards and requirements established pursuant to subdivision (d) or has an authorization to provide services to English language learners issued pursuant to Section 44253, 44253.1, 44253.2, 44253.3, 44253.4, or 44253.10.

(f) No provision of this section applies to the University of California except to the extent that the Regents of the University of California, by appropriate resolution, make that provision applicable.

(g) A candidate for a teaching credential pursuant to Section 44259 is entitled to earn and receive the credential by fulfilling the standards and requirements for the credential that were in effect when the candidate entered accredited preparation or approved induction for the credential.

(h) By July 1, 2001, the commission shall report to the education policy committees in each house of the Legislature on the new standards it is required to develop pursuant to subdivision (a) and the progress of the implementation of the new standards by accredited programs of professional preparation.

(i) By July 1, 2002, the commission shall report to the education policy committees in each house of the Legislature on the outcomes and recommendations for the implementation of the validity study required pursuant to subdivision (b).

(Amended by Stats. 2001, Ch. 745, Sec. 18. Effective October 12, 2001.)

44259.6.

By September 1, 2022, the commission shall ensure that its standards of program quality and effectiveness for the preparation of candidates for the preliminary multiple subject credential, the preliminary single subject English language arts credential, and the preliminary education specialist credential, and the teaching performance expectations for the preliminary multiple subject credential, the preliminary single subject English language arts credential, and the preliminary education specialist credential, include and specify all of the requirements in subparagraphs (A) and (B) of paragraph (4) of subdivision (b) of Section 44259.

(Added by Stats. 2021, Ch. 678, Sec. 4. (SB 488) Effective January 1, 2022.)

44259.7.

By September 1, 2024, the commission shall ensure that, in addition to the requirements of Section 44259.6, its standards of program quality and effectiveness for the preparation of candidates for the preliminary multiple subject credential, the preliminary single subject English language arts credential, and the preliminary education specialist credential, and the teaching performance expectations for the preliminary multiple subject credential, the preliminary single subject English language arts credential, and the preliminary education specialist credential, include all of the requirements of paragraph (4) of subdivision (b) of Section 44259, including those added by the act that added this section.

(Added by Stats. 2021, Ch. 678, Sec. 5. (SB 488) Effective January 1, 2022.)

44260.

The minimum requirements for the three-year preliminary designated subjects career technical education teaching credential shall be all of the following:

(a) Three years or the equivalent of adequate, successful, and recent experience in, or experience and education in, the subject named on the credential.

(b) Possession of a high school diploma or the passage of an equivalency examination as designated by the commission.

(c) Satisfaction of the requirements for teacher fitness pursuant to Sections 44339, 44340, and 44341.

(d) Notwithstanding subdivision (a), the holder of a credential described in this section shall satisfy the minimum experience requirements established by the local educational agency for each course he or she is assigned to teach.

(Amended by Stats. 2008, Ch. 576, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 2009.)

44260.1.

The minimum requirements for the five-year clear designated subjects career technical education teaching credential shall be all of the following:

(a) A valid three-year preliminary designated subjects career technical education teaching credential.

(b) Two years of successful teaching, or the equivalent, as authorized by the preliminary designated subjects career technical education teaching credential.

(c) Completion of a program of personalized preparation as approved by the commission. It is the intent of the Legislature that the program of personalized preparation be consistent with whether the credentialholder performs full- or part-time service.

(d) The study of health education as specified in paragraph (3) of subdivision (b) of Section 44259.

(e) Completion of two semester units or passage of an examination on the principles and provisions of the United States Constitution, as specified in Section 44335.

(f) The study of computer-based technology, including the uses of technology in educational settings.

(g) Notwithstanding subdivision (b), the holder of a credential described in this section shall satisfy the minimum experience requirements established by the local educational agency for each course the credentialholder is assigned to teach.

(Amended by Stats. 2019, Ch. 427, Sec. 6. (AB 525) Effective January 1, 2020.)

44260.2.

The minimum requirements for the three-year preliminary designated subjects adult education teaching credential shall be all of the following:

(a) For nonacademic subjects:

(1) Three years of adequate, successful, and recent experience in, or a combination of experience and education in, the nonacademic subject to be named on the credential.

(2) Possession of a high school diploma or the passage of an equivalency examination as designated by the commission.

(b) For academic subjects, a baccalaureate or higher degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education that includes a minimum of 20 semester units, or the equivalent quarter units, of coursework in the subject to be named on the credential.

(c) Satisfaction of the requirements for teacher fitness pursuant to Sections 44339, 44340, and 44341.

(Amended by Stats. 2024, Ch. 38, Sec. 32. (SB 153) Effective June 29, 2024.)

44260.3.

The minimum requirements for the five-year clear designated subjects adult education teaching credential shall be all of the following:

(a) A valid three-year preliminary designated subjects adult education teaching credential.

(b) Two years of successful teaching, or the equivalent, as authorized by the preliminary designated subjects adult education teaching credential.

(c) A program of personalized preparation as approved by the commission.

(d) The study of health education as specified in paragraph (3) of subdivision (b) of Section 44259.

(e) Completion of two semester units or passage of an examination on the principles and provisions of the United States Constitution, as specified in Section 44335.

(f) The study of computer-based technology, including the uses of technology in educational settings.

(Amended by Stats. 2019, Ch. 427, Sec. 7. (AB 525) Effective January 1, 2020.)

44260.4.

The minimum requirements for the designated subjects special subjects teaching credential shall be appropriate to the special subject named on the credential, in accordance with the requirements established by the commission. Special subjects instruction may include, but shall not be limited to, driver education and training.

(Added by Stats. 1982, Ch. 1361, Sec. 7.)

44260.5.

The commission shall establish minimum requirements for the issuance and renewal of the designated subjects teaching credentials for part-time service. Designated subjects teaching credentials issued for part-time service shall not authorize service for more than one-half of a full-time teaching assignment.

(Added by Stats. 1982, Ch. 1361, Sec. 8.)

44260.6.

The minimum requirements for the designated subjects supervision and coordination credential shall include all of the following:

(a) Possession of a designated subjects teaching credential, other than for part-time service.

(b) Three years of full-time teaching experience in the subject named on the designated subjects teaching credential.

(c) Completion of a commission-approved personalized preservice program in supervision and coordination.

(d) The designated subjects supervision and coordination credential shall authorize the holder to supervise and coordinate designated subjects classes and programs.

(Added by Stats. 1982, Ch. 1361, Sec. 9.)

44260.7.

The commission may develop alternative routes to the subject matter coursework requirements for the preliminary designated subjects credential in driver education and training, including approved staff development programs offered by school districts and county offices of education, if the alternative routes meet standards established by the commission.

(Added by Stats. 1995, Ch. 447, Sec. 1. Effective January 1, 1996.)

44260.9.

(a) The commission shall establish a list of authorized subjects for the designated subjects preliminary career technical education teaching credential issued pursuant to Section 44260. The list shall reflect the 15 industry sectors identified in the California career technical education model curriculum standards adopted by the state board. The commission also shall ensure that each designated subjects professional clear credential issued is consistent with the list of authorized subjects used for the preliminary credential. The commission shall implement the authorized subjects list by September 30, 2007.

(b) (1) The commission shall convene an advisory committee to review credential requirements for designated subjects career technical education teaching credentials and make recommendations for consolidating requirements for full-time and part-time service. It is the intent of the Legislature that the commission focus on streamlining the credential structure by identifying the essential skills needed for successful career technical instruction.

(2) By April 1, 2008, the commission shall make recommendations to the Legislature on the minimum requirements for designated subjects career technical education teaching credentials.

(Added by Stats. 2007, Ch. 520, Sec. 3. Effective October 12, 2007.)

44261.

The minimum requirements for the multiple or single subject teaching credential with a designated emphasis shall be as specified in Section 44259.

(Repealed and added by Stats. 1992, Ch. 1245, Sec. 6. Effective January 1, 1993.)

44261.2.

(a) The Legislature finds and declares the following:

(1) The role of parents and guardians in the education of pupils and the development of children and youth is critically important.

(2) Active partnerships among parents, guardians, and professional educators are essential features of effective education.

(3) (A) Recent and anticipated changes in the conditions of childhood and adolescence, including, but not limited to, the changing family structure and ethnic and cultural diversity, make it more critical than before that partnerships among parents, guardians, and professional educators be effective.

(B) It is the intent of the Legislature that prospective teachers and certificated educators acquire needed perspectives to serve as active partners with parents and guardians in the education of pupils.

(b) The commission shall adopt standards and requirements pursuant to paragraphs (3) and (4) of subdivision (b) of Section 44259, Section 44265, Sections 44266 to 44270.1, inclusive, and Section 44372 that emphasize the preparation of prospective teachers and other certificated educators to serve as active partners with parents and guardians in the education of pupils. The standards shall address, through appropriate instruction and field experiences, the roles of parents and guardians in the educational process, strategies for involving and working with parents and guardians, and the changing conditions of childhood and adolescence, including, but not limited to, the changing family structure and ethnic and cultural diversity.

(c) An institution meets the standards set forth in subdivision (b) with the incorporation of appropriate content within existing professional preparation courses.

(d) The implementation of subdivision (b) as it applies to paragraphs (3) and (4) of Section 44259 shall occur in conjunction with the review of requirements for earning and renewing multiple and single subject teaching credentials, as required by subdivisions (a) and (b) of Section 44259.2.

(e) The standards and requirements developed pursuant to subdivision (b) and the conditions described in subdivision (d) of this section shall not apply to any person holding a valid credential on December 31, 1993.

(f) The commission shall not, by regulation, revoke or restrict in any way a credential that was valid before the effective date of this section unless the commission issues the holder of the credential a valid substitute credential. The authorization of the substitute credential shall not be more restrictive than that of the former credential. The definition of the term “authorization,” in subdivision (a) of Section 44203, applies to this subdivision.

(Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 663, Sec. 15. (AB 320) Effective January 1, 2022.)

44262.

Upon the recommendation of the governing board of a school district, the commission may issue an eminence credential to any person who has achieved eminence in a field of endeavor taught or service practiced in the public schools of California. This credential shall authorize teaching or the performance of services in the public schools in the subject or subject area or service and at the level or levels approved by the commission as designated on the credential.

Each credential so issued shall be issued initially for a two-year period and may be renewed for a three-year period by the commission upon the request of the governing board of the school district. Upon completion of the three-year renewal period, the holder of an eminence credential shall be eligible upon application for a professional clear teaching credential.

(Amended by Stats. 1996, Ch. 1067, Sec. 7. Effective January 1, 1997.)

44262.5.

(a) Upon recommendation of the tribal government of a federally recognized Indian tribe in California, the commission shall issue an American Indian language-culture credential to a candidate who has met the following requirements:

(1) (A) For the American Indian language authorization, demonstrated fluency in that tribe’s language based on an assessment developed and administered by that federally recognized Indian tribe pursuant to subdivision (e).

(B) For the American Indian culture authorization, demonstrated knowledge in that tribe’s culture based on an assessment developed and administered by that federally recognized Indian tribe pursuant to subdivision (e).

(C) Candidates meeting the requirements of both subparagraphs (A) and (B) shall be granted both the American Indian language and the American Indian culture authorizations.

(2) Successfully completed a criminal background check conducted under Sections 44339, 44340, and 44341 for credentialing purposes.

(3) Submitted an application, fee, and recommendation for the credential to the commission through the federally recognized Indian tribe.

(b) The American Indian language-culture credential shall authorize the holder to teach the American Indian language, or culture, or both, for which the credential was issued in California public schools in preschool, kindergarten, grades 1 to 12, inclusive, and in adult education courses.

(c) The holder of an American Indian language-culture credential who does not also have a valid teaching credential issued by the State of California shall not teach in a public school, including a charter school, any subject other than the American Indian language, or culture, or both, for which he or she is credentialed.

(d) Each American Indian language-culture credential shall be issued initially for a two-year period and may be renewed for a three-year period upon recommendation of the tribal government. Upon completion of the three-year period, the holder of an American Indian language-culture credential shall be eligible for a clear teaching credential for that language upon application and the recommendation of the tribal government, in consultation with the applicant’s public school employer.

(e) (1) Each federally recognized American Indian tribe is encouraged to develop a written and oral assessment that should be successfully completed before an applicant is recommended for an American Indian language-culture credential.

(2) In developing the language assessment, an Indian tribe should determine all of the following:

(A) Which dialects of the tribal language will be included in the assessment.

(B) Whether the Indian tribe will standardize its writing system.

(C) The standard of knowledge and fluency required to qualify for an American Indian language authorization in that tribal language.

(D) Standards for effective teaching methods to be evaluated in the classroom.

(3) In developing the culture assessment, an Indian tribe should determine all of the following:

(A) The candidate’s understanding of the tribe’s culture and its practices, including, but not limited to, ceremonies and traditions, social institutions and relationships, holidays and festivals, health practices and traditions, patterns of work and leisure, and culinary traditions and practices.

(B) The standard of knowledge required to qualify for an American Indian culture authorization in that tribal culture.

(C) Standards for effective teaching methods to be evaluated in the classroom.

(4) The assessment should be administered at an appropriate location that does not create hardship for members of the Indian tribe administering the assessment.

(f) Upon agreement by the tribe, a tribe recommending a candidate for an American Indian language-culture credential shall develop and administer a technical assistance program guided by the California Standards for the Teaching Profession. To the extent feasible, the program shall be offered by teachers credentialed in an American Indian language, or culture, or both, who have three or more years of teaching experience. The technical assistance program may consist of direct classroom observation and consultation, assistance in instructional planning and preparation, support in implementation and delivery of classroom instruction, and other assistance intended to enhance the professional performance and development of the teacher of an American Indian language, or culture, or both.

(g) Public school personnel responsible for evaluating teachers, in accordance with local governing board policy, shall provide individuals employed to teach on the basis of the American Indian language-culture credential with information on the teaching personnel evaluation process and the California Standards for the Teaching Profession.

(h) For a candidate who has already received an American Indian languages credential before the effective date of this section, the tribe that recommended the candidate for the American Indian languages credential shall determine if the candidate may add the American Indian culture authorization to the preexisting languages credential, or if the candidate must reapply for the American Indian culture authorization as a new initial credential pursuant to subdivision (a).

(Amended by Stats. 2015, Ch. 64, Sec. 1. (AB 163) Effective January 1, 2016.)

44263.

A teacher licensed pursuant to the provisions of this article may be assigned, with his or her consent, to teach a single subject class in which he or she has 18 semester hours of coursework or nine semester hours of upper division or graduate coursework or a multiple subject class if he or she holds at least 60 semester hours equally distributed among the 10 areas of a diversified major set forth in Section 44314. A three-semester-unit variance in any of the required 10 areas may be allowed. The governing board of the school district by resolution shall provide specific authorization for the assignment. The authorization of the governing board shall remain valid for one year and may be renewed annually.

(Amended by Stats. 2009, Ch. 53, Sec. 5. (SB 512) Effective January 1, 2010.)

44264.

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a person holding a credential issued under the laws and regulations in effect on or before December 31, 1971, authorizing teaching in grades 7 to 12, inclusive, or grades 7 to 9, inclusive, in the secondary schools may be assigned, with his or her consent, to teach any subject authorized on his or her credential in grades 5 and 6 or grade 5 or grade 6 in a departmentalized program in a school composed of grades 5, 6, 7, and 8 or grades 6, 7, and 8.

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a person holding a credential issued under the laws and regulations in effect on or before December 31, 1971, authorizing administration in grades 7 to 12, inclusive, in the secondary schools may be assigned, with his or her consent, to provide administration for grades 5 and 6 or grade 6, in a school composed of grades 5, 6, 7, and 8 or grades 6, 7, and 8.

(Amended by Stats. 1986, Ch. 171, Sec. 2.)

44265.

(a) Credentials for teaching specialties, including, but not limited to, bilingual education, early childhood education, and special education, shall be based upon a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education, completion of a program of professional preparation, and any other standards which the commission may establish.

(b) In adopting the necessary rules and regulations establishing the requirements for the preparation of special education specialties, the commission shall ensure that teachers have sufficient knowledge of subject matter that is the core of the California public school curriculum and experience with nonspecial education pupils to the extent deemed appropriate by the commission.

(c) All administrative regulations governing special education specialists credentials that were in effect on December 31, 1989, shall continue to be operative until the commission amends or repeals those regulations to implement this section.

(Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 663, Sec. 16. (AB 320) Effective January 1, 2022.)

44265.2.

(a) A program sponsor may offer comparability and equivalency to a special education credentialholder seeking to add a special education authorization to his or her credential. The following are guidelines for offering comparability and equivalency, subject to criteria and guidelines issued by the commission:

(1) Decisions regarding comparability are at the discretion of the program sponsor.

(2) A program sponsor has a broad range of possible data that may be considered as evidence for comparability.

(3) For a candidate simultaneously pursuing a degree in addition to earning a credential, a program sponsor may use its own institutional process and procedure for course credit evaluations.

(b) Evidence used to verify competency may include the following, subject to criteria and guidelines issued by the commission:

(1) Examination results.

(2) A portfolio.

(3) A performance narrative.

(4) Field experience.

(5) Video.

(6) Transcripts.

(7) Prior learning assessment.

(8) A review board process.

(c) A program sponsor may use the following to evaluate evidence for comparability presented by a candidate, subject to criteria and guidelines issued by the commission:

(1) Whether the information is based on current, adopted California credential standards, as appropriate to the authorization sought.

(2) Whether a written agreement between the candidate and program sponsor is evidence based, as appropriate to the authorization sought.

(3) Whether the information is aligned with the California Standards for the Teaching Profession.

(d) Flexible enrollment may be considered for a candidate who needs minimal work to complete a credential program. A program sponsor may explore alternatives for candidate enrollment in the program, including, but not limited to, visitor status, concurrent enrollment, open university, county or district programs, university extension programs, and professional development activities.

(e) A program sponsor may take advantage of frequent collaborations to formalize a written agreement concerning comparability of coursework or fieldwork. The agreement may be created to meet the needs of the individual program or the individual candidate.

(f) A candidate may be granted recognition and credit for his or her life and learning experience through a prior learning assessment in which the candidate has the opportunity to demonstrate how his or her experience and learning are comparable to the commission program standard.

(g) For purposes of this section, the following definitions apply:

(1) “Equivalency” means the determination, through an evaluation process, that a set of knowledge, skills, and abilities required by a commission program standard has been met through coursework, fieldwork, or prior learning experience.

(2) “Comparability” means the determination that a candidate has demonstrated the essence of a set of knowledge, skills, and abilities required by a commission program standard through another route.

(3) “Prior learning assessment” means a process through which a person develops a portfolio of life experiences, training, or preparation experience that establishes the basis for meeting the commission program standard.

(4) “Program sponsor” means a university-based or local educational agency-based program approved by the commission.

(Added by Stats. 2013, Ch. 717, Sec. 1. (SB 368) Effective January 1, 2014.)

44265.3.

(a) Commencing January 1, 2007, the Commission on Teacher Credentialing shall issue the following credentials:

(1) A preliminary credential in speech-language pathology, to an individual who has been recommended by a commission-accredited program sponsor and who holds or has been recommended for a master’s degree in speech-language pathology from a program accredited by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association’s Council on Academic Accreditation. The preliminary credential shall be valid for a period of two years.

(2) A professional clear credential in speech-language pathology to an individual who satisfies all of the following criteria:

(A) The individual holds a master’s degree in speech-language pathology from a program accredited by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association’s Council on Academic Accreditation, or an equivalent degree or academic program, as determined by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.

(B) The individual has achieved a passing score, as determined by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association’s certification requirements on the Educational Testing Service’s national teachers’ Praxis series written test in speech-language pathology or a successor exam.

(C) The individual has completed a mentored practical experience period, in the form of a 36-week, full-time mentored clinical experience, or an equivalent supervised practicum, as deemed by the commission.

(D) The individual satisfies other typical commission credentialing processing requirements, including, but not limited to, forms, fees, and fingerprint clearances.

(b) It is the intent of the Legislature in enacting this section to align the state credentialing requirements for personnel standards for California speech-language pathologists with standards for Medi-Cal local educational agency reimbursement, in order to ensure continued funding for the Local Education Agency (LEA) Medi-Cal Billing Option Program.

(c) A credential issued by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing on or before January 1, 2007, authorizing speech, language, and hearing services, shall continue to be valid, subject to commission renewal requirements.

(d) Upon renewal of a credential initially issued on or before January 1, 2007, the credentialholder shall have the option of renewing the credential under the standards applicable prior to January 1, 2007, or to update the credential to satisfy the requirements of subdivision (a). At any time after January 1, 2007, the credentialholder may update his or her credential, upon submission of an application and fee, and verification of requirements met in accordance with subdivision (a).

(e) To the extent allowable, as determined by the federal government, services provided by an individual with a credential for speech-language pathology, as specified in this section, shall be billable through the LEA Medi-Cal Billing Option Program.

(Added by Stats. 2006, Ch. 581, Sec. 1. Effective September 28, 2006. Operative, by Sec. 3 of Ch. 581, on date the Attorney General issues an opinion of a specified nature.)

44265.5.

(a) Pupils who are visually impaired shall be taught by teachers whose professional preparation and credential authorization are specific to that impairment.

(b) Pupils who are deaf or hard of hearing shall be taught by teachers whose professional preparation and credential authorization are specific to that impairment.

(c) Pupils who are orthopedically impaired shall be taught by teachers whose professional preparation and credential authorization are specific to that impairment.

(Amended by Stats. 1994, Ch. 1288, Sec. 3. Effective January 1, 1995.)

44265.6.

(a) Upon the request of an employing school district, county office of education, or state special school, the Commission on Teacher Credentialing shall determine specific requirements for and issue a one-year specialist instruction emergency permit, solely for the purpose of instructing deaf or hard-of-hearing pupils, to a prelingually deaf candidate upon medical or other appropriate professional verifications.

(b) The applicant is exempted from the requirements in Section 44252 and subdivision (b) of Section 44830.

(c) “Prelingually deaf” means, for purposes of this section, having suffered a hearing loss before three years of age that prevents the processing of linguistic information through hearing, with or without amplification.

(d) The emergency specialist instruction permit issued under this section authorizes the holder to teach deaf and hard-of-hearing pupils who are enrolled in state special schools or in special classes for pupils who are deaf or hard of hearing.

(e) A one-year specialist instruction emergency permit issued pursuant to subdivision (a) may be reissued at the request of the employing school district, county office of education, or state special school in accordance with criteria determined by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing.

(Amended by Stats. 2017, Ch. 561, Sec. 34. (AB 1516) Effective January 1, 2018.)

44265.8.

(a) Upon the recommendation of a preliminary credential preparation program sponsor approved by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing, the commission shall issue a two-year nonrenewable preliminary teaching credential or preliminary services credential to a candidate who is prelingually deaf and meets all of the requirements in law for the full, pertinent five-year teaching or services credential pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (a) of Section 44251, except that the candidate is exempt from compliance with the state basic skills proficiency testing requirements in Section 44252 and subdivision (b) of Section 44830.

(b) A credential issued under this section authorizes the holder to teach or provide services, as authorized by the credential, only to deaf and hard-of-hearing pupils who are enrolled in state special schools or in special classes for pupils who are deaf or hard of hearing.

(c) For purposes of this section “prelingually deaf” means a person who suffered hearing loss before three years of age, which prevents the processing of linguistic information through hearing, with or without amplification, if the condition is verified through medical or other appropriate professional means.

(Amended by Stats. 2016, Ch. 94, Sec. 5. (AB 1709) Effective January 1, 2017.)

44265.9.

(a) The Commission on Teacher Credentialing shall develop criteria to verify the proficiency of a holder of a credential issued under Section 44265.8 in performing the essential functions of his or her position.

(b) The school district, county office of education, or state special school that employs a holder of a credential issued under Section 42265.8 shall appoint a three-person panel to verify proficiency using the criteria the commission develops for this purpose. The panel shall report its findings to the employing school district, county office of education, or state special school, which may adopt those findings.

(c) The panel appointed pursuant to subdivision (b) shall consist of the following:

(1) A school administrator who is selected by school administrators of the employing school district, county office of education, or state special school.

(2) An individual who is the parent of a deaf or hard-of-hearing pupil and who is selected by a school-related parent group.

(3) A teacher or school services provider who holds a credential to teach or service deaf or hard-of-hearing pupils and who is selected by teachers at the employing school.

(d) The employing school district, county office of education, or state special school shall ensure that the panel completes the verification of proficiency within two years after the issuance of the credential issued under Section 44265.8.

(e) Upon verification of proficiency, as documented by the employing school district, county office of education, or state special school, the commission shall issue a credential for the remainder of the preliminary period pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (a) of Section 44251 that is limited to providing the instruction authorized by the credential to deaf and hard-of-hearing pupils enrolled in state special schools or in special classes, or a services credential for the remainder of the preliminary period that is limited to the provision of services authorized by the credential for deaf and hard-of-hearing pupils enrolled in state special schools or in special classes.

(f) Upon meeting the requirements for a professional clear teaching or services credential, the applicant may apply through their commission-approved professional clear program sponsor for a professional clear credential that is limited to providing the instruction or service authorized by the credential to deaf and hard-of-hearing pupils enrolled in state special schools or in special classes.

(Amended by Stats. 2016, Ch. 94, Sec. 6. (AB 1709) Effective January 1, 2017.)

44266.

(a) The minimum requirements for the services credential with a specialization in pupil personnel services are a baccalaureate degree or higher degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education, a fifth year of study, and any specialized and professional preparation that the commission shall require, including (1) completion of a commission-approved program of supervised field experience that includes direct classroom contact, jointly sponsored by a school district and a college or university or (2) a program of professional preparation pursuant to subdivision (d).

(b) The services credential with a specialization in pupil personnel services shall authorize the holder to perform, at all grade levels, the pupil personnel service approved by the commission as designated on the credential, which may include, but need not be limited to, school counseling, school psychology, child welfare and attendance services, and school social work.

(c) The commission shall continue to issue credentials with a specialization in pupil personnel services under the law as it read on December 31, 1986, for a time period of two years from the effective date of regulations adopted for the issuance of certificates under the new program required by this section, to any candidate in the process of obtaining a services credential with a specialization in pupil personnel services through a previously approved program of study.

(d) For a services credential with a specialization in pupil personnel services in the area of child welfare and attendance services, the commission may approve a program of professional preparation offered by a local educational agency if the program of professional preparation meets standards of program quality and effectiveness that have been adopted by the commission.

(Amended by Stats. 2023, Ch. 175, Sec. 1. (SB 223) Effective January 1, 2024.)

44266.5.

The requirement for the field practice assignment for a pupil personnel services credential to take place in two or more school settings pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 80632.2 of, subdivision (b) of Section 80632.3 of, and subdivision (b) of Section 80632.4 of, Title 5 of the California Code of Regulations is reduced to one school setting from March 19, 2020, to June 30, 2021, inclusive.

(Added by Stats. 2020, Ch. 24, Sec. 37. (SB 98) Effective June 29, 2020.)

44267.

The minimum requirements for a services credential with a specialization in health are:

(a) Five years, or its equivalent, of college or university education, or five years of professional preparation approved by the commission.

(b) Possession of a valid license, certificate, or registration, appropriate to the health service to be designated, issued by the California agency authorized by law to license, certificate, or register persons to practice that health service in California.

(c) Such additional requirements as may be prescribed by the commission.

The services credential with a specialization in health shall authorize the holder to perform, at all grade levels, the health service approved by the commission as designated on the credential. Services as an audiometrist, occupational therapist, or physical therapist are not deemed health services within the meaning of this section.

(Enacted by Stats. 1976, Ch. 1010.)

44267.5.

(a) The minimum requirements for a services credential with a specialization in health for a school nurse are all of the following:

(1) A baccalaureate or higher degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education.

(2) A valid California license as a registered nurse.

(3) One year of coursework beyond the baccalaureate degree in a program approved by the commission.

(b) The period for which a services credential with a specialization in health for a school nurse is valid shall be as follows:

(1) For a preliminary credential, pending completion of the one year of coursework beyond the baccalaureate degree in a program approved by the commission, five years.

(2) For the professional credential, after completion of requirements specified by the commission, five years.

(c) The services credential with a specialization in health for a school nurse shall authorize the holder to perform, in grades 12 and below, the health services approved by the commission and designated on the credential.

(d) The holder of a services credential with a specialization in health for a school nurse who also completes the requirements for a special class authorization in health in a program that is approved by the commission is authorized to teach classes on health in preschool, kindergarten, grades 1 to 12, inclusive, and classes organized primarily for adults.

(e) For the purposes of the requirement in paragraph (3) of subdivision (a), the commission may approve a program offered by a local educational agency, which had 40,000 or more pupils enrolled during the 2019–20 school year, for one year of coursework beyond the baccalaureate degree. The commission shall apply the standards for approval of a program of professional preparation offered by a postsecondary educational institution to a program of professional preparation offered by a local educational agency.

(Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 668, Sec. 1. (AB 815) Effective January 1, 2022.)

44268.

The minimum requirements for a services credential in a specialization in clinical or rehabilitative services are:

(a) A baccalaureate degree or higher degree from an institution approved by the commission.

(b) A fifth year, or its equivalent, of college or university education.

(c) Such specialized and professional preparation as the commission may require.

The services credential with a specialization in clinical or rehabilitative services shall authorize the holder to perform, at all grade levels, the service approved by the commission as designated on the credential. Clinical or rehabilitative services which may be designated by the commission include, but need not be limited to, speech, language, and hearing services.

(Enacted by Stats. 1976, Ch. 1010.)

44269.

The commission may issue a services credential authorizing service as a library media teacher upon completion of specialized preparation as required by the commission.

The standards for these credentials are a baccalaureate degree or higher degree from an institution approved by the commission, a valid teaching credential, and specialized and professional preparation as the commission may require.

Whenever the term “librarian” or “library media teacher” is used in this article, it shall be deemed to refer to “teacher librarian.”

(Amended by Stats. 2007, Ch. 730, Sec. 16. Effective January 1, 2008.)

44270.

(a) The minimum requirements for the preliminary services credential with a specialization in administrative services are all of the following:

(1) Possession of one of the following:

(A) A valid teaching credential requiring the possession of a baccalaureate degree and a professional preparation program including student teaching.

(B) A valid designated subjects career technical education, adult education, or special subjects teaching credential, as specified in Section 44260, 44260.1, 44260.2, 44260.3, or 44260.4, provided the candidate also possesses a baccalaureate degree.

(C) A valid services credential with a specialization in pupil personnel, health, or clinical or rehabilitative services, as specified in Section 44266, 44267, 44267.5, or 44268, or a valid services credential authorizing service as a teacher librarian, as specified in Section 44269.

(D) A valid credential issued under the laws, rules, and regulations in effect on or before December 31, 1971, which authorizes the same areas as in subparagraphs (B) and (C).

(2) Completion of a minimum of three years of successful, full-time classroom teaching experience in the public schools, including, but not limited to, service in state- or county-operated schools, or in private schools of equivalent status or three years of experience in the fields of pupil personnel, health, clinical or rehabilitative, or librarian services.

(3) Completion of an entry-level program of specialized and professional preparation in administrative services approved by the commission or a one-year internship in a program of supervised training in administrative services, approved by the commission as satisfying the requirements for the preliminary services credential with a specialization in administrative services.

(4) Current employment in an administrative position after completion of professional preparation as defined in paragraph (3), whether full or part time, in a public school or private school of equivalent status. The commission shall encourage school districts to consider the recency of preparation or professional growth in school administration as one of the criteria for employment.

(b) The preliminary administrative services credential shall be valid for a period of five years from the date of initial employment in an administrative position, whether full or part time, and shall not be renewable.

(c) A candidate who completed, by September 30, 1984, the requirements for the administrative services credential in effect on June 30, 1982, is eligible for the credential authorized under those requirements. All other candidates shall satisfy the requirements set forth in this section.

(Amended by Stats. 2008, Ch. 223, Sec. 5. Effective January 1, 2009.)

44270.1.

(a) The minimum requirements for the professional services credential with a specialization in administrative services are all of the following:

(1) Possession of a valid preliminary administrative services credential, as specified in Section 44270.

(2) A minimum of two years of successful experience in a full-time administrative position in a public school or private school of equivalent status, while holding the preliminary administrative services credential, as attested by the employing school district or agency, including, but not limited to, the department, in the case of state school administrators, and county offices of education, in the case of county school administrators.

(3) Completion of a commission-approved program of advanced preparation. Each candidate, in consultation with employing school district personnel and university personnel, shall develop an individualized program of professional development activities for this advanced preparation program based upon individual needs. Each individualized program will include university coursework and may include, nonuniversity activities or advanced administrative field experiences. The commission shall adopt standards and criteria for the university programs of advanced preparation and nonuniversity activities.

(b) The commission may, at the request of a credential candidate, grant a waiver, pursuant to subdivision (m) of Section 44225, of the requirement of university coursework upon its finding that the candidate, in consultation with personnel of the employing school district and personnel of the university, is not able to develop an individualized program of professional development for the advanced preparation program that meets the individual needs of the candidates.

(Amended by Stats. 2006, Ch. 517, Sec. 11. Effective January 1, 2007.)

44270.2.

The services credential with a specialization in administrative services shall authorize the holder to perform administrative services at all grade levels.

Any person who administers a pupil personnel program shall hold a services credential with a pupil personnel or administrative specialization.

(Amended by Stats. 1993, Ch. 378, Sec. 4. Effective January 1, 1994.)

44270.3.

Notwithstanding any provision of this chapter, the commission shall issue a preliminary services credential with a specialization in administrative services to an out-of-state trained administrator who meets all of the following requirements:

(a) Possesses a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education.

(b) Completed a teacher preparation program at a regionally accredited institution of higher education, was issued an elementary, secondary, or special education teaching credential based upon that program, and served on that credential for at least three years.

(c) Completed an administrator preparation program at a regionally accredited institution of higher education and was issued, or qualified for, an administrative services credential based upon that program.

(d) Submitted fingerprint cards and met the requirements of California for teacher fitness pursuant to Sections 44339, 44340, and 44341.

(Amended by Stats. 2024, Ch. 38, Sec. 33. (SB 153) Effective June 29, 2024.)

44270.4.

Notwithstanding any provision of this chapter, the commission shall issue a professional services credential with a specialization in administrative services to an out-of-state trained administrator who meets all of the following requirements:

(a) Possesses a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education.

(b) Successfully passed the basic skills proficiency test administered pursuant to Section 44252.5.

(c) Completed a teacher preparation program at a regionally accredited institution of higher education, was issued an elementary, secondary, or special education teaching credential based upon that program, and served on that credential for at least three years.

(d) Completed an administrator preparation program at a regionally accredited institution of higher education and was issued an administrative services credential based upon that program.

(e) Submitted to the commission a minimum of two rigorous performance evaluations, one in each of the applicant’s two most recent years of service as an administrator, upon which the applicant received ratings of satisfactory or better.

(f) Successfully served as a public school administrator for at least three years or successfully completed an individual program of professional development that included intensive mentoring, assistance, and support as certified by the employing school district.

(g) Submitted fingerprint cards and met the requirements of California for teacher fitness pursuant to Sections 44339, 44340, and 44341.

(Added by Stats. 2000, Ch. 703, Sec. 4. Effective September 27, 2000.)

44270.5.

(a) Notwithstanding any provision of this chapter and as an expedited alternative to Section 44270, the commission may issue a preliminary services credential with a specialization in administrative services to a candidate who completes the following requirements:

(1) Possess a teaching or services credential as specified in paragraph (1) of subdivision (a) of Section 44270.

(2) Completes the experience requirement specified in paragraph (2) of subdivision (a) of Section 44270.

(3) Successfully passes a test adopted by the commission, upon a finding by the commission that the test is aligned to state administrator preparation standards.

(b) Notwithstanding any provision of this chapter and as an alternative to Section 44270.1, the commission may issue a professional clear services credential with a specialization in administrative services to a candidate who holds or is eligible for a preliminary services credential with a specialization in administrative services, and who meets one of the following requirements:

(1) Successfully completes a program that is accredited by the commission for the professional clear services credential with a specialization in administrative services and receives a recommendation for the credential from the program.

(2) Demonstrates mastery of commission accredited fieldwork performance standards for a professional clear services credential with a specialization in administrative services, and receives a recommendation for the professional clear services credential with a specialization in administrative services from a commission accredited program. The fieldwork performance standards required pursuant to this paragraph shall be as rigorous as all other fieldwork performance standards required by the commission to obtain a professional clear services credential with a specialization in administrative services.

(3) Passes a national administrator performance assessment adopted by the commission.

(Added by Stats. 2002, Ch. 225, Sec. 2. Effective August 16, 2002.)

44271.

The designated subjects teaching credential with a specialization in vocational trade and technical teaching shall authorize the holder, who also meets the requirements for administrative service, to supervise and administer programs of trade and technical education in school districts or in schools where the curricula are predominately trade, technical, or industrial in nature.

(Enacted by Stats. 1976, Ch. 1010.)

44272.

The commission may issue limited services credentials authorizing administrative service in schools which are not part of the public school system but which are administered by other state agencies.

(Enacted by Stats. 1976, Ch. 1010.)

44273.

Notwithstanding any other provisions of this code, any credential described in Section 44250 shall be issued to an applicant under the following circumstances:

(a) The commission has accepted, upon application of an approved institution supported by detailed data and justification, a program developed and offered by that institution as an experimental, exploratory, or pilot program of preparation for such a credential. The commission shall accept only those programs that it finds, by resolution entered in its minutes, to have merit and the potential of improving the quality of service authorized by the credential.

(b) The applicant has completed such a program following the date of its acceptance by the commission.

(c) The applicant holds upon completion of the credential program a baccalaureate or higher degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education.

(d) The applicant meets all of the requirements of this chapter and the regulations of the commission adopted pursuant thereto, respecting age, character, citizenship, health, identification, oath or affirmation, and study of or examination in the Constitution of the United States.

(Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 663, Sec. 18. (AB 320) Effective January 1, 2022.)

44274.2.

(a) Notwithstanding any provision of this chapter, the commission shall issue a five-year preliminary multiple subject teaching credential authorizing instruction in a self-contained classroom, a five-year preliminary single subject teaching credential authorizing instruction in departmentalized classes, or a five-year preliminary education specialist credential authorizing instruction of special education pupils to an out-of-state prepared teacher who meets all of the following requirements:

(1) Possesses a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education.

(2) Has completed a teacher preparation program at a regionally accredited institution of higher education or a state-approved teacher preparation program offered by a local educational agency.

(3) Meets the subject matter knowledge requirements for the credential. If the subject area listed on the out-of-state credential does not correspond to a California subject area, as specified in Sections 44257 and 44282, the commission may require the applicant to meet California subject matter requirements before issuing a clear credential.

(4) Has earned a valid corresponding elementary, secondary, or special education teaching credential based upon the out-of-state teacher preparation program. For the education specialist credential, the commission shall determine the area of concentration based on the special education program completed out of state, or shall allow the candidate to demonstrate the area of concentration based on two years of experience in California, while the candidate holds the preliminary credential.

(5) Has successfully completed a criminal background check conducted under Sections 44339, 44340, and 44341 for credentialing purposes.

(b) The commission shall issue a clear multiple subject, single subject, or education specialist teaching credential to an applicant who satisfies the requirements of subdivision (a), provides verification of two or more years of teaching experience, including, but not necessarily limited to, two satisfactory performance evaluations, and documents, in a manner prescribed by the commission, that the applicant has met the state requirements for teaching English learners, including, but not necessarily limited to, the requirements in Section 44253.3 or 44259.5.

(c) For applicants who do not meet the experience requirement described in subdivision (b), the commission shall issue a clear multiple subject, single subject, or education specialist teaching credential upon verification of the following requirements:

(1) The commission has issued to the applicant a preliminary five-year teaching credential pursuant to subdivision (a). However, an out-of-state prepared applicant in both special education and general education, who has earned a clear California education specialist credential, shall be granted a clear multiple subject or clear single subject teaching credential without first holding a preliminary multiple subject or single subject teaching credential, unless the commission determines that the applicant does not meet the other requirements of this subdivision.

(2) The applicant has completed a beginning teacher induction program pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (c) of Section 44259.

(3) The applicant has met the requirements for teaching English learners, including, but not necessarily limited to, the requirements in Section 44253.3 or 44259.5.

(d) If an out-of-state teaching credential authorizes the credentialholder to teach a commonly taught subject, in addition to the authorization described in paragraph (4) of subdivision (a), the commission shall issue the multiple subject or single subject teaching credential along with an authorization to teach that subject consistent with subdivisions (a) and (b) of Section 44256.

(Amended by Stats. 2024, Ch. 831, Sec. 3. (AB 2473) Effective September 28, 2024.)

44274.3.

(a) Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, the commission shall issue a five-year preliminary single subject teaching credential authorizing instruction in departmentalized classes to an individual who satisfies all of the following requirements:

(1) Possesses a valid visiting faculty permit issued pursuant to Section 44300.1.

(2) Submits evidence of two years of recent satisfactory or better performance evaluations from the district while teaching pursuant to a visiting faculty permit.

(3) Satisfies the standards and requirements regarding the instruction of English language learners pursuant to subdivision (c) of Section 44259.5.

(4) Satisfies the methodology course requirement in paragraph (5) of subdivision (a) of Section 44300.1.

(b) An applicant for a credential pursuant to this section is exempt from the basic skills proficiency requirement in Section 44252.

(Added by Stats. 2007, Ch. 723, Sec. 3. Effective January 1, 2008.)

44274.4.

Unless the commission determines that substantial evidence exists that the individual is unqualified to teach, upon the recommendation of the governing board of the school district employing the individual, and notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, the commission shall issue a five-year professional clear single subject teaching credential authorizing instruction in departmentalized classes to an individual who satisfies all of the following requirements:

(a) Possesses a valid preliminary single subject teaching credential issued pursuant to Section 44274.3.

(b) Submits verification by the employing school district that the individual has completed an individualized professional development plan tailored to the needs of the individual teacher and the district that includes mentoring, support, and assistance provided by a credentialed, experienced teacher who teaches the same subject as the applicant. The individualized professional development plan shall include instruction and information about the appropriate academic content standards and curriculum frameworks to enable candidates to provide standards-based instruction and shall also include instruction on working with special populations. For purposes of satisfying the requirements of this section, an applicant may complete a beginning teacher induction program as described in paragraph (2) of subdivision (c) of Section 44259.

(c) Submits verification of experience that addresses clause (i) of subparagraph (B) of paragraph (3) of subdivision (b) of Section 44259.

(Amended by Stats. 2019, Ch. 427, Sec. 9. (AB 525) Effective January 1, 2020.)

44274.5.

Notwithstanding Section 44227, Section 44259, or any other provision of this chapter, an applicant who holds a valid teaching credential from a state other than California, and who has met, at a minimum, every requirement for a California professional multiple or single subject credential except the requirement of completion of a fifth year of study, may request the commission to determine whether the applicant has completed at least equivalent coursework. If the commission determines that the applicant has completed at least equivalent coursework, the commission shall issue the applicant an appropriate credential, if the applicant has submitted a fingerprint card and has met the requirements of California for teacher fitness by obtaining a certificate of clearance or eligibility, a credential, or a permit from the commission.

(Added by Stats. 1998, Ch. 547, Sec. 4. Effective September 18, 1998.)

44275.4.

Notwithstanding any other law:

(a) It is the intent of the Legislature that both of the following occur:

(1) That this section provide flexibility to enable school districts to recruit credentialed elementary, secondary, and special education teachers prepared in countries other than the United States to relocate temporarily or permanently to this state.

(2) That any and all teachers prepared in countries other than the United States who are granted a California teaching credential pursuant to this section fully meet the requirements of this state.

(b) Coursework, programs, or degrees completed at an institution of higher education outside of the United States are acceptable toward certification when the commission or an evaluating agency approved by the commission determines that the institution’s coursework, programs, or degrees are equivalent to those offered by a regionally accredited institution of higher education in the United States. The commission reserves the right to accept or reject an approved evaluating agency’s determination. Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, the commission shall issue a five-year preliminary multiple subject teaching credential authorizing instruction in a self-contained classroom, a five-year preliminary single subject teaching credential authorizing instruction in a departmentalized classroom, or a five-year preliminary education specialist credential authorizing instruction of special education pupils to a teacher prepared in a country other than the United States who meets both of the following requirements:

(1) The teacher holds or is eligible for a credential from another country that required a baccalaureate or higher degree determined to be equivalent to those offered by a regionally accredited institution of higher education in the United States and completion of a professional preparation program approved by the appropriate agency in the country where the program was completed that requires the teacher to meet requirements equivalent to the multiple or single subject teaching credential requirements in Section 44259 or the special education credential requirements described in Section 44265. The commission shall determine the area of concentration for the California education specialist credential based on the special education program completed out of country.

(2) The teacher successfully completes a criminal background check conducted pursuant to Sections 44339, 44340, and 44341 for credentialing purposes.

(c) The commission shall issue a clear multiple subject, single subject, or education specialist teaching credential to a teacher prepared in a country other than the United States who has met the requirements in subdivision (b) and who meets the following requirements:

(1) Demonstration of subject matter competence pursuant to paragraph (5) of subdivision (b) of Section 44259.

(2) Completion of a course, or for multiple subject and education specialist credentials, a course or an examination, on the various methods of teaching reading pursuant to paragraph (4) of subdivision (b) of Section 44259. Completion of coursework in another state or country determined by the commission to be comparable and equivalent shall meet this requirement.

(3) Completion of a course or examination on the provisions and principles of the United States Constitution pursuant to paragraph (6) of subdivision (b) of Section 44259. Completion of coursework in another state or country determined by the commission to be comparable and equivalent shall meet this requirement.

(4) Completion of the study of health education pursuant to paragraph (3) of subdivision (b) of Section 44259. Completion of coursework in another state or country determined by the commission to be comparable and equivalent shall meet this requirement.

(5) With the exception of the education specialist credential, completion of study and field experience in methods of delivering appropriate educational services to pupils with exceptional needs in regular education programs. Completion of coursework in another state or country determined by the commission to be comparable and equivalent shall meet this requirement.

(6) Completion of the study of computer-based technology through demonstration by course or examination of basic competence in the use of computers in the classroom, and study of advanced computer-based technology, including the uses of technology in educational settings pursuant to paragraph (3) of subdivision (b) of Section 44259. Completion of coursework in another state or country determined by the commission as comparable and equivalent shall meet this requirement.

(7) Completion of a beginning teacher induction program pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (c) of Section 44259.

(d) (1) A teacher holding a specialist credential pursuant to this section shall complete the requirements for nonspecial education pedagogy and a supervised field experience program in general education pursuant to Section 44265.

(2) A teacher holding a specialist credential pursuant to this section shall complete a program for the Professional Level II credential accredited by the commission.

(e) Notwithstanding subdivisions (b) to (d), inclusive, the commission shall issue a multiple subject, single subject, or education specialist teaching credential to a teacher prepared in a country other than the United States who has earned a valid corresponding elementary, secondary, or special education teaching credential in another state and who meets the requirements set forth in Section 44274.2. A corresponding elementary, secondary, or special education teaching credential earned in another state shall be deemed to satisfy the teacher preparation program requirements specified in paragraph (2) of subdivision (a) of Section 44274.2.

(Amended by Stats. 2024, Ch. 38, Sec. 35. (SB 153) Effective June 29, 2024.)

44275.5.

(a) In addition to the authority granted to the commission under Section 44275.4, the commission may determine that the national standards for coursework, programs, or degrees in a country other than the United States are equivalent to those offered by a regionally accredited institution of higher education in the United States. If the commission determines that the other country’s national standards are equivalent, an individual who holds or is eligible for a credential in that country is presumed to have satisfied the requirements of paragraph (1) of subdivision (b) of Section 44275.4.

(b) The commission may enter into an agreement with an evaluating agency as necessary to make a determination regarding another country’s national standards.

(c) The commission shall adopt regulations necessary to implement this section, including regulations that do both of the following:

(1) Establish uniform standards for making a determination regarding another country’s national standards.

(2) Prescribe the procedure by which a determination regarding another country’s national standards shall occur.

(d) (1) The commission shall annually report to the Legislature the list of countries that qualify under this section, the number of credential applications from foreign countries that are approved, and the country of origin of those credential applications.

(2) A report to be submitted pursuant to paragraph (1) shall be submitted in compliance with Section 9795 of the Government Code.

(Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 663, Sec. 20. (AB 320) Effective January 1, 2022.)

44275.6.

(a) A school district, county office of education, and charter school shall annually report to the department, in a manner prescribed by the department, the number of visa applications for persons excluded from the term “immigrant,” for purposes of the federal Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. Sec. 1101), pursuant to Section 1101(a)(15)(H)(i)(b) of Title 8 of the United States Code that the school district, county office of education, or charter school applies for on behalf of potential employees, and the number of those visa applications that are granted.

(b) (1) The department shall annually report the information provided pursuant to subdivision (a) to the Legislature.

(2) A report to be submitted pursuant to paragraph (1) shall be submitted in compliance with Section 9795 of the Government Code.

(Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 296, Sec. 16. (AB 1096) Effective January 1, 2022.)

44276.

(a) The Legislature hereby finds and declares that California’s public school pupils need quality instruction and support in the areas of computer education in order to develop the skills necessary for entry into an increasingly technological society. The Legislature recognizes that computers and other technologies are an integral part of contemporary society and the state educational system.

It is the intent of the Legislature in enacting this section to provide a statewide standard for the preparation of educational personnel in the areas of computer education.

(b) For purposes of this section, “computer education” means the process of teaching pupils about computers.

(c) The Commission on Teacher Credentialing, in consultation with the Superintendent of Public Instruction, may develop and disseminate voluntary standards for the training and performance of teachers and resource personnel in the area of computer education.

(Amended by Stats. 1994, Ch. 922, Sec. 81. Effective January 1, 1995.)

44276.1.

(a) The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:

(1) The educational mission of schools may be thwarted when school campuses are not safe, secure, and peaceful.

(2) Effective school management can improve school safety and decrease violence and criminal behavior.

(3) In many school districts and neighborhoods, violence and criminal behavior are increasingly frequent.

(4) Teachers and other educators who are well prepared in principles of school safety may be able to mitigate, to some degree, the detrimental behavior of pupils and others on school campuses.

(b) Therefore, it is the intent of the Legislature that a comprehensive school safety plan be established pursuant to Section 35294.1 in order to achieve safe, secure, and peaceful school campuses. It is the further intent of the Legislature that the Commission on Teacher Credentialing adopt standards that address the principles of school safety in the preparation of future classroom teachers, school administrators, school counselors, and other pupil personnel service providers as a condition for licensing these prospective practitioners.

(c) Standards adopted by the commission pursuant to paragraph (3) of subdivision (b) of Section 44259, and pursuant to Sections 44266, 44270, 44277, and 44372, shall include the effective preparation of prospective classroom teachers, school administrators, school counselors, and other pupil personnel service providers in principles of school safety. In developing these standards, the commission shall consider, but is not limited to considering, the following principles of school safety:

(1) School management skills that emphasize crisis intervention and conflict resolution.

(2) Developing and maintaining a positive and safe school climate, including methods to prevent the possession of weapons on school campuses.

(3) Developing school safety plans.

(4) Developing ways to identify and defuse situations that may lead to conflict or violence.

(d) In developing standards relating to school safety, the commission shall consider the findings and recommendations of an advisory panel of experts on school violence.

(e) The commission shall allow an institution of postsecondary education to meet the standards developed by the commission relating to school safety by incorporating the principles of school safety in the program required by paragraph (3) of subdivision (b) of Section 44259.

(f) Implementation of subdivision (b) of this section as it applies to paragraph (3) of subdivision (b) of Section 44259 shall occur in conjunction with the review of requirements for earning and renewing multiple and single subject teaching credentials, as required by Section 44259.3.

(g) Instruction in principles of school safety shall be required of all candidates for credentials specified in Sections 44259, 44266, and 44270.

(h) A credential that was issued prior to January 1, 1994, shall remain in force as long as it is valid under the laws and regulations that were in effect on the date it was issued. The commission may not, by regulation, invalidate an otherwise valid credential, unless it issues to the holder of the credential, in substitution, a new credential authorized by another provision in this chapter that is no less restrictive than the credential for which it was substituted with respect to the kind of service authorized and the grades, classes, or types of schools in which it authorizes service.

(i) Notwithstanding this section, persons who were performing teaching, administrative, counseling, or other pupil personnel services as of January 1, 1994, pursuant to the language of this chapter that was in effect prior to that date, may continue to perform those services without complying with any requirements added by the amendments adding this section.

(j) The commission shall grant credentials based on the requirements for those credentials as of December 31, 1993, to candidates who, prior to the effective date of the commission’s adoption of standards pursuant to this section, were in the process of meeting those credential requirements.

(Amended by Stats. 2003, Ch. 423, Sec. 3. Effective January 1, 2004.)

44276.6.

It is the intent of the Legislature that the Commission on Teacher Credentialing not duplicate the efforts of the State Department of Education, Office of Criminal Justice Planning, Department of the Youth Authority, and the School/Law Enforcement Partnership in undertaking leadership activities directed toward establishing appropriate standards of preparation for teachers and other certificated personnel concerning violent behavior by pupils. The commission shall consult with these agencies and consider policies, programs, guidelines, other resource and training materials, and experts, which these agencies have identified, funded, or developed to reduce violent behavior by pupils.

(Amended by Stats. 1994, Ch. 922, Sec. 84. Effective January 1, 1995.)

44277.

(a) The Legislature recognizes that effective professional growth must continue to occur throughout the careers of all teachers, in order that teachers remain informed of changes in pedagogy, subject matter, and pupil needs. In enacting this section, it is the intent of the Legislature to encourage teachers to engage in an individual program of professional growth that extends their content knowledge and teaching skills and for school districts to establish professional growth programs that give individual teachers a wide range of options to pursue as well as significant roles in determining the course of their professional growth.

(b) An individual program of professional growth may consist of activities that are aligned with the California Standards for the Teaching Profession that contribute to competence, performance, or effectiveness in the profession of education and the classroom assignments of the teacher. Acceptable activities may include, among other acceptable activities, the completion of courses offered by regionally accredited institutions of higher education, including instructor-led interactive courses delivered through online technologies; participation in professional conferences, workshops, teacher center programs, staff development programs, or a California Reading Professional Development Institute program operated pursuant to Article 2 (commencing with Section 99220) of Chapter 5 of Part 65 of Division 14 of Title 3; service as a mentor teacher; participation in school curriculum development projects; participation in systematic programs of observation and analysis of teaching; service in a leadership role in a professional organization; and participation in educational research or innovation efforts. Employing agencies and the bargaining agents of employees may negotiate to agree on the terms of programs of professional growth within their jurisdictions, provided that the agreements shall be consistent with this section.

(c) An individual program of professional growth may include a basic course in cardiopulmonary resuscitation, which includes training in the subdiaphragmatic abdominal thrust (also known as the “Heimlich maneuver”) and meets or exceeds the standards established by the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross for courses in that subject or minimum standards for training programs established by the Emergency Medical Services Authority. An individual program of professional growth may also include a course in first aid that meets or exceeds the standards established by the American Red Cross for courses in that subject or minimum standards for training programs established by the Emergency Medical Services Authority.

(d) (1) If a local educational agency offers a program of professional growth for teachers, administrators, paraprofessional educators, or other classified employees involved in the direct instruction of pupils, the local educational agency shall evaluate professional learning based on all of the following criteria, and the local educational agency is encouraged to choose professional learning that meets any of the following criteria:

(A) Helps attract, grow, and retain effective educators.

(B) Is a part of every educator’s experience in order to accelerate instructional improvement and support pupil learning.

(C) Is based on needs assessment of educators and tied to supporting pupil learning.

(D) Emphasizes the importance of meeting the needs of all pupils.

(E) Is grounded in a description of effective practice, as articulated in the California Standards for the Teaching Profession.

(F) Affords educators opportunities to engage with others to develop their craft, including, but not limited to, opportunities to increase their content knowledge.

(G) Ensures educators have adequate time to learn about, practice, reflect, adjust, critique, and share what educators need to ensure that all pupils, especially high-needs pupils, develop knowledge and lifelong learning skills that will help the pupils to be successful.

(H) Recognizes and uses expert teaching and leadership skills.

(I) Attends to collective growth needs as well as educators’ individual growth needs.

(J) Contributes to a positive, collaborative, and supportive adult learning environment.

(K) Contributes to cycles of inquiry and improvement.

(L) Is not limited to a single instance, but supports educators through multiple iterations or engagements.

(M) Is based on a coherent and focused plan.

(2) Professional learning activities may also include collaboration time for teachers to develop new instructional lessons, to select or develop common formative assessments, to analyze pupil data, for mentoring projects for new teachers, or for extra support for teachers to improve practice. Appropriate professional learning may be part of a coherent plan that combines school activities within the school, including, but not necessarily limited to, lesson study or coteaching, and external learning opportunities that meet all of the following criteria:

(A) Are related to the academic subjects taught.

(B) Provide time to meet and work with other teachers.

(C) Support instruction and pupil learning to improve instruction in a manner that is consistent with academic content standards.

(e) For purposes of this section, “local educational agency” means a school district, county office of education, or charter school.

(Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 663, Sec. 21. (AB 320) Effective January 1, 2022.)