Article 4 - Credential Types

California Education Code — §§ 44250-44277

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Sections (92)

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

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

(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.

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

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.

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

(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. 2005, Ch. 677, Sec. 26. Effective October 7, 2005.

(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.

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

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.

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

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

(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.

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

(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.

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

(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.

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

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.

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

(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. 8. (AB 320) Effective January 1, 2022.

(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. 2007, Ch. 569, Sec. 23. Effective January 1, 2008.

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

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

(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.

Added by Stats. 2025, Ch. 727, Sec. 1. (AB 1306) Effective January 1, 2026.

(a)Notwithstanding any other law, the commission may approve a teacher education program offered by a school district or county office of education administered for purposes of earning a cross-cultural language and academic development certificate, English learner authorization, or a bilingual authorization certificate,

including a California Teacher of English Learners program.

(b)The commission shall apply the standards for approval of a program of professional preparation offered by a regionally accredited institution of higher education to a program of professional preparation offered by a school district or county office of education under this section.

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

(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. 1993, Ch. 809, Sec. 4. Effective January 1, 1994.

(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. 2008, Ch. 660, Sec. 3. Effective January 1, 2009.

(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.

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