Teacher credentialing: recognition of study in transitional kindergarten.

Existing law requires the Commission on Teacher Credentialing to establish standards and to determine the terms for the issuance and renewal of teaching credentials, certificates, and permits, as specified. This bill would authorize the commission to convene a workgroup consisting of specified members to develop program standards for the issuance of a recognition of study in transitional kindergarten, as defined, for holders of a multiple subject teaching credential who will be teaching pupils enrolled in transitional kindergarten, as defined, and would authorize the commission to add a recognition of study in transitional kindergarten to the multiple subject teaching credential of a teacher who meets the established standards. The bill would authorize the commission to work with the Superintendent of Public Instruction 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 transitional kindergarten programs. The bill also would provide that the holder of a multiple subject teaching credential who has received a recognition of study in transitional kindergarten is not authorized to teach English learners, except as specified, and that a recognition of study in transitional kindergarten is not considered a type of authorization, cannot be used as a condition of employment, does not replace subject matter competence requirements, and cannot be used in making employment decisions relating to reductions in employee positions. The bill would require the commission to use private funds to support the development of the recognition of study in transitional kindergarten and would prohibit the use of General Fund moneys for this purpose. The bill would require the workgroup to be convened only after the Department of Finance determines, and files a written statement with specified persons, that private funds have been deposited with the state, as specified.