Teacher credentialing.

(1) Existing law requires the Commission on Teacher Credentialing to, among other duties, establish standards for the issuance and renewal of credentials, certificates, and permits. Existing law requires, by April 15 of each year, the commission to report specified information to the Legislature and the Governor on the availability of teachers in California. This bill would require the commission to periodically provide reports and recommendations to the Legislature regarding the state's teacher workforce for purposes of developing and reviewing state policy, identifying workforce trends, and identifying future needs. (2) Existing law requires the commission to establish a nonpersonally identifiable educator identification number for each educator to whom it issues a credential, certificate, permit, or other document authorizing that individual to provide a service in the public schools. This bill would require the identification number to be used for sharing data with local educational agencies and the State Department of Education for purposes of specified reporting requirements. (3) Existing law authorizes the commission to issue the single subject teaching credential in world language with an authorization to teach specified languages, including Chinese. This bill would instead authorize the commission to issue the single subject teaching credential in world language with an authorization to teach Mandarin or Cantonese. (4) Existing law establishes minimum requirements for preliminary and clear multiple or single subject teaching credentials. Existing law includes as one of the minimum requirements for a clear multiple or single subject teaching credential experience that includes the application of knowledge and skills previously acquired in a preliminary credential program that addresses health education, field experience delivering appropriate educational services to pupils with exceptional needs, and advanced computer-based technology. This bill would instead require a program of professional preparation that is required to receive a preliminary multiple or single subject teaching credential to provide that experience. (5) Existing law requires, commencing July 1, 2008, a program of professional preparation to include a teaching performance assessment, as provided. Existing law, subject to the availability of funds in the annual Budget Act, requires the commission, among other things, to ensure that oral proficiency in English is a criterion for scoring the performance of each candidate in that assessment. This bill would delete that requirement. (6) This bill would remove obsolete provisions, correct and update cross-references, and make other nonsubstantive changes.