CDCAN Advocacy Without Borders :: One Community

Summary

Streamlines requirements for the Preliminary and Clear designated subjects adult education teaching credential (DSAE). Specifically, this bill:

1. Specifies the minimum requirements for the three-year Preliminary DSAE credential to be the following:
   1. For nonacademic subjects:
      1. Three years of recent experience in the subject named on the credential; and,
      2. Possession of a high school diploma or passage of an equivalency examination designated by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC).
   2. For academic subjects:
      1. A baccalaureate or higher degree from an accredited institution of higher education that includes a minimum of 20 semester units, or the equivalent quarter units, of coursework in the subject named on the credential; and,
      2. Passage of the state basic skills requirement, as specified.
   3. Satisfaction of the requirements for teacher fitness (finger print clearance and criminal background check).
2. Specifies the minimum requirements for the five-year Clear DSAE credential to be all of the following:
   1. A valid-three year Preliminary DSAE teaching credential;
   2. Two years of successful teaching as authorized by the Preliminary DSAE credential;
   3. Completion of a program of personalized preparation as approved by the CTC;
   4. Completion of two semester units or passage of an examination on the principles and provisions of the United States Constitution; and,
   5. Completion of a program of study in health education and computer technology.
3. Makes conforming changes to delete duplicative code sections and language.
   

   Comments

   Background

   According to the CTC, the adult education teaching credential authorizes an individual to teach the subject(s) named on the credential in courses organized primarily for adults. Adult education credentials are currently divided into those that authorize the individual to teach academic subjects-those designed to support adults preparing to take and pass the General Equivalency Diploma examination (GED) and develop English language skills-and non-academic subjects-such as nutrition, parenting education, and career technical education (CTE) courses.

   Adult education schools and courses are offered through most public schools and receive public funds for their operations. Over one and a half million adults are currently served in adult education programs in California. A large percentage of those adults attending adult education programs are English language learners. Adults with disabilities also rely on these programs for basic living skills and recreational support. In addition, students who exit high schools early without graduating depend on these programs to help them pass the GED, learn job skills, and manage their lives more effectively.

   Process for Revising the DSAE

   In April 2008, the CTC recruited an expert advisory panel to review the credential requirements and the Standards of Quality and Effectiveness for Designated Subjects Adult Education Programs in order to update those standards. The panel reviewed a collection of resources and research related to adult education including the recently adopted Designated Subjects Career Technical Education (DSCTE) Program Standards (2008) and made recommendations that revise the DSAE as outlined in this bill. Many of the updates to the DSAE are aligned with updates made to the DSCTE in 2008 through the passage of SB 1104 (Scott), Chapter 576, Statutes of 2008.

   By reducing the experience requirement for the Preliminary DSAE credential from five years to three years and by moving the U.S. Constitution requirement into the Clear credential, this bill could make it easier for candidates to become adult education teachers. In consolidating the statutory requirements for the Preliminary DSAE credential and those for the Clear DSAE credential, this bill creates a two-tiered credential structure for the DSAE credential that parallels the structure of other teaching credentials, such as Preliminary and Clear Single Subject teaching credentials. Additionally, minor technical revisions are proposed to provide general clean up and promote greater clarity within the section. These revisions include references to the basic skills, health education, technology, and professional fitness requirements.

   Over time, the Legislature has established separate requirements for the issuance of Preliminary DSAE teaching credentials and, unlike other credentials, specifies additional requirements for the renewal of these credentials under specified circumstances. A separate code section (Education Code Section 44260.8), added at a later time, requires the study of health education and computer technology in order to earn a Clear designated subjects credential in adult education and establishes the study of health education as a requirement for any Clear designated subject credential. This bill attempts to streamline and clarify the Education Code sections related to the DSAE credential by consolidating all the requirements for each type of credential into its own Education Code section.

   The CTC is sponsoring the bill and argues, "The revisions recommended by AB 1374 are intended to increase the flow of program participants into Adult Education credential preparation programs and improve the quality of training participants receive. Many of the revisions recommended in AB 1374 are aligned with those made to the Career Technical Education credential and provide an overall continuity to the Designated Subject credentials section of the Education Code."

   Previous Legislation

   SB 1104 (Scott), Chapter 576, Statutes of 2008, revised the DSCTE teaching credential to reflect the recommendations of the CTC advisory panel.

   Committee Amendment

   Committee staff recommends the following typographical correction to the bill: On page 2, line 3, delete "primary" and replace that term with "preliminary."

   Support

   • Commission on Teacher Credentialing (Sponsor)

   Opposition

   None on file.

   Analysis Prepared by : Chelsea Kelley / ED. / (916) 319-2087