Day of the Teacher Celebration

The Commission on Teacher Credentialing again celebrated the day of the teacher by honoring Ms. Eduvina Benavides Smith, a first grade teacher at Wilkerson Elementary School in the El Monte City School District. Ms. Benavides Smith was nominated by Secretary Richard Riordan. Ms. Anne McKinney, Assistant Secretary for Higher Education, of the Office of the Secretary of Education, presented Ms. Benavides Smith with a plaque.

Ms. Benavides Smith earned her Baccalaureate degree in Education with minors in Spanish and Reading from Texas Women’s University in Denton, Texas. In 1969 Ms. Benavides Smith participated in the nation’s first credentialing program for bilingual educators. She later received her Master’s Degree in Multicultural Studies and Bilingual Education from the University of San Francisco.

Ms. Benavides Smith currently teaches a 70/30 immersion program for first graders at Wilkerson Elementary School in the El Monte City School District. She has served as a mentor teacher, program specialist, and union representative.

Ms. Benavides Smith’s excellent work in bilingual education has led to several of her lessons being videotaped and televised for use during professional development for both new and experienced teachers. Ms. Benavides Smith has also been instrumental in the adoption of training in new curriculum and numerous literacy programs.

Congratulations to Ms. Benavides Smith for this honor.

Chair’s Report

Chair Madkins complimented the staff for their hard work in preparing the very important agenda items for the Commission agenda. He also acknowledged their hard work in preparing for the legislative audit.

Chair Madkins acknowledged Dr. Steve Lilly who is retiring from his position as Dean of Education at CSU San Marcos.

Executive Director’s Report

Dr. Swofford reported that staffing ratios at the Commission are at the level seen in the early 1990s. He thanked the personnel from institutions of higher education, county offices of education and school districts for their patience and understanding in the current difficult times. He reminded everyone that even though the financial outlook is bleak, we still have an important task to carry out.

Dr. Swofford also reported that the Spring Workshops were very successful. He indicated that over 1000 individuals had attended these sessions.

Proposed Additions to Title 5 Regulations Pertaining to No Child Left Behind Authorizations (NCLB)

Staff presented several options for the proposed authorization to replace the current supplementary authorizations for the core academic subjects as defined by NCLB. This new authorization will be NCLB compliant and will allow teachers to teach core academic subjects through the grade 9 and specific core academic subjects through grade 12.

The proposed option includes language that requires 32 semesters of either lower or upper division semester units to qualify for the authorization. The Commission approved Option 1, which was recommended by Commission staff. The full text of this item can be found at http://www.ctc.ca.gov/aboutctc/agendas/may-2004/may-2004-4F.pdf. The full text of the item outlines requirements for each type of authorization.

The proposed name for this authorization is “Introductory Subject Matter Authorization” and “Specific Subject Matter Authorization.” The full text of the item will show that Commission Staff has added additional subject specific authorizations to the list. Passage by the Commission allows staff to prepare this item for the rule-making process. It is anticipated that there will be a public hearing on this item at the August Commission meeting.

The current supplementary authorizations will not sunset. Non-Title 1 schools still have the option of hiring teachers on the old authorizations because they have additional time to meet NCLB requirements.

Update on the Fiscal Year 2003-04 Budget Act

Staff reported that the Legislative Audit Commission has approved the audit of the CCTC. The audit will begin on May 19, 2004. Staff is currently waiting for information on the specifics of the audit.

Staff reported that the $2.8M loan for the current year may fall short of the revenue needed for the year.

Update of the Fiscal Year 2004-05 Proposed Governor’s Budget

At the time of the meeting there were no significant developments with regard to the budget for the upcoming year. Staff shared a document which was prepared in an effort to provide additional information related to the revenue discussion. This report includes a list of efficiencies already implemented by CCTC staff. This item can be found at http://www.ctc.ca.gov/aboutctc/agendas/may-2004/may-2004-5A.pdf.

Study Session on the Approval of Subject Matter Programs

This study session was presented in response to a request from the Commissions at the March 2004 meeting. They were asked to prepare a report that gave information about the approval of programs that develop subject matter competence for teachers.

Recognizing that the liberal studies major no longer waives the need for multiple subjects candidates to take the subject matter exam, staff was directed to provide options for review of the liberal studies programs that ensure rigor in the programs but which were not as comprehensive as the review of the single subject programs.

Options for the Review of the Accreditation Framework

Staff prepared three options for the review of the accreditation framework which were presented to the Commission. All of these options can be reviewed by reading the complete text of the item at http://www.ctc.ca.gov/aboutctc/agendas/may-2004/may-2004-6B.pdf. The Commission approved Option C which will form an Accreditation Study Working Group of not more than 20 individuals. The representation on this study working group includes interested stakeholders from all area of education. This option best met the objective of being open, inclusive and collaborative.

Update on Stakeholders Meeting to Replace Emergency Permits

As a result of input from the stakeholders meetings, staff is proposing two types of documents to replace the current emergency permits. Staff recognizes that there are two different types of needs which must be met – acute – school needs to staff the classroom the next day, and anticipated – district needs to do a comprehensive search for the best qualified person for the classroom. Staff is proposing the following types of documents:

Interim Staff Permit or Short-Term Staff Permit (to fill a classroom with an acute need). Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree
• CBEST
• Subject matter
• Multiple subject – 40 units
• Single subject – 18 units
• Special Ed – either subject matter requirement
• District must provide orientation and ongoing support
• Written justification by Superintendent of designee
• Not to exceed one year – non renewable or renewable if in a different assignment
• The requirements for this permit are the same as the current emergency permit

Resident Teacher Permit (to fill the anticipated need). This document would be issued at the request of a school district when a suitable credentialed teacher cannot be found after a diligent search. Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree
• CBEST
• Subject matter
• Multiple subject – 40 units
• Single subject – 18 units
• Special ed – either subject matter requirement, plus 9 units in Special ed or 3 years experience with special education students
• LEA must submit an annual resolution of the governing board that a reasonable effort to recruit has been made
• LEA must provide supervision and administrative support
• LEA must pair teacher with an experienced teacher
• LEA must provide assistance to obtain subject matter competency during the first year
• LEA must provide a signed agreement between the LEA and the teacher outlining steps to complete subject matter and enroll in an internship
• The document would not be issued for more than 2 years
• Renewal of the document for the second year would be based on taking the subject matter exam

Provisional Internship Permit (second option to fill the anticipated need) This document would be issued at the request of a school district when a suitable credentialed teacher cannot be found after a diligent search. Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree
• CBEST
• Subject matter
• Multiple subject – 60 units
• Single subject – 18 major
• Special ed – either subject matter requirement, plus 9 units in
• Special ed or 3 years experience with special education students.
• LEA must specify information regarding diligent search
• LEA must notify parents after 4 weeks that teacher is not a fully prepared teacher
• LEA must provide orientation
• LEA must pair teacher with an experienced teacher
• LEA must provide assistance to obtain subject matter competency during the first year
• LEA must provide a signed agreement between the LEA and the teacher outlining steps to complete subject matter and enroll in an internship
• The document would not be issued for more than 2 years. Renewal of the document for the second year would be based on taking the subject matter exam. Because of the higher requirements in the subject matter area, staff feels that would ensure higher success in passing the subject matter exams.

Some concerns expressed by members of the audience included:

• the requirements must be reasonable
• rural districts may have a more difficult time finding people who meet the higher requirements of the Provisional Intern Permit
• Some speakers supported the Provisional Intern Permits because of the higher standards to obtain this permit.

This was an information item only.

Legislative Update

• SB 1535 – McPherson – The Commission took a “watch” position on this bill.
• SB 1568 – Karnette – Staff reported that this bill has moved through the Senate on Consent.

The next meeting will be held June 5, 2004 at the Commission Offices in Sacramento.

Edith Thiessen