BILL NUMBER: AB 466 CHAPTERED 10/10/99 CHAPTER 623 FILED WITH SECRETARY OF STATE OCTOBER 10, 1999 APPROVED BY GOVERNOR OCTOBER 5, 1999 PASSED THE ASSEMBLY SEPTEMBER 2, 1999 PASSED THE SENATE AUGUST 30, 1999 AMENDED IN SENATE AUGUST 18, 1999 AMENDED IN SENATE AUGUST 17, 1999 AMENDED IN ASSEMBLY MAY 11, 1999 AMENDED IN ASSEMBLY MAY 6, 1999 AMENDED IN ASSEMBLY APRIL 27, 1999 AMENDED IN ASSEMBLY APRIL 15, 1999 AMENDED IN ASSEMBLY APRIL 5, 1999 INTRODUCED BY Assembly Member Mazzoni FEBRUARY 16, 1999 An act to amend Sections 44227, 44253, 44259, 44275.3, 44283.2, 44305, and 44831 of the Education Code, relating to teachers, making an appropriation therefor, and declaring the urgency thereof, to take effect immediately. LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST AB 466, Mazzoni. Teachers. (1) Existing law sets forth the requirements an out-of-state applicant for the preliminary multiple or single subject teaching credential is required to meet and the requirements for a special education specialists credential. Existing law authorizes the Commission on Teacher Credentialing to issue a preliminary multiple or single subject teaching credential to an out-of-state applicant pending the applicant's completion of certain of the requirements for that credential, including completion of a course or examination on the various methods of teaching reading. Existing law requires an out-of-state applicant for a clear multiple or single subject credential to complete a 5th year of study. This bill would delete the option for an out-of-state candidate for a preliminary single subject credential to complete an examination on the various methods of teaching reading and would, commencing January 1, 2000, require an out-of-state applicant for the preliminary multiple or single subject teaching credential to successfully complete a commission-approved program, course, or examination in the use of computers in the classroom and would authorize the issuance of that credential pending completion of that course or examination. The bill would authorize the commission to issue a preliminary special education specialist instruction credential, for a period not to exceed 2 years, to a qualifying out-of-state applicant pending completion of certain requirements. The bill would provide an out-of-state applicant for a clear multiple or single subject credential the option of completing an approved induction program instead of a 5th year of study. (2) Existing law sets forth the minimum requirements for the preliminary multiple or single subject teaching credential. Among those requirements, commencing January 1, 2000, is the demonstration of basic competency in the use of computers in the classroom. This bill would require that this competency be determined by either successfully completing a commission-approved program or course or successfully passing an assessment that is developed, approved, and administered by the commission. (3) Existing law requires, commencing on January 1, 2000, an applicant for the specialist teaching credential in special education to demonstrate that he or she passed the reading instruction competence assessment before the initial issuance of that specialist teaching credential but exempts an applicant for an early childhood special education certificate from this requirement. This bill would also exempt from that requirement an applicant for an early childhood special education credential and would provide that the requirement applies to an applicant who is not credentialed in any state. (4) Existing law establishes the Pre-Internship Teaching Program and provides that when resources remain after funding preinterns pursuing multiple subject emergency permits, the Commission on Teacher Credentialing may issue a preintern teaching certificate instead of an emergency single subject permit to an individual employed by a school district who meets the minimum requirements for the preintern teaching certificate. This bill would include an emergency education specialist instruction permit with the emergency single subject permit as the permits a preintern certificate may replace after funding remains. Existing law includes in the minimum requirements for the preintern teaching certificate completion of the number of units, as set by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing, in the subject to be taught. This bill would instead require the completion of the number of units, as set by the commission, for the multiple subject or single subject preintern teaching certificate and would add to the minimum requirements the number of units in education or the number of years of experience in special education, as set by the commission for the education specialist instruction preintern teaching certificate. (5) Existing law requires the governing board of a school district to employ persons in public school service requiring certification qualifications. Existing law sets forth the minimum requirements for a services credential in a specialization in clinical or rehabilitative services. This credential authorizes the holder to perform, at all grade levels, the service approved by the commission as designated on the credential which may include speech, language, and hearing services. This bill would authorize the governing board of a school district or a county office of education to contract with or employ an individual who holds a license issued by the Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Board and has earned a masters degree in communication disorders to provide speech and language services if that individual before employment or execution of the contract meets requirements related to the state basic skills proficiency test and has not been convicted of a violent or serious felony as defined. (6) Existing law requires that all fees collected by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing for tests, examinations, or assessments be deposited in the Test Development and Administration Account. This bill would appropriate $700,000 from the Test Development and Administration Account of the Teacher Credential Fund to the commission for the purpose of providing the commission with the funds needed to complete statutorily mandated test-validation studies. (7) This bill would declare that it is to take effect immediately as an urgency statute. Appropriation: yes. THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS: SECTION 1. Section 44227 of the Education Code is amended to read: 44227. (a) The commission may approve any institution of higher education whose teacher education program meets the standards prescribed by the commission, to recommend to the commission the issuance of credentials to persons who have successfully completed those programs. (b) Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, the commission may approve for credit any coursework completed for credential purposes or for step increases in programs offered in California by out-of-state institutions of higher education that meet the requirements prescribed by Section 94761 only if the program of courses is offered by a regionally accredited institution and evidence of satisfactory evaluation by both that accrediting body and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges is submitted by the out-of-state institution to the commission for purposes of seeking approval of the program and any courses within that program for the purposes of obtaining a credential in California. (c) Out-of-state applicants shall meet the following requirements for the preliminary multiple or single subject teaching credential: (1) A baccalaureate or higher degree from an accredited institution of postsecondary education. (2) The completion of a teacher training program approved by the applicable state agency. (3) The verification of subject matter competence either through an examination, or by the completion of an approved program or the equivalent of an approved program. (4) The completion of a course or, for multiple subject credentials, a course or an examination, on the various methods of teaching reading. (5) Passage of the state basic skills proficiency test. (6) The completion of a course or an examination on the United States Constitution. (7) Commencing January 1, 2000, successful completion of a commission-approved program, course, or examination in the use of computers in the classroom, as set forth in Section 44259. (d) Out-of-state applicants shall meet the following requirements for the clear multiple or single subject teaching credential: (1) A fifth year of study, or an approved induction program pursuant to Section 44259. (2) The study of education, including the study of physiological and sociological effects of the abuse of alcohol, narcotics, drugs, and tobacco. (3) The completion of the study and practice of methods of teaching individuals with exceptional needs. (e) The commission shall assess the records of out-of-state teachers who have been granted a five-year preliminary credential for purposes of determining any additional coursework that may be required as a condition for the issuance of a clear credential. The assessment shall determine the equivalency of out-of-state coursework in comparison to California coursework requirements, and, where applicable, shall specify additional coursework to be taken. In determining the equivalency of out-of-state coursework to California requirements, the commission shall do all of the following: (1) Accept a master's degree or higher degree from an accredited postsecondary educational institution demonstrating completion of an educationally related and organized program involving at least 30 semester units of postbaccalaureate coursework from an accredited postsecondary educational institution for purposes of meeting the fifth year of study requirement. (2) Upon direct application, grant a clear credential if the out-of-state teacher has met the requirements of paragraphs (1) to (3), inclusive, of subdivision (d). (3) Notify the out-of-state teacher who has completed the fifth year equivalency requirement, but who has not met the requirements of paragraph (2) or (3) of subdivision (d), that upon the submission of verification that he or she has completed these requirements, he or she may submit an application to the commission for a clear credential. (4) Notify out-of-state applicants who have not completed the fifth year of study requirement that they must obtain an evaluation of a postsecondary educational institution with an approved fifth year program. If there is a significant difference of opinion as to the content or units credited to out-of-state coursework, either the applicant or the postsecondary educational institution may solicit the opinion of the commission. Upon the completion of the coursework specified in the postsecondary educational institution's evaluation, the institution may recommend the applicant for a clear credential. (f) If an applicant is unable to secure the recommendation of a postsecondary educational institution for the issuance of a clear credential, the applicant may submit a direct application to the commission documenting that he or she has completed all of the requirements for a clear credential. If the commission determines that all of the requirements have been met, the commission shall grant the clear credential. SEC. 2. Section 44253 of the Education Code is amended to read: 44253. (a) The commission may issue a preliminary multiple or single subject teaching credential, for a period not to exceed two years, to any applicant qualifying under Section 44227 pending completion of the requirements in subdivision (d), (e), (f), or (g). (b) The commission may issue a preliminary designated subjects teaching credential, for a period not to exceed two years, pending completion of the requirement in subdivision (f). (c) The commission may issue a preliminary special education specialist instruction credential, for a period not to exceed two years, to an out-of-state applicant qualifying under Section 44265 pending completion of the requirements in subdivisions (d) to (i), inclusive. (d) A commission-approved subject matter preparation program or examination to verify subject matter competence. (e) A course, or for multiple subject or special education specialist instruction credentials, a course or an examination, on the teaching of reading. (f) A course or examination on the provisions and principles of the United States Constitution. (g) A commission-approved program, course, or examination in the use of computers in the classroom, as set forth in Section 44259. (h) A course in nonspecial education pedagogy. (i) An instructional experience in nonspecial education. SEC. 3. Section 44259 of the Education Code is amended to read: 44259. (a) Except as provided in subparagraphs (A) and (C) of paragraph (3) of subdivision (b), each program of professional preparation for multiple or single subject teaching credentials shall not include more than one year of, or the equivalent of one-fifth of a five-year program in, professional preparation. (b) The minimum requirements for the preliminary multiple or single subject teaching credential, are all of the following: (1) A baccalaureate degree or higher degree from a regionally accredited institution of postsecondary education. Except as provided in subdivision (c) of Section 44227, the baccalaureate degree shall not be in professional education. The commission shall encourage accredited institutions to offer undergraduate minors in education and special education to students who intend to become teachers. (2) Passage of the state basic skills examination that is developed and administered by the commission pursuant to Section 44252.5. (3) Satisfactory completion of a program of professional preparation that has been accredited by the committee on accreditation on the basis of standards of program quality and effectiveness that have been adopted by the commission. Subject to the availability of funds in the annual Budget Act for this purpose, and in accordance with the commission's assessment and performance standards, each program shall include a teaching performance assessment as set forth in Section 44320.2 which is aligned with the California Standards for the Teaching Profession. The commission shall ensure that each candidate recommended for a credential or certificate has demonstrated satisfactory ability to assist students to meet or exceed state content and performance standards for pupils adopted pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 60605. Programs that meet this requirement for professional preparation shall include any of the following: (A) Integrated programs of subject matter preparation and professional preparation pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 44259.1. (B) Postbaccalaureate programs of professional preparation, pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 44259.1. (C) Internship programs of professional preparation, pursuant to Section 44321, Article 7.5 (commencing with Section 44325), Article 11 (commencing with Section 44380), and Article 3 (commencing with Section 44450) of Chapter 3. (4) Study of alternative methods of developing English language skills, including the study of reading as described in subparagraphs (A) and (B), among all pupils, including those for whom English is a second language, in accordance with the commission's standards of program quality and effectiveness. The study of reading shall meet the following requirements: (A) Commencing January 1, 1997, satisfactory completion of comprehensive reading instruction that is research-based and includes all of the following: (i) The study of organized, systematic, explicit skills including phonemic awareness, direct, systematic, explicit phonics, and decoding skills. (ii) A strong literature, language, and comprehension component with a balance of oral and written language. (iii) Ongoing diagnostic techniques that inform teaching and assessment. (iv) Early intervention techniques. (v) Guided practice in a clinical setting. (B) For the purposes of this section, "direct, systematic, explicit phonics" means phonemic awareness, spelling patterns, the direct instruction of sound/symbol codes and practice in connected text and the relationship of direct, systematic, explicit phonics to the components set forth in clauses (i) to (v), inclusive. A program for the multiple subjects credential also shall include the study of integrated methods of teaching language arts. (5) Completion of a subject matter program that has been approved by the commission on the basis of standards of program quality and effectiveness pursuant to Article 6 (commencing with Section 44310) or passage of a subject matter examination pursuant to Article 5 (commencing with Section 44280). The commission shall ensure that subject matter standards and examinations are aligned with the state content and performance standards adopted for pupils pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 60605. (6) Demonstration of a knowledge of the principles and provisions of the Constitution of the United States pursuant to Section 44335. (7) Commencing January 1, 2000, demonstration, in accordance with the commission's standards of program quality and effectiveness, of basic competency in the use of computers in the classroom as determined by one of the following: (A) Successful completion of a commission-approved program or course. (B) Successful passage of an assessment that is developed, approved, and administered by the commission. (c) The minimum requirements for the professional clear multiple or single subject teaching credential shall include all of the following requirements: (1) Possession of a valid preliminary teaching credential, as prescribed in subdivision (b), possession of a valid equivalent credential or certificate, or completion of equivalent requirements as determined by the commission. A candidate who has satisfied the requirements of subdivision (b) for a preliminary credential, including completion of an accredited internship program of professional preparation, shall be determined by the commission to have fulfilled the requirements of paragraph (2) for beginning teacher induction if the accredited internship program has fulfilled induction standards and been approved as set forth in this subdivision. (2) Subject to the availability of funds in the annual Budget Act to provide statewide access to eligible beginning teachers, as defined in subdivision (d) of Section 44279.1, completion of a program of beginning teacher induction, including any of the following: (A) A program of beginning teacher support and assessment approved by the commission and the Superintendent of Public Instruction pursuant to Section 44279.1, a provision of the Marian Bergeson Beginning Teacher Support and Assessment System. (B) An alternative program of beginning teacher induction that is provided by one or more local education agencies and has been approved by the commission and the superintendent on the basis of initial review and periodic evaluations of the program in relation to appropriate standards of credential program quality and effectiveness that have been adopted by the commission, the superintendent, and the State Board of Education pursuant to this subdivision. The standards for alternative programs shall encourage innovation and experimentation in the continuous preparation and induction of beginning teachers. Any alternative program of beginning teacher induction that has met state standards pursuant to this subdivision may apply for state funding pursuant to Sections 44279.1 and 44279.2. (C) An alternative program of beginning teacher induction that is sponsored by a regionally accredited college or university, in cooperation with one or more local school districts, that addresses the individual professional needs of beginning teachers and meets the commission's standards of induction. The commission shall ensure that preparation and induction programs that qualify candidates for professional credentials extend and refine each beginning teacher's professional skills in relation to the California Standards for the Teaching Profession and the standards of student performance adopted pursuant to Section 60605. (3) Preparation, in accordance with commission standards, that addresses the following: (A) Study of health education, including study of nutrition, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and the physiological and sociological effects of abuse of alcohol, narcotics, and drugs and the use of tobacco. Training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation shall also meet the standards established by the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross. (B) Study and field experience in methods of delivering appropriate educational services to students with exceptional needs in regular education programs. (C) Study, in accordance with the commission's standards of program quality and effectiveness, of advanced computer-based technology, including the uses of technology in educational settings. (4) The commission shall develop and implement standards of program quality that provide for the areas of study listed in subparagraphs (A) to (C), inclusive of paragraph (3), starting in professional preparation and continuing through induction. (5) Completion of an approved fifth-year program after completion of a baccalaureate degree at a regionally accredited institution, except that the commission shall eliminate this requirement for any candidate who has completed an induction program that has been approved for the professional clear credential pursuant to paragraph (2). (d) A credential that was issued prior to the effective date of this section shall remain in force as long as it is valid under the laws and regulations that were in effect on the date it was issued. The commission may not, by regulation, invalidate an otherwise valid credential unless it issues to the holder of the credential, in substitution, a new credential authorized by another provision in this chapter that is no more restrictive than the credential for which it was substituted with respect to the kind of service authorized and the grades, classes, or types of schools in which it authorizes service. (e) A credential program that is approved by the commission may not deny an individual access to that program solely on the grounds that the individual obtained a teaching credential through completion of an internship program when that internship program has been accredited by the commission. (f) Notwithstanding this section, persons who were performing teaching services as of January 1, 1999, pursuant to the language of this section that was in effect prior to that date, may continue to perform those services without complying with any requirements that may be added by the amendments adding this subdivision. (g) Subparagraphs (A) and (B) of paragraph (4) of subdivision (b) do not apply to any person who, as of January 1, 1997, holds a multiple or single subject teaching credential, or to any person enrolled in a program of professional preparation for a multiple or single subject teaching credential as of January 1, 1997, who subsequently completes that program. It is the intent of the Legislature that the requirements of subparagraphs (A) and (B) of paragraph (4) of subdivision (b) be applied only to persons who enter a program of professional preparation on or after January 1, 1997. (h) The commission shall grant teaching credentials based on the requirements for those credentials that were in effect on December 31, 1998, to candidates who were in the process of meeting those requirements for teaching credentials before the effective date of the commission's implementation of this section. SEC. 4. Section 44275.3 of the Education Code is amended to read: 44275.3. Notwithstanding any other provision of law: (a) (1) It is the intent of the Legislature that both of the following occur: (A) That this section provide flexibility to enable school districts to recruit credentialed out-of-state elementary, secondary, and special education teachers to relocate to California. (B) That any and all teachers hired in California pursuant to this section fully meet the requirements of the State of California. (2) It is not the intent of the Legislature either to address the issue of interstate reciprocity of credentialing requirements or to dilute current California requirements for credentialed teachers. (b) Any teacher from a state other than California may be employed by a school district pursuant to this section to provide instructional services if each of the following conditions are met: (1) The teacher holds a valid credential that requires the teacher to meet requirements equivalent to the multiple or single subject teaching credential requirements in paragraphs (1) and (2) of subdivision (c) of Section 44227 or the special education credential requirements described in Section 44265. (2) The credential from the state other than California is valid at the time the teacher commences to provide instructional services for the school district. (3) The teacher is hired after the successful completion of a criminal background check conducted pursuant to Section 44332.6, by the governing board of the school district offering the teacher employment. (c) The Commission on Teacher Credentialing shall grant a five-year preliminary multiple or single subject teaching credential or education specialist credential to a teacher meeting the requirements of subdivision (b) if the teacher has received an offer of employment from a California school district, county office of education, nonpublic, nonsectarian school or agency, or school operating under the direction of a California state agency. (d) At or before the completion of one school year of teaching pursuant to this section, a teacher shall pass the state basic skills proficiency test, pursuant to Section 44252, administered by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing in order to be eligible to continue teaching pursuant to this section. (e) At or before the completion of four school years of teaching pursuant to this section, a teacher shall, to the satisfaction of the Commission on Teacher Credentialing, meet the requirements for subject matter competence, for completion of a course, or for multiple subject credentials, a course or an examination, on the various methods of teaching reading, and for completion of a course or examination on the Constitution of the United States, within the meaning of paragraphs (3), (4), and (6), respectively, of subdivision (c) of Section 44227, in order to be eligible to continue teaching pursuant to this section. Additionally, to be eligible to continue teaching on an education specialist credential, the teacher shall also complete the requirements for nonspecial education pedagogy and a supervised field experience program in general education. (f) At or before the completion of five school years of teaching pursuant to this section, a teacher shall meet the requirements for completion of the study of health education, for completion of study and field experience in methods of delivering appropriate educational services to pupils with exceptional needs in regular education programs, and for completion of the study of computer-based technology, within the meaning of paragraphs (1), (2), (3), and (4), respectively, of subdivision (c) of Section 44259. A teacher holding a specialist credential pursuant to this section shall complete a program for the Professional Level II credential accredited by the Committee on Accreditation, established pursuant to Section 44373, including the requirements specified in this subdivision and subdivision (e). (g) If a teacher fails to meet any of the requirements of subdivisions (b), (c), (d), (e), and (f), the Commission on Teacher Credentialing shall inactivate a preliminary credential granted pursuant to this section until the requirement is met. The time requirements contained in subdivisions (e) and (f) shall not be stayed by the inactivation of a preliminary credential under this subdivision. (h) The Commission on Teacher Credentialing shall issue a professional clear credential to a teacher who meets the requirements of subdivisions (b), (c), (d), (e), and (f) and submits an application with appropriate fees and documentation of the completion of all requirements pursuant to this section. SEC. 5. Section 44283.2 of the Education Code is amended to read: 44283.2. (a) Commencing on January 1, 2000, prior to the initial issuance of a specialist teaching credential in special education pursuant to Section 44265, except as provided in subdivision (b) a first time credential applicant who is not credentialed in any state shall be required to demonstrate that he or she passed the reading instruction competence assessment developed pursuant to Section 44283. (b) This section shall not apply to an applicant for an Early Childhood Special Education Certificate or Early Childhood Special Education Credential, which authorizes the holder to provide educational services to children from birth through prekindergarten who are eligible for early intervention special education and related services. SEC. 6. Section 44305 of the Education Code is amended to read: 44305. (a) As resources are available to school districts to provide services to any preintern pursuant to this article, the commission may issue a preintern teaching certificate instead of an emergency multiple subjects permit to an individual employed by a school district approved by the commission who meets the minimum requirements set by the commission. When resources remain after funding preinterns pursuing multiple subject emergency permits, the commission may issue a preintern teaching certificate instead of an emergency single subject permit or an emergency education specialist instruction permit to an individual employed by a school district approved by the commission who meets the minimum requirements set by the commission. In implementing the Pre-Internship Teaching Program, the commission shall consult with representatives of the State Department of Education, classroom teachers, school administrators, other school employees, parents, school board members, and institutions of higher education. (b) The preintern teaching certificate issued by the commission shall be valid for one year, but may be renewed for one additional year if the holder takes the appropriate subject matter examination required under Section 44282. A preintern teacher who passes the subject matter examination in the first or second year of his or her preintern teaching shall enroll in a district or university teaching internship or other approved university teaching credential program. A preintern teaching certificate may be renewed for a third year if the employing school district, the cooperating college or university, and the preintern support the application for renewal. (c) The minimum requirements for the preintern teaching certificate established by the commission shall include all of the following: (1) A baccalaureate or higher degree conferred by a regionally accredited institution of higher education. (2) Passage of the basic skills proficiency test as provided for in Section 44252. (3) The number of units, as set by the commission, for the multiple subject or single subject preintern teaching certificate. (4) The number of units in education or the number of years of experience in special education, as set by the commission, for the education specialist instruction preintern teaching certificate. (d) The commission shall establish criteria for the approval of preintern teaching programs. The criteria shall include, but is not limited to, all of the following: (1) Demonstrated need, as indicated by the percentage of teachers in the district that have not completed basic credential requirements pursuant to state law. (2) The quality of the preparation, support, and assistance to be provided to teaching preinterns. (3) Cost effectiveness, including the number of preinterns to be served. (4) Collaboration between district administrators and experienced teachers with permanent status in the development of the plan. (5) District and college or university collaboration to ensure availability of courses needed by preintern teachers. (6) Preintern preparation content, including lesson planning, classroom management and organization, and a schedule for delivering the preparation, with a focus on beginning the preparation before or during the first semester of the preinternship. (7) The role of personnel, including experienced teachers with permanent status, in the delivery of preintern preparation and support. (8) That no later than the second year of employment the program for each preintern shall reflect the California Standards for the Teaching Profession jointly developed by the commission and the State Department of Education. (9) Approval of the district plan by the governing board of the school district. (e) In establishing criteria for review of preintern teaching programs pursuant to subdivision (d), the commission shall make every effort to recognize effective district programs for the support and development of emergency permit teachers in operation before July 1, 1998, as meeting the preintern teaching program criteria. (f) A school district may apply to the commission for funding under this article. Based on the criteria in subdivision (d), developed pursuant to the consultation process required by subdivision (a), the commission shall determine which applicants are approved for funding. If funds are provided for this act from the federal Goals 2000: Educate America Act (P.L. 103-227), the commission shall transmit a list of approved applicants to the State Department of Education which shall award grants in a timely manner exclusively to those school districts that the commission has approved for funding, in the amounts listed, with no school district receiving more than two thousand dollars ($2,000) per preintern employed by the school district. SEC. 7. Section 44831 of the Education Code is amended to read: 44831. Governing boards of school districts shall employ persons in public school service requiring certification qualifications as provided in this code, except that the governing board or a county office of education may contract with or employ an individual who holds a license issued by the Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Board and has earned a masters degree in communication disorders to provide speech and language services if that individual meets the requirements of Sections 44332.6 and 44830 before employment or execution of the contract. SEC. 8. There is hereby appropriated the sum of seven hundred thousand dollars ($700,000) from the Test Development and Administration Account of the Teacher Credentials Fund to the Commission on Teacher Credentialing for the purpose of providing the Commission on Teacher Credentialing with the funds needed to complete statutorily mandated test-validation studies of the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST) and the Multiple Subject Assessment for Teachers (MSAT). SEC. 9. This act is an urgency statute necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety within the meaning of Article IV of the Constitution and shall go into immediate effect. The facts constituting the necessity are: In order to provide the Commission on Teacher Credentialing with the expenditure authority to complete, on a timely basis, statutorily mandated test-validation studies to ensure that mandated credential examinations are appropriately verifying the knowledge, skills, and abilities of teacher credential candidates, and to make other timely changes to statutory requirements related to teacher credentialing, it is necessary that this act go into effect immediately.