BILL ANALYSIS �
AB 1304
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Date of Hearing: May 18, 2011
ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS
Felipe Fuentes, Chair
AB 1304 (Block) - As Amended: April 25, 2011
Policy Committee: Education
Vote:7-3
Urgency: No State Mandated Local Program:
No Reimbursable: No
SUMMARY
This bill authorizes the Commission on Teacher Credentialing
(CTC) to convene a workgroup to develop program standards for
the issuance of recognition of study for linked learning
competence for holders of a single subject teaching credential
who will be teaching pupils enrolled in linked learning
programs, as specified.
1)Defines "recognition of study" as a statement added to a
single subject credential recognizing that the credential
holder has completed a CTC approved course of study in linked
learning teaching methods, as specified.
2)Defines "linked learning programs" as programs and pathways
that ensure all pupils have curriculum choices to prepare them
for career entry and a full range of postsecondary options,
including two and four-year colleges, apprenticeship, and
formal employment training, including California Partnership
Academies.
3)Authorizes the CTC to work with the SPI to gather and post, on
an appropriate Internet website, best practices from school
districts and schools on curriculum development and
professional development related to implementing multiple
pathway programs.
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4)Prohibits the holder of a single subject credential receiving
a recognition of study in linked learning from teaching
subject matter content or English learners, unless he or she
holds an appropriate authorization or is employed on the basis
of a local assignment option.
5)Prohibits any recognition of study in linked learning from the
following: (a) being considered a type of authorization; (b)
being used as a condition of employment; (c) replacing a
subject matter competence requirement; and (d) used in making
employment decisions.
FISCAL EFFECT
Minor, absorbable GF costs to the CTC to convene a workgroup, as
specified in this measure.
COMMENTS
1)Purpose . AB 2648 (Bass), Chapter 681, Statutes of 2008,
defined multiple pathway programs as multi-year, comprehensive
high school programs of integrated academic and technical
study organized around a broad theme, interest area, or
industry sector. This program ensures that all pupils have
curriculum choices to prepare them for career entry and a full
range of postsecondary options, including two and four-year
colleges, apprenticeship, and formal employment training.
Proponents of multiple pathway programs have developed a new
term, linked learning, to refer to these programs. Teachers
who instruct pupils in these programs often work with outside
educators and members of the local business community to
develop curriculum. As a result of this collaboration, many
teachers utilize project-based curriculum strategies and
work-based learning approaches.
According to the author, "A growing number of schools are
opting to provide students with integrated coursework,
work-based learning opportunities, project based learning and
career themed instruction to increase proficiency, graduation
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rates and transition to some form of post-secondary choice -
apprenticeship, additional training, 2-year college, four-year
college (multiple pathways/linked learning). The issuance
of a recognition of study in linked learning would be a way to
increase the pool of qualified instructors in the area without
disenfranchising current single-subject credential holders."
2)Existing law establishes a single subject teaching credential,
which authorizes the holder to teach the specific subject(s)
named on the credential in departmentalized classes such as
those in most middle schools and high schools.
3)AB 2648 (Bass), Chapter 681, Statutes of 2008 , required the
SPI to develop a report that explores the feasibility of
establishing and expanding multiple pathway programs in high
schools, including the costs and merits associated with
expansion of these programs.
In May 2010, the SPI released the final report entitled -
Multiple Pathways to Student Success: Envisioning the New
California High School. The report provided policy
recommendations, including requiring the CTC to incorporate
problem-based pedagogies and other innovative instructional
strategies as core competencies for any single-subject
secondary teacher, as specified. Another recommendation urged
the state to develop a pathways teaching credential
authorization that would combine the competencies required
within a traditional academic credential and a CTE industry
sector credential. The workgroup established by this measure
is the appropriate venue to explore these recommendations.
4)Related legislation . AB 790 (Furutani), pending in this
committee, establishes the Multiple Pathway Pilot program for
the purpose of implementing districtwide multiple pathway
learning approaches commencing with the 2012-13 school year,
as specified.
AB 1304
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Analysis Prepared by : Kimberly Rodriguez / APPR. / (916)
319-2081