BILL ANALYSIS �
AB 1853
Page 1
CONCURRENCE IN SENATE AMENDMENTS
AB 1853 (Bonilla)
As Amended August 6, 2012
Majority vote
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|ASSEMBLY: |56-21|(May 30, 2012) |SENATE: |21-14|(August 13, |
| | | | | |2012) |
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Original Committee Reference: ED.
SUMMARY : Authorizes the Commission on Teacher Credentialing
(CTC) to convene a workgroup to develop program standards for
the issuance of recognition of study in transitional
kindergarten (TK) for holders of a multiple subject teaching
credential who will be teaching pupils enrolled in a TK program.
The Senate amendments specify that the workgroup shall be
convened only after the Department of Finance determines that
private funds, in an amount sufficient to fully support the
activities of the workgroup, have been deposited with the state
and the Department of Finance has filed a written statement with
the Secretary of the Senate, the Chief Clerk of the Assembly,
and the Legislative Counsel memorializing that this
determination has been made.
AS PASSED BY THE ASSEMBLY , this bill was substantially similar
to the version passed by the Senate.
FISCAL EFFECT : According to the Senate Appropriations
Committee, pursuant to Senate Rule 28.8, negligible state costs.
COMMENTS : This bill authorizes the CTC to convene a workgroup
of experts to develop program standards for a new "recognition
of study" notation for a teaching credential in the area of TK.
This notation would still be displayed on a teaching credential,
like an authorization, but would not be a barrier to entry into
the specific teaching field. For example, a multiple subject
teacher could complete additional training or coursework in the
area of TK and upon completion of a commission-approved program,
receive a "recognition of study" notation on their credential in
the area of TK.
AB 1853
Page 2
According to the author, the Kindergarten Readiness Act was
passed to offer a different and appropriate curriculum for
eligible four-year olds. However, no new formal opportunities
were created or are currently available for teachers to prepare
themselves to offer an "age and developmentally appropriate"
curriculum. As educators across the state have begun
transitional kindergarten implementation, teachers,
administrators and teacher instructors have recognized the need
for CTC to establish standards for a TK specialization. The
specialized teacher training will ensure teachers are prepared
to deliver age and developmentally appropriate curriculum that
will prepare TK students for success in kindergarten and beyond.
Analysis Prepared by : Chelsea Kelley / ED. / (916) 319-2087
FN: 0004470