AB 2706: Teachers: education technology and digital resources training pilot program.
- Session Year: 2015-2016
- House: Assembly
- Latest Version Date: 2016-03-18
(1)Existing law establishes a system of public elementary and secondary schools in this state, and authorizes local educational agencies throughout the state to operate schools and provide instruction to pupils in kindergarten and grades 1 to 12, inclusive.
This bill would appropriate, without regard to fiscal years, $2,000,000 from the General Fund to the Superintendent of Public Instruction to be allocated to specified local educational agencies for the purpose of implementing a pilot program to train teachers teaching kindergarten or any of grades 1 to 12, inclusive, to more effectively utilize technology and digital resources within their instructional day, while also measuring and teaching the critical 21st century skills pupils need to succeed on Californias next-generation online assessments, as well as to prepare pupils for college and career objectives, thereby making an appropriation.
The bill would require the Superintendent to develop an application process for the allocation of funds appropriated for the implementation of the pilot program that gives priority to applicant local educational agencies that serve a large percentage of pupils eligible for free or reduced-price meals. The bill would authorize any local educational agency in the state to apply to the Superintendent for funding to implement the pilot program, as specified. The bill would specify topics to be included in the training provided to teachers and pupils participating in the pilot program.
(2)Funds appropriated by this bill would be applied toward the minimum funding requirements for school districts and community college districts imposed by Section 8 of Article XVI of the California Constitution.
Existing law requires the Commission on Teacher Credentialing to issue a 5-year preliminary multiple subject teaching credential authorizing instruction in a self-contained classroom, a 5-year preliminary single subject teaching credential authorizing instruction in departmentalized classes, or a 5-year preliminary education specialist credential authorizing instruction of special education pupils to an out-of-state prepared teacher who meets specified requirements, including that the teacher possess a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education.
This bill would make nonsubstantive changes to those provisions and other related provisions.
Existing law requires the Commission on Teacher Credentialing to issue a 5-year preliminary multiple subject teaching credential authorizing instruction in a self-contained classroom, a 5-year preliminary single subject teaching credential authorizing instruction in departmentalized classes, or a 5-year preliminary education specialist credential authorizing instruction of special education pupils to an out-of-state prepared teacher who meets specified requirements, including that the teacher possess a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education.
This bill would make nonsubstantive changes to those provisions and other related provisions.
(a)Notwithstanding any other law, two million dollars ($2,000,000) shall be appropriated, without regard to fiscal years, from the General Fund to the Superintendent to be allocated to local educational agencies that apply for the purpose of implementing a pilot program to train teachers who teach kindergarten or any of grades 1 to 12, inclusive, to more effectively use technology and digital resources within their instructional day, while also measuring and teaching the critical 21st century skills pupils need to succeed on Californias next-generation online assessments, as well as to prepare pupils for college and career objectives.
(b)(1)The Superintendent shall develop an application process for the allocation of funds appropriated pursuant to subdivision (a) that gives priority to applicant local educational agencies that serve a large percentage of pupils eligible for free or reduced-price meals.
(2)Any local educational agency in the state may apply for funding from the Superintendent to implement the pilot program described in subdivision (a), and subject to the requirements of subdivision (c).
(c)The pilot program shall include both of the following:
(1)A focus on teachers who work with underserved populations.
(2)(A)An emphasis on enhancing the ability of participants to measure 21st century skills of teachers and pupils using the international standards defined by the International Society for Technology in Education.
(B)The skills to be measured and enhanced for teachers pursuant to this paragraph shall include, but not necessarily be limited to, all of the following:
(i)Facilitation and inspiration of pupil learning and creativity.
(ii)Design and development of digital age learning experiences and assessments.
(iii)Modeling of digital age work and learning.
(iv)Promotion and modeling of digital citizenship and responsibility.
(v)Engagement in professional growth and leadership.
(C)The skills to be measured and enhanced for pupils pursuant to this paragraph shall include, but not necessarily be limited to, all of the following:
(i)Creativity and innovation.
(ii)Communication and collaboration.
(iii)Research and information fluency.
(iv)Critical thinking and problem solving.
(v)Digital citizenship.
(vi)Technology operations and concepts.
(d)The pilot program shall include training and professional development for teachers to assist them to effectively personalize digital literacy instruction for their pupils.
(e)The pupils participating in the pilot program shall receive digital literacy instruction that will enhance the skills these pupils need to succeed in elementary or secondary school, postsecondary education, and careers.
SECTION 1.Section 44274.2 of the Education Code is amended to read:44274.2.(a)Notwithstanding any provision of this chapter, the commission shall issue a five-year preliminary multiple subject teaching credential authorizing instruction in a self-contained classroom, a five-year preliminary single subject teaching credential authorizing instruction in departmentalized classes, or a five-year preliminary education specialist credential authorizing instruction of special education pupils to an out-of-state prepared teacher who meets all of the following requirements:
(1)Possesses a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education.
(2)Has completed a teacher preparation program at a regionally accredited institution of higher education, or a state-approved teacher preparation program offered by a local educational agency.
(3)Meets the subject matter knowledge requirements for the credential. If the subject area listed on the out-of-state credential does not correspond to a California subject area, as specified in Sections 44257 and 44282, the commission may require the applicant to meet California subject matter requirements before issuing a clear credential.
(4)Has earned a valid corresponding elementary, secondary, or special education teaching credential based on the out-of-state teacher preparation program. For the education specialist credential, the commission shall determine the area of concentration based on the special education program completed out of state.
(5)Has successfully completed a criminal background check conducted under Sections 44339, 44340, and 44341 for credentialing purposes.
(b)The holder of a credential issued pursuant to this section shall meet the state basic skills proficiency requirement set forth in Section 44252 within one year of the date the credential is issued or the credential shall become invalid.
(c)The commission shall issue a clear multiple subject, single subject, or education specialist teaching credential to an applicant who satisfies the requirements of subdivision (a), provides verification of two or more years of teaching experience, including, but not limited to, two satisfactory performance evaluations, and documents, in a manner prescribed by the commission, that he or she fulfills each of the following requirements:
(1)The applicant has done one of the following:
(A)Completed 150 clock hours of activities that contribute to his or her competence, performance, and effectiveness in the education profession, and that assist the applicant in meeting or exceeding standards for professional preparation established by the commission.
(B)Earned a masters degree or higher in a field related to the credential, or the equivalent semester units, from a regionally accredited institution of higher education.
(2)The applicant has met the state requirements for teaching English learners including, but not limited to, the requirements in Section 44253.3.
(d)For applicants who do not meet the experience requirement described in subdivision (c), the commission shall issue a clear multiple subject, single subject, or education specialist teaching credential upon verification of the following requirements:
(1)The commission has issued to the applicant a preliminary five-year teaching credential pursuant to subdivision (a). However, an out-of-state prepared applicant in both special education and general education, who has earned a clear California education specialist credential, shall be granted a clear multiple subject or clear single subject teaching credential without first holding a preliminary multiple subject or single subject teaching credential, unless the commission determines that the applicant does not meet the other requirements of this subdivision.
(2)The applicant has completed a beginning teacher induction program pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (c) of Section 44259.
(3)The applicant has met the requirements for teaching English learners, including, but not limited to, the requirements in Section 44253.3.
(4)Before issuing an education specialist credential under this subdivision, the commission shall verify completion of a program for the Professional Level II credential accredited by the commission.
(a)Notwithstanding any provision of this chapter, the commission shall issue a five-year preliminary multiple subject teaching credential authorizing instruction in a self-contained classroom, a five-year preliminary single subject teaching credential authorizing instruction in departmentalized classes, or a five-year preliminary education specialist credential authorizing instruction of special education pupils to an out-of-state prepared teacher who meets all of the following requirements:
(1)Possesses a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education.
(2)Has completed a teacher preparation program at a regionally accredited institution of higher education, or a state-approved teacher preparation program offered by a local educational agency.
(3)Meets the subject matter knowledge requirements for the credential. If the subject area listed on the out-of-state credential does not correspond to a California subject area, as specified in Sections 44257 and 44282, the commission may require the applicant to meet California subject matter requirements before issuing a clear credential.
(4)Has earned a valid corresponding elementary, secondary, or special education teaching credential based upon on the out-of-state teacher preparation program. For the education specialist credential, the commission shall determine the area of concentration based on the special education program completed out of state.
(5)Has successfully completed a criminal background check conducted under Sections 44339, 44340, and 44341 for credentialing purposes.
(b)The holder of a credential issued pursuant to this section shall meet the state basic skills proficiency requirement set forth in Section 44252 within one year of the date the credential is issued or the credential shall become invalid.
(c)The commission shall issue a clear multiple subject, single subject, or education specialist teaching credential to an applicant who satisfies the requirements of subdivision (a), provides verification of two or more years of teaching experience, including, but not limited to, two satisfactory performance evaluations, and documents, in a manner prescribed by the commission, that he or she fulfills each of the following requirements:
(1)The applicant has completed done one of the following:
(A)Completed 150 clock hours of activities that contribute to his or her competence, performance, and effectiveness in the education profession, and that assist the applicant in meeting or exceeding standards for professional preparation established by the commission, or the applicant has earned commission.
(B)Earned a masters degree or higher in a field related to the credential, or the equivalent semester units, from a regionally accredited institution of higher education.
(2)The applicant has met the state requirements for teaching English learners including, but not limited to, the requirements in Section 44253.3.
(d)For applicants who do not meet the experience requirement described in subdivision (c), the commission shall issue a clear multiple subject, single subject, or education specialist teaching credential upon verification of the following requirements:
(1)The commission has issued to the applicant a preliminary five-year teaching credential pursuant to subdivision (a). However, an out-of-state prepared applicant in both special education and general education, who has earned a clear California education specialist credential, shall be granted a clear multiple subject or clear single subject teaching credential without first holding a preliminary multiple subject or single subject teaching credential, unless the commission determines that the applicant does not meet the other requirements of this subdivision.
(2)The applicant has completed a beginning teacher induction program pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (c) of Section 44259.
(3)The applicant has met the requirements for teaching English learners, including, but not limited to, the requirements in Section 44253.3.
(4)Before issuing an education specialist credential under this subdivision, the commission shall verify completion of a program for the Professional Level II credential accredited by the commission.
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Date
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Status
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|---|---|
| Feb 19, 2016 | Introduced. To print. |
| Feb 21, 2016 | From printer. May be heard in committee March 22. |
| Feb 22, 2016 | Read first time. |
| Mar 17, 2016 | Referred to Com. on ED. |
| Mar 18, 2016 | From committee chair, with author's amendments: Amend, and re-refer to Com. on ED. Read second time and amended. |
| Mar 28, 2016 | Re-referred to Com. on ED. |
| Apr 13, 2016 | In committee: Hearing postponed by committee. |
| Apr 21, 2016 | From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. with recommendation: To Consent Calendar. (Ayes 7. Noes 0.) (April 20). Re-referred to Com. on APPR. |
| May 11, 2016 | In committee: Set, first hearing. Referred to APPR. suspense file. |
| May 27, 2016 | In committee: Held under submission. |
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Date
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Description
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Location
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Votes
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| Apr 20, 2016 | Do pass and be re-referred to the Committee on [Appropriations] with recommendation: To Consent Calendar | Assembly Standing Committee on Education |
Passed |
This list shows positions taken on this bill by organizations on the date displayed, which is linked to the original source.
Positions by individuals are not included.
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Organization
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Position
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Date
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|---|---|---|
| Learning.Com | * Support | May 11, 2016 |
Date of Hearing: May 11, 2016
ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS
Lorena Gonzalez, Chair
ABPCA Bill Id:AB 2706
Author:(Wilk) – As Amended Ver:March 18, 2016
Policy Committee: | Education | Vote: | 7 - 0 |
Urgency: No State Mandated Local Program: No Reimbursable: No
SUMMARY:
This bill appropriates $2 million GF to the Superintendent of Public Instruction (SPI) to provide funding to local education agencies (LEAs) to implement a pilot program to train K-12 teachers to more effectively use technology and digital, as specified, and to prepare students for college and career objectives. Specifically, this bill:
- Requires the SPI to develop an application process for the allocation of funds that gives priority to LEAs that serve a large percentage of pupils eligible for free or reduced-price meals.
- Requires pilot applicants to include a focus on supporting teachers who work with underserved populations and enhance the ability of participants to measure skills of teachers and pupils using the international standards defined by the International Society for Technology in Education, as specified.
- Requires the pupils participating in the pilot program to receive digital literacy instruction and requires the program to include training and professional development for teachers to deliver this instruction.
FISCAL EFFECT:
- One-time $2 million GF appropriation.
- Administrative costs to the California Department of Education of approximately $338,000 GF in the first year of the pilot program.
COMMENTS:
- Purpose. This bill is sponsored by Learning.com, a company that provides digital literacy assistance to K-12 schools. According to the author, technology is being used not only for instruction and learning, but also for administering standardized assessments. It is important that both teachers and students be adept in the use of technology. This funding is intended to assist schools with professional development in the area of instructional technology and to train students in the use of technology for both learning and assessment purposes.
Analysis Prepared by: Misty Feusahrens / APPR. / (916) 319-2081
Date of Hearing: April 20, 2016
ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION
Patrick O'Donnell, Chair
ABPCA Bill Id:AB 2706 (
Author:Wilk) – As Amended Ver:March 18, 2016
SUBJECT: Teachers: education technology and digital resources training pilot program
SUMMARY: Establishes a pilot program to train teachers to more effectively use technology and digital resources within their instructional day. Specifically, this bill:
- Appropriates $2 million from the General Fund to the Superintendent of Public Instruction (SPI) to be allocated to local educational agencies (LEAs) that apply for the purpose of implementing a pilot program to train teachers who teach kindergarten or any of grades 1 to 12, inclusive, to more effectively use technology and digital resources within their instructional day, while also measuring and teaching the critical 21st century skills pupils need to succeed on California’s next-generation online assessments, as well as to prepare pupils for college and career objectives.
- Requires the SPI to develop an application process for the allocation of pilot program funds that gives priority to applicant LEAs that serve a large percentage of pupils eligible for free or reduced-price meals.
- Provides that any LEA may apply for funding from the API to implement the pilot program.
- Requires the pilot program to include both of the following:
- A focus on teachers who work with underserved populations; and
- An emphasis on enhancing the ability of participants to measure 21st century skills of teachers and pupils using the international standards defined by the International Society for Technology in Education.
- Specifies that the skills to be measured and enhanced for teachers pursuant to this pilot program shall include, but not necessarily be limited to, all of the following:
- Facilitation and inspiration of pupil learning and creativity;
- Design and development of digital age learning experiences and assessments;
- Modeling of digital age work and learning;
- Promotion and modeling of digital citizenship and responsibility; and
- Engagement in professional growth and leadership.
- Requires the skills to be measured and enhanced for pupils shall include, but not necessarily be limited to, all of the following:
- Creativity and innovation;
- Communication and collaboration;
- Research and information fluency;
- Critical thinking and problem solving;
- Digital citizenship; and
- Technology operations and concepts.
- Requires the pilot program to include training and professional development for teachers to assist them to effectively personalize digital literacy instruction for their pupils.
- Requires pupils participating in the pilot program to receive digital literacy instruction that will enhance the skills they need to succeed in elementary or secondary school, postsecondary education, and careers.
FISCAL EFFECT: This bill appropriates $2 million for its purposes. Potential additional costs unknown.
COMMENTS: The use of technology, including devices such as laptops, smart tablets, and smart boards, is becoming ubiquitous in our classrooms. Technology is being used not only for instruction and learning, but also for administering standardized assessments. It is important, therefore that both teachers and students be adept in the use of technology.
LEAs may use funds received through the Local Control Funding Formula or one-time professional development funds appropriated in the 2105-16 Budget Act to provide professional develop in the area of instructional technology. However, the author's office argues that this is not sufficient to ensure the needed amount of professional development is provided.
In addition, the author argues that it is important to train students in the use of technology for both learning and assessment purposes. For example, the lack of basic keyboarding skills can hamper a student's performance on the computer-assisted assessments.
REGISTERED SUPPORT / OPPOSITION:
Support
Learning.com
Opposition
None received
Analysis Prepared by: Rick Pratt / ED. / (916) 319-2087
Discussed in Hearing
3MIN
Assembly Standing Committee on Appropriations
Bill Author
Bill Co-Author(s):