AB 1034: Teacher credentialing: programs of professional preparation: youth mental health.
- Session Year: 2025-2026
- House: Assembly
- Latest Version Date: 2025-07-14
Current Status:
Passed
(2025-07-14: Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 46, Statutes of 2025.)
Introduced
In Committee
Awaiting First Chamber Vote
Passed First Chamber
In Committee
Awaiting Second Chamber Vote
Passed Second Chamber
Enacted
Existing law requires the Commission on Teacher Credentialing to establish standards for the issuance and renewal of credentials. Existing law requires, as a minimum requirement for a preliminary multiple subject, single subject, or education specialist teaching credential, the satisfactory completion of a program of professional preparation that, among other things, 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 and provides specified experience that addresses, among other things, health education, including the study of nutrition, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and the physiological and sociological effects of the abuse of alcohol, narcotics, and drugs and the use of tobacco.
This bill would require that health education to also include a basic understanding of youth mental health.
Existing law requires the Commission on Teacher Credentialing to establish standards for the issuance and renewal of credentials. Existing law requires, as a minimum requirement for a preliminary multiple subject, single subject, or education specialist teaching credential, the satisfactory completion of a program of professional preparation that, among other things, 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 and provides specified experience that addresses, among other things, health education, including the study of nutrition, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and the physiological and sociological effects of the abuse of alcohol, narcotics, and drugs and the use of tobacco.
This bill would require that health education to also include a basic understanding of youth mental health.
Existing law requires the Commission on Teacher Credentialing to establish standards for the issuance and renewal of credentials. Existing law requires, as a minimum requirement for a preliminary multiple subject, single subject, or education specialist teaching credential, the satisfactory completion of a program of professional preparation that includes a teaching performance assessment that meets specified requirements and has been approved by the commission, as provided. that, among other things, 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 and provides specified experience including, among other experience health education, including study of nutrition, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and the physiological and sociological effects of the abuse of alcohol, narcotics, and drugs and the use of tobacco.
This bill would require, when those above-described assessments are next revised on or after January 1, 2026, the commission to include an assessment of a teacher credential candidates knowledge of youth mental health. require that health education experience to also include a basic understanding of youth mental health.
Existing law requires the Commission on Teacher Credentialing to establish standards for the issuance and renewal of credentials. Existing law requires the commission to ensure that an accredited program of professional preparation for multiple subject, single subject, or education specialist teaching credentials includes, among other things, standards established by the commission for the preparation of teachers for all pupils, as provided.
This bill would require, when the above-described standards are next revised on or after January 1, 2026, the commission to include a requirement that beginning teachers have a basic understanding of youth mental health.
Existing law requires, as a minimum requirement for a preliminary multiple subject, single subject, or education specialist teaching credential, the satisfactory completion of a program of professional preparation that includes a teaching performance assessment that meets specified requirements and has been approved by the commission, as provided.
This bill would require, when those above-described assessments are next revised on or after January 1, 2026, the commission to include an assessment of a teacher credential candidates knowledge of youth mental health.
(a)The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:
(1)Mental health is critical to overall health, well-being, and academic success.
(2)Mental health challenges affect all age groups, races, ethnicities, and socioeconomic classes.
(3)Millions of Californians, including at least one in five youths, live with mental health challenges and millions more are affected by the mental health challenges of someone else, such as a close friend or family member.
(4)Mental health education is one of the best ways to increase awareness and the seeking of help, while also reducing the stigma associated with mental health challenges.
(5)The public education system is the most efficient and effective setting for providing this education to all youth.
(b)Therefore, it is the intent of the Legislature in enacting this act to ensure that all California teachers have received mental health training before entering the classroom.
SEC. 2.Section 44259 of the Education Code is amended to read:44259.(a)Except as provided in clauses (i) and (iii) of subparagraph (A) of paragraph (3) of subdivision (b), a program of professional preparation for multiple or single subject teaching credentials shall not include more than two years of full-time study of professional preparation.
(b)The minimum requirements for the preliminary multiple subject, single subject, or education specialist teaching credential are all of the following:
(1)A baccalaureate degree or higher degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education. Except as provided in subdivision (c) of Section 44227, for single subject teaching credentials, the baccalaureate degree shall not be in professional education. The commission shall encourage regionally accredited institutions of higher education to offer undergraduate minors in education and special education to students who intend to become single subject credentialed teachers.
(2)[Reserved]
(3)(A)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. In accordance with the commissions assessment and performance standards, a program shall include a teaching performance assessment as set forth in Section 44320.2 that is aligned with the California Standards for the Teaching Profession. The commission shall ensure that a candidate recommended for a credential or certificate has demonstrated satisfactory ability to assist pupils to meet or exceed academic content and performance standards for pupils adopted by the state board. Programs that meet this requirement for professional preparation shall include any of the following:
(i)Integrated programs of subject matter preparation and professional preparation pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 44259.1.
(ii)Postbaccalaureate programs of professional preparation, pursuant to subdivision (d) of Section 44259.1.
(iii)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.
(iv)Degree programs offered pursuant to Article 5 (commencing with Section 78060) of Chapter 1 of Part 48 of Division 7 of Title 3.
(B)A program of professional preparation pursuant to subparagraph (A) shall provide experience that addresses all of the following:
(i)Health education, including a basic understanding of youth mental health, study of nutrition, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and the physiological and sociological effects of the 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.
(ii)Field experience in methods of delivering appropriate educational services to pupils with exceptional needs in regular education programs.
(iii)Advanced computer-based technology, including the uses of technology in educational settings.
(4)Study of effective means of teaching literacy, including, but not limited to, the study of reading as described in subparagraphs (A) and (B), and evidence-based means of teaching foundational reading skills in print concepts, phonological awareness, phonics and word recognition, and fluency to all pupils, including tiered supports for pupils with reading difficulties, English learners, and pupils with exceptional needs. The study of effective means of teaching literacy shall be in accordance with the commissions standards of program quality and effectiveness and current teaching performance expectations, shall be aligned to the current English Language Arts/English Language Development (ELA/ELD) Framework adopted by the state board, and shall incorporate the program guidelines for dyslexia developed pursuant to Section 56335. 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 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, of subparagraph (A).
(C)A program for the multiple subject teaching credential and the education specialist teaching credential also shall include the study of integrated methods of teaching language arts.
(5)(A)Verification of subject matter competence, demonstrated through one of the following methods:
(i)Completion of a subject matter program approved by the commission on the basis of standards of program quality and effectiveness pursuant to Article 6 (commencing with Section 44310).
(ii)Passage of a subject matter examination pursuant to Article 5 (commencing with Section 44280).
(iii)Successful completion of coursework at one or more regionally accredited institutions of higher education that addresses each of the domains of the subject matter requirements adopted by the commission in the content area of the credential pursuant to Section 44282, as verified by a commission-approved program of professional preparation. Coursework completed at a community or junior college that is regionally accredited by an accrediting agency listed in subparagraph (A) of paragraph (1) of subdivision (g) of Section 44203 or by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges may count for purposes of this clause.
(iv)Successful completion of a baccalaureate or higher degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education with the following, as applicable:
(I)For single subject credentials, a major in one of the subject areas in which the commission credentials candidates.
(II)For multiple subject credentials, a liberal studies major or other degree that includes coursework in the content areas pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 44282.
(III)For education specialist credentials, either a major in one of the subject areas in which the commission credentials candidates or a liberal studies or other major that includes coursework in the content areas pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 44282.
(v)Demonstration that the candidate, through a combination of the methods described in clauses (i), (ii), and (iii) in whole or in part, has met or exceeded each of the domains of the subject matter requirements adopted by the commission in the content area of the credential pursuant to Section 44282 for multiple and single subject credentials, or pursuant to Section 44265 for education specialist credentials.
(B)(i)The commission shall ensure that subject matter standards and examinations are aligned with the academic content and performance standards for pupils adopted by the state board.
(ii)The commission shall maintain the subject matter domains that include both broad content areas to support coursework review pursuant to clause (iii) of subparagraph (A) and specific content elements to delineate subject matter examination specifications pursuant to clause (ii) of subparagraph (A) and Article 5 (commencing with Section 44280).
(6)Demonstration of a knowledge of the principles and provisions of the Constitution of the United States pursuant to Section 44335.
(7)Demonstration, in accordance with the commissions 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 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.
(2)Except as provided in paragraph (3), completion of a program of beginning teacher induction, including either of the following:
(A)A program of beginning teacher induction that is provided by one or more local educational agencies and has been approved by the commission 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 pursuant to this subdivision. The program standards shall encourage innovation and experimentation in the continuous preparation and induction of beginning teachers.
(B)A program of beginning teacher induction that is sponsored by a regionally accredited institution of higher education in cooperation with one or more local school districts, that addresses the individual professional needs of beginning teachers and meets the commissions standards of induction. The commission shall ensure that preparation and induction programs that qualify candidates for professional credentials extend and refine each beginning teachers professional skills in relation to the California Standards for the Teaching Profession and the academic content and performance standards for pupils adopted by the state board.
(3)(A)If a candidate satisfies the requirements of subdivision (b) through completion of an accredited internship program of professional preparation, and if that internship program fulfills induction standards and is approved as set forth in this subdivision, the commission shall determine that the candidate has fulfilled the requirements of paragraph (2).
(B)If an approved induction program is verified as unavailable to a beginning teacher, the commission shall accept completion of an approved clear credential program after completion of a baccalaureate degree at a regionally accredited institution of higher education as fulfilling the requirements of paragraph (2). The commission shall adopt regulations to implement this subparagraph.
(d)The commission shall develop and implement standards of program quality and effectiveness that provide for the areas of application listed in clauses (i) to (iii), inclusive, of subparagraph (B) of paragraph (3) of subdivision (b), starting in professional preparation and continuing through induction.
(e)A credential that was issued before January 1, 1993, 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 shall 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.
(f)A credential program that is approved by the commission shall 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.
(g)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 before that date, may continue to perform those services without complying with any requirements that may be added by the amendments adding this subdivision.
(h)Paragraph (4) of subdivision (b) does 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 paragraph (4) of subdivision (b) apply only to persons who enter a program of professional preparation on or after January 1, 1997.
(a)The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:
(1)Mental health is critical to overall health, well-being, and academic success.
(2)Mental health challenges affect all age groups, races, ethnicities, and socioeconomic classes.
(3)Millions of Californians, including at least one in five youths, live with mental health challenges and millions more are affected by the mental health challenges of someone else, such as a close friend or family member.
(4)Mental health education is one of the best ways to increase awareness and the seeking of help, while also reducing the stigma associated with mental health challenges.
(5)The public education system is the most efficient and effective setting for providing this education to all youth.
(b)Therefore, it is the intent of the Legislature in enacting this act to ensure that all California teachers have received mental health training before entering the classroom.
SEC. 2.Section 44259 of the Education Code is amended to read:44259.(a)Except as provided in clauses (i) and (iii) of subparagraph (A) of paragraph (3) of subdivision (b), a program of professional preparation for multiple or single subject teaching credentials shall not include more than two years of full-time study of professional preparation.
(b)The minimum requirements for the preliminary multiple subject, single subject, or education specialist teaching credential are all of the following:
(1)A baccalaureate degree or higher degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education. Except as provided in subdivision (c) of Section 44227, for single subject teaching credentials, the baccalaureate degree shall not be in professional education. The commission shall encourage regionally accredited institutions of higher education to offer undergraduate minors in education and special education to students who intend to become single subject credentialed teachers.
(2)[Reserved]
(3)(A)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. In accordance with the commissions assessment and performance standards, a program shall include a teaching performance assessment as set forth in Section 44320.2 that is aligned with the California Standards for the Teaching Profession. The commission shall ensure that a candidate recommended for a credential or certificate has demonstrated satisfactory ability to assist pupils to meet or exceed academic content and performance standards for pupils adopted by the state board. Programs that meet this requirement for professional preparation shall include any of the following:
(i)Integrated programs of subject matter preparation and professional preparation pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 44259.1.
(ii)Postbaccalaureate programs of professional preparation, pursuant to subdivision (d) of Section 44259.1.
(iii)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.
(iv)Degree programs offered pursuant to Article 5 (commencing with Section 78060) of Chapter 1 of Part 48 of Division 7 of Title 3.
(B)A program of professional preparation pursuant to subparagraph (A) shall provide experience that addresses all of the following:
(i)Health education, including a basic understanding of youth mental health, study of nutrition, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and the physiological and sociological effects of the 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.
(ii)Field experience in methods of delivering appropriate educational services to pupils with exceptional needs in regular education programs.
(iii)Advanced computer-based technology, including the uses of technology in educational settings.
(4)Study of effective means of teaching literacy, including, but not limited to, the study of reading as described in subparagraphs (A) and (B), and evidence-based means of teaching foundational reading skills in print concepts, phonological awareness, phonics and word recognition, and fluency to all pupils, including tiered supports for pupils with reading difficulties, English learners, and pupils with exceptional needs. The study of effective means of teaching literacy shall be in accordance with the commissions standards of program quality and effectiveness and current teaching performance expectations, shall be aligned to the current English Language Arts/English Language Development (ELA/ELD) Framework adopted by the state board, and shall incorporate the program guidelines for dyslexia developed pursuant to Section 56335. 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 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, of subparagraph (A).
(C)A program for the multiple subject teaching credential and the education specialist teaching credential also shall include the study of integrated methods of teaching language arts.
(5)(A)Verification of subject matter competence, demonstrated through one of the following methods:
(i)Completion of a subject matter program approved by the commission on the basis of standards of program quality and effectiveness pursuant to Article 6 (commencing with Section 44310).
(ii)Passage of a subject matter examination pursuant to Article 5 (commencing with Section 44280).
(iii)Successful completion of coursework at one or more regionally accredited institutions of higher education that addresses each of the domains of the subject matter requirements adopted by the commission in the content area of the credential pursuant to Section 44282, as verified by a commission-approved program of professional preparation. Coursework completed at a community or junior college that is regionally accredited by an accrediting agency listed in subparagraph (A) of paragraph (1) of subdivision (g) of Section 44203 or by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges may count for purposes of this clause.
(iv)Successful completion of a baccalaureate or higher degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education with the following, as applicable:
(I)For single subject credentials, a major in one of the subject areas in which the commission credentials candidates.
(II)For multiple subject credentials, a liberal studies major or other degree that includes coursework in the content areas pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 44282.
(III)For education specialist credentials, either a major in one of the subject areas in which the commission credentials candidates or a liberal studies or other major that includes coursework in the content areas pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 44282.
(v)Demonstration that the candidate, through a combination of the methods described in clauses (i), (ii), and (iii) in whole or in part, has met or exceeded each of the domains of the subject matter requirements adopted by the commission in the content area of the credential pursuant to Section 44282 for multiple and single subject credentials, or pursuant to Section 44265 for education specialist credentials.
(B)(i)The commission shall ensure that subject matter standards and examinations are aligned with the academic content and performance standards for pupils adopted by the state board.
(ii)The commission shall maintain the subject matter domains that include both broad content areas to support coursework review pursuant to clause (iii) of subparagraph (A) and specific content elements to delineate subject matter examination specifications pursuant to clause (ii) of subparagraph (A) and Article 5 (commencing with Section 44280).
(6)Demonstration of a knowledge of the principles and provisions of the Constitution of the United States pursuant to Section 44335.
(7)Demonstration, in accordance with the commissions 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 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.
(2)Except as provided in paragraph (3), completion of a program of beginning teacher induction, including either of the following:
(A)A program of beginning teacher induction that is provided by one or more local educational agencies and has been approved by the commission 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 pursuant to this subdivision. The program standards shall encourage innovation and experimentation in the continuous preparation and induction of beginning teachers.
(B)A program of beginning teacher induction that is sponsored by a regionally accredited institution of higher education in cooperation with one or more local school districts, that addresses the individual professional needs of beginning teachers and meets the commissions standards of induction. The commission shall ensure that preparation and induction programs that qualify candidates for professional credentials extend and refine each beginning teachers professional skills in relation to the California Standards for the Teaching Profession and the academic content and performance standards for pupils adopted by the state board.
(3)(A)If a candidate satisfies the requirements of subdivision (b) through completion of an accredited internship program of professional preparation, and if that internship program fulfills induction standards and is approved as set forth in this subdivision, the commission shall determine that the candidate has fulfilled the requirements of paragraph (2).
(B)If an approved induction program is verified as unavailable to a beginning teacher, the commission shall accept completion of an approved clear credential program after completion of a baccalaureate degree at a regionally accredited institution of higher education as fulfilling the requirements of paragraph (2). The commission shall adopt regulations to implement this subparagraph.
(d)The commission shall develop and implement standards of program quality and effectiveness that provide for the areas of application listed in clauses (i) to (iii), inclusive, of subparagraph (B) of paragraph (3) of subdivision (b), starting in professional preparation and continuing through induction.
(e)A credential that was issued before January 1, 1993, 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 shall 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.
(f)A credential program that is approved by the commission shall 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.
(g)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 before that date, may continue to perform those services without complying with any requirements that may be added by the amendments adding this subdivision.
(h)Paragraph (4) of subdivision (b) does 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 paragraph (4) of subdivision (b) apply only to persons who enter a program of professional preparation on or after January 1, 1997.
(a)The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:
(1)Mental health is critical to overall health, well-being, and academic success.
(2)Mental health challenges affect all age groups, races, ethnicities, and socioeconomic classes.
(3)Millions of Californians, including at least one in five youths, live with mental health challenges and millions more are affected by the mental health challenges of someone else, such as a close friend or family member.
(4)Mental health education is one of the best ways to increase awareness and the seeking of help, while also reducing the stigma associated with mental health challenges.
(5)The public education system is the most efficient and effective setting for providing this education to all youth.
(b)Therefore, it is the intent of the Legislature in enacting this act to ensure that all California teachers have received mental health training before entering the classroom.
SEC. 2.Section 44259 of the Education Code is amended to read:44259.(a)Except as provided in clauses (i) and (iii) of subparagraph (A) of paragraph (3) of subdivision (b), a program of professional preparation for multiple or single subject teaching credentials shall not include more than two years of full-time study of professional preparation.
(b)The minimum requirements for the preliminary multiple subject, single subject, or education specialist teaching credential are all of the following:
(1)A baccalaureate degree or higher degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education. Except as provided in subdivision (c) of Section 44227, for single subject teaching credentials, the baccalaureate degree shall not be in professional education. The commission shall encourage regionally accredited institutions of higher education to offer undergraduate minors in education and special education to students who intend to become single subject credentialed teachers.
(2)[Reserved]
(3)(A)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. In accordance with the commissions assessment and performance standards, a program shall include a teaching performance assessment as set forth in Section 44320.2 that is aligned with the California Standards for the Teaching Profession. The commission shall ensure that a candidate recommended for a credential or certificate has demonstrated satisfactory ability to assist pupils to meet or exceed academic content and performance standards for pupils adopted by the state board. Programs that meet this requirement for professional preparation shall include any of the following:
(i)Integrated programs of subject matter preparation and professional preparation pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 44259.1.
(ii)Postbaccalaureate programs of professional preparation, pursuant to subdivision (d) of Section 44259.1.
(iii)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.
(iv)Degree programs offered pursuant to Article 5 (commencing with Section 78060) of Chapter 1 of Part 48 of Division 7 of Title 3.
(B)A program of professional preparation pursuant to subparagraph (A) shall provide experience that addresses all of the following:
(i)Health education, including a basic understanding of youth mental health, study of nutrition, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and the physiological and sociological effects of the 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.
(ii)Field experience in methods of delivering appropriate educational services to pupils with exceptional needs in regular education programs.
(iii)Advanced computer-based technology, including the uses of technology in educational settings.
(4)Study of effective means of teaching literacy, including, but not limited to, the study of reading as described in subparagraphs (A) and (B), and evidence-based means of teaching foundational reading skills in print concepts, phonological awareness, phonics and word recognition, and fluency to all pupils, including tiered supports for pupils with reading difficulties, English learners, and pupils with exceptional needs. The study of effective means of teaching literacy shall be in accordance with the commissions standards of program quality and effectiveness and current teaching performance expectations, shall be aligned to the current English Language Arts/English Language Development (ELA/ELD) Framework adopted by the state board, and shall incorporate the program guidelines for dyslexia developed pursuant to Section 56335. 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 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, of subparagraph (A).
(C)A program for the multiple subject teaching credential and the education specialist teaching credential also shall include the study of integrated methods of teaching language arts.
(5)(A)Verification of subject matter competence, demonstrated through one of the following methods:
(i)Completion of a subject matter program approved by the commission on the basis of standards of program quality and effectiveness pursuant to Article 6 (commencing with Section 44310).
(ii)Passage of a subject matter examination pursuant to Article 5 (commencing with Section 44280).
(iii)Successful completion of coursework at one or more regionally accredited institutions of higher education that addresses each of the domains of the subject matter requirements adopted by the commission in the content area of the credential pursuant to Section 44282, as verified by a commission-approved program of professional preparation. Coursework completed at a community or junior college that is regionally accredited by an accrediting agency listed in subparagraph (A) of paragraph (1) of subdivision (g) of Section 44203 or by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges may count for purposes of this clause.
(iv)Successful completion of a baccalaureate or higher degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education with the following, as applicable:
(I)For single subject credentials, a major in one of the subject areas in which the commission credentials candidates.
(II)For multiple subject credentials, a liberal studies major or other degree that includes coursework in the content areas pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 44282.
(III)For education specialist credentials, either a major in one of the subject areas in which the commission credentials candidates or a liberal studies or other major that includes coursework in the content areas pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 44282.
(v)Demonstration that the candidate, through a combination of the methods described in clauses (i), (ii), and (iii) in whole or in part, has met or exceeded each of the domains of the subject matter requirements adopted by the commission in the content area of the credential pursuant to Section 44282 for multiple and single subject credentials, or pursuant to Section 44265 for education specialist credentials.
(B)(i)The commission shall ensure that subject matter standards and examinations are aligned with the academic content and performance standards for pupils adopted by the state board.
(ii)The commission shall maintain the subject matter domains that include both broad content areas to support coursework review pursuant to clause (iii) of subparagraph (A) and specific content elements to delineate subject matter examination specifications pursuant to clause (ii) of subparagraph (A) and Article 5 (commencing with Section 44280).
(6)Demonstration of a knowledge of the principles and provisions of the Constitution of the United States pursuant to Section 44335.
(7)Demonstration, in accordance with the commissions 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 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.
(2)Except as provided in paragraph (3), completion of a program of beginning teacher induction, including either of the following:
(A)A program of beginning teacher induction that is provided by one or more local educational agencies and has been approved by the commission 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 pursuant to this subdivision. The program standards shall encourage innovation and experimentation in the continuous preparation and induction of beginning teachers.
(B)A program of beginning teacher induction that is sponsored by a regionally accredited institution of higher education in cooperation with one or more local school districts, that addresses the individual professional needs of beginning teachers and meets the commissions standards of induction. The commission shall ensure that preparation and induction programs that qualify candidates for professional credentials extend and refine each beginning teachers professional skills in relation to the California Standards for the Teaching Profession and the academic content and performance standards for pupils adopted by the state board.
(3)(A)If a candidate satisfies the requirements of subdivision (b) through completion of an accredited internship program of professional preparation, and if that internship program fulfills induction standards and is approved as set forth in this subdivision, the commission shall determine that the candidate has fulfilled the requirements of paragraph (2).
(B)If an approved induction program is verified as unavailable to a beginning teacher, the commission shall accept completion of an approved clear credential program after completion of a baccalaureate degree at a regionally accredited institution of higher education as fulfilling the requirements of paragraph (2). The commission shall adopt regulations to implement this subparagraph.
(d)The commission shall develop and implement standards of program quality and effectiveness that provide for the areas of application listed in clauses (i) to (iii), inclusive, of subparagraph (B) of paragraph (3) of subdivision (b), starting in professional preparation and continuing through induction.
(e)A credential that was issued before January 1, 1993, 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 shall 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.
(f)A credential program that is approved by the commission shall 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.
(g)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 before that date, may continue to perform those services without complying with any requirements that may be added by the amendments adding this subdivision.
(h)Paragraph (4) of subdivision (b) does 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 paragraph (4) of subdivision (b) apply only to persons who enter a program of professional preparation on or after January 1, 1997.
SECTION 1.Section 44320.7 is added to the Education Code, to read:44320.7.(a)When the commissions standards of program quality and effectiveness and current teaching performance expectations, established pursuant to Section 44225, are next revised, on or after January 1, 2026, the commission shall include a requirement that beginning teachers have a basic understanding of youth mental health.(b)When the commissions adopted teaching performance assessments, required by Sections 44320.2 and 44230.3, are next revised, on or after January 1, 2026, the commission shall include an assessment of a teacher credential candidates knowledge of youth mental health.(a)When the commissions standards of program quality and effectiveness and current teaching performance expectations, established pursuant to Section 44225, are next revised, on or after January 1, 2026, the commission shall include a requirement that beginning teachers have a basic understanding of youth mental health.
(b)When the commissions adopted teaching performance assessments, required by Sections 44320.2 and 44230.3, are next revised, on or after January 1, 2026, the commission shall include an assessment of a teacher credential candidates knowledge of youth mental health.
|
Date
|
Status
|
|---|---|
| Jul 14, 2025 | Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 46, Statutes of 2025. |
| Jul 14, 2025 | Approved by the Governor. |
| Jul 11, 2025 | Enrolled and presented to the Governor at 11 a.m. |
| Jul 3, 2025 | In Assembly. Ordered to Engrossing and Enrolling. |
| Jul 3, 2025 | Read third time. Passed. Ordered to the Assembly. (Ayes 35. Noes 0. Page 1932.). |
| Jul 1, 2025 | Read second time. Ordered to Consent Calendar. |
| Jun 30, 2025 | From committee: Be ordered to second reading file pursuant to Senate Rule 28.8 and ordered to Consent Calendar. |
| Jun 18, 2025 | From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. with recommendation: To Consent Calendar. (Ayes 7. Noes 0.) (June 18). Re-referred to Com. on APPR. |
| Jun 4, 2025 | Referred to Com. on ED. |
| May 23, 2025 | In Senate. Read first time. To Com. on RLS. for assignment. |
| May 23, 2025 | Read third time. Passed. Ordered to the Senate. (Ayes 71. Noes 0. Page 1663.) |
| May 15, 2025 | Read second time. Ordered to Consent Calendar. |
| May 14, 2025 | From committee: Do pass. To Consent Calendar. (Ayes 15. Noes 0.) (May 14). |
| May 1, 2025 | From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. with recommendation: To Consent Calendar. (Ayes 9. Noes 0.) (April 30). Re-referred to Com. on APPR. |
| Apr 22, 2025 | Re-referred to Com. on ED. |
| Apr 21, 2025 | From committee chair, with author's amendments: Amend, and re-refer to Com. on ED. Read second time and amended. |
| Apr 2, 2025 | In committee: Set, first hearing. Hearing canceled at the request of author. |
| Mar 10, 2025 | Referred to Com. on ED. |
| Feb 21, 2025 | From printer. May be heard in committee March 23. |
| Feb 20, 2025 | Read first time. To print. |
|
Date
|
Description
|
Location
|
Votes
|
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 3, 2025 | Consent Calendar 2nd AB1034 Ávila Farías | Senate Floor |
Passed |
|
| Jun 18, 2025 | Do pass, but first be re-referred to the Committee on [Appropriations] with the recommendation: To Consent Calendar | Senate Standing Committee on Education |
Passed |
|
| May 23, 2025 | AB 1034 Ávila Farías Consent Calendar Second Day Regular Session | Assembly Floor |
Passed |
|
| May 14, 2025 | Do pass. To Consent Calendar. | Assembly Standing Committee on Appropriations |
Passed |
|
| Apr 30, 2025 | 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.
|
Organization
|
Position
|
Date
|
|---|---|---|
| Association Of California School Administrators | ** Support | |
| California Behavioral Health Association | ** Support | |
| California School Nurses Organization | ** Support | |
| California Youth Empowerment Network | ** Support | |
| Hadassah | ** Support | |
| JCC/Federation of San Luis Obispo | ** Support | |
| JCRC Bay Area | ** Support | |
| Jewish Democratic Club of Marin | ** Support | |
| Jewish Family and Children's Services of San Francisco, the Peninsula, Marin and Sonoma Counties | ** Support | |
| Jewish Family Service of San Diego | ** Support | |
| Jewish Family Service of the Desert | ** Support | |
| Jewish Family Services of Silicon Valley | ** Support | |
| Jewish Federation of Greater Santa Barbara | ** Support | |
| Jewish Free Loan Association | ** Support | |
| Jewish Long Beach | ** Support | |
| Jewish Public Affairs Committee | ** Support | |
| Los Angeles County Office Of Education | ** Support | |
| Los Angeles Unified School District | ** Support | |
| PathPoint | ** Support | |
| Public Health Advocates | ** Support | |
| Torrance Unified School District | ** Support |
SENATE COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION
Senator Sasha Renée Pérez, Chair
2025 - 2026 Regular
Bill No: AB 1034 Hearing Date: June 18, 2025
Author: | |||
Version: | April 21, 2025 | ||
Urgency: | No | Fiscal: | Yes |
Consultant: | Ian Johnson | ||
Subject: Teacher credentialing: programs of professional preparation: youth mental health.
SUMMARY
This bill requires that a program of professional preparation for a multiple or single subject teaching credential include, as part of health education requirements, experiences that address a basic understanding of youth mental health.
BACKGROUND
Existing law:
- Establishes minimum requirements for the preliminary multiple and single subject teaching credentials, including:
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
- Completion of an accredited professional preparation program that includes:
- Health education (e.g., nutrition, CPR, effects of substance abuse).
- Field experience with pupils with exceptional needs.
- Use of advanced computer-based technology. (Education Code (EC) § 44259)
- Requires teacher preparation programs to include a teaching performance assessment aligned with state-adopted standards. (EC § 44320.2)
- Requires local educational agencies (LEAs) to adopt suicide prevention policies and, by 2026, behavioral health referral protocols for students in grades 7–12. (EC §§ 215, 49428.1, 49482.2)
- Requires LEAs to certify that by July 1, 2029, all certificated staff and 40% of classified staff who interact with grades 7–12 students have received youth behavioral health training. (EC § 49428.2)
- Requires the California Department of Education (CDE) to identify and offer free youth behavioral health training programs to LEAs, including Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA). (EC §§ 216, 49428.15)
- Adopts the California Standards for the Teaching Profession (CSTP), which already embed numerous expectations related to youth mental health, trauma-informed practices, social-emotional learning, and restorative practices.
ANALYSIS
This bill:
- Adds to the health education requirements in teacher preparation programs a requirement that candidates gain experience addressing a basic understanding of youth mental health.
- States legislative intent to ensure all California teachers receive mental health training before entering the classroom.
STAFF COMMENTS
- Need for the bill. According to the author, “Suicide is a complex public health challenge which tragically, remains a leading cause of death for young adults. With our youth spending much of their days at school, signs and symptoms of mental illness can often present themselves in the classroom. Although our educators play a significant role in our children’s social, educational, and personal development, Youth Mental Health First Aid is not included in our state’s teacher credentialing process. AB 1034 sets our teachers up for success by requiring the Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) to develop a standard and assessment so that beginning teachers have a basic understanding of youth mental health. This will help our educators to identify the signs, create a trusting dialogue and assist in getting the student the support they need.
“Telling the difference between what expected behaviors are and what might be the signs of a mental illness isn’t always obvious without having received proper training. This bill will ensure that from the moment they enter the field, every teacher can feel confident and prepared to help those students in need.”
- Expanding a Foundation That Already Exists. This bill aims to ensure that all teacher candidates receive training that includes a basic understanding of youth mental health. While the goal is laudable and widely supported, it is worth noting that much of the intent is already embedded in current state policy. California’s 2024 revision of the CSTP includes explicit expectations that teachers recognize student mental health needs, implement trauma-informed and restorative practices, and access community-based resources to support student well-being. Additionally, the CTC’s program standards already require teacher preparation programs to address topics related to health, wellness, and emotional development. This bill could reinforce those priorities, but may have limited impact on actual practice unless it is accompanied by clarifying guidance from the CTC or future funding to support implementation.
- Meaningful Addition or Redundant Layer? The policy question this bill raises is whether it meaningfully strengthens teacher preparation or simply restates expectations that programs already meet. While the bill would codify youth mental health as an explicit element of health education coursework, it does not require new coursework, standards revisions, or assessments. Moreover, recent state laws such as SB 153 (Committee on Budget and Fiscal Review, Chapter 38, Statutes of 2024) already require youth behavioral health training for all certificated staff who interact with grades 7–12 students, with implementation deadlines in 2029. In combination with free statewide access to YMHFA training and other CDE-approved programs, California already provides multiple avenues for educator training in this area. The author may wish to consider whether this bill closes a meaningful gap or risks layering statutory expectations without adding practical value.
- Schools as the Primary Youth Mental Health System. There is strong evidence that schools are often the first—and sometimes only—point of contact for children and youth with mental health challenges. The American Institutes for Research estimates that up to 20% of children in the U.S. experience a mental, emotional, or behavioral disorder each year, yet nearly half receive no mental health services. For those who do, most receive services through school. Teachers are not clinicians, but they are uniquely positioned to observe patterns of behavior, identify signs of distress, and connect students to supports. Early identification and intervention can dramatically improve student outcomes, reduce chronic absenteeism, and mitigate downstream impacts such as substance use or disciplinary involvement. From a systems perspective, even modest improvements in a teacher’s ability to recognize and respond to behavioral health concerns can have long-term benefits for students and schools alike.
- Balancing Training Mandates with Program Capacity. Teacher preparation programs are already required to cover an expansive range of competencies, including literacy, technology, inclusive education, and trauma-informed practices. Layering additional statutory requirements, even well-intentioned ones, adds complexity to an already burdened system. To be effective, youth mental health training should be integrated into existing content in a way that supports coherence rather than dilution. The author may wish to encourage future monitoring or evaluation of how mental health training is being operationalized in teacher preparation, particularly to identify where support or technical assistance may be needed.
SUPPORT
California Behavioral Health Association (Co-Sponsor)
Jewish Family and Children's Services of San Francisco, the Peninsula, Marin and Sonoma Counties (Co-Sponsor)
Association of California School Administrators
California School Nurses Organization
California Youth Empowerment Network
Los Angeles County Office of Education
Los Angeles Unified School District
PathPoint
Public Health Advocates
OPPOSITION
None received
-- END --
Date of Hearing: May 14, 2025
ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS
Buffy Wicks, Chair
ABPCA Bill Id:AB 1034
Author:(Ávila Farías) – As Amended Ver:April 21, 2025
Policy Committee: | Education | Vote: | 9 - 0 |
|
| ||
|
|
Urgency: No State Mandated Local Program: No Reimbursable: No
SUMMARY:
This bill adds a basic understanding of youth mental health to the list of health education experiences a teacher preparation program for a multiple or single subject credential must include.
FISCAL EFFECT:
The California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) estimates potential increased General Fund costs of an unknown amount. However, the CTC states that mental health education content already exists in its standards and that it is therefore uncertain whether this bill will result in additional workload costs associated with teacher preparation program oversight.
COMMENTS:
- Purpose. According to the author:
AB 1034 sets our teachers up for success by requiring the Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) to develop a standard and assessment so that beginning teachers have a basic understanding of youth mental health. This will help our educators to identify the signs, create a trusting dialogue and assist in getting the student the support they need.
- Background. Current law requires local educational agency to certify to the CDE by July 1, 2029, that 100% of certificated employees and 40% of its classified employees who have direct contact with students in grades seven through 12 have received youth behavioral health training at least one time. CDE also offers a variety of youth mental health training programs to schools at no cost and teacher preparation programs include substantial content on youth mental health. However, research suggests that nearly half of all children with emotional or behavioral health difficulties receive no mental health services. Among the relatively few children and youth who do receive mental health services, most do so at school, with schools serving as the de facto mental health system for children in the United States.
The CDE, with the support of federal funding, offers access to Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) training to school staff statewide. YMHFA is a research-based curriculum based on a medical first aid model designed to provide parents, family members, caregivers, teachers, school staff, neighbors, and other caring adults with skills to help a school-age child or youth who may be experiencing emotional distress, the onset of a mental illness, addiction challenge, or who may be in crisis. YMHFA participants learn to recognize signs and symptoms of children and youth in emotional distress, initiate and offer help, and connect the youth to professional care through a five-step action plan.
The CDE offers this free training to school districts, charter schools, private schools, and community organizations at no cost, delivered virtually through two hours of self-paced learning or 5.5 hours of instructor-led training. Specifically designed for adults who work with young people from six to 18 years of age, the training is available in both English and Spanish.
According to the CTC, the California Standards for the Teaching Profession include elements and indicators related to youth behavioral health, such as the following: recognize the underlying causes of student behavior, including developmental and individual social–emotional needs, and implementing trauma-informed practices and developmentally appropriate positive behavioral interventions and supports that apply restorative justice and conflict resolution practices with individual students.
This bill requires a teacher preparation program for a single or multiple subject credential provide experience in health education that includes a basic understanding of youth mental health.
Analysis Prepared by: Aaron Heredia / APPR. / (916) 319-2081
Date of Hearing: April 30, 2025
ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION
Al Muratsuchi, Chair
ABPCA Bill Id:AB 1034 (
Author:Ávila Farías) – As Amended Ver:April 21, 2025
SUBJECT: Teacher credentialing: youth mental health
SUMMARY: Requires that a program of professional preparation for multiple or single subject teaching credentials include, among other requirements, experiences that address a basic understanding of youth mental health. Specifically, this bill:
- Requires that a program of professional preparation for multiple or single subject teaching credentials include experiences that address a basic understanding of youth mental health, among the health education requirements.
- Expresses the intent of the Legislature in ensuring that all California teachers have received mental health training before entering the classroom.
EXISTING LAW:
- Establishes the following minimum requirements for the preliminary multiple and single subject teaching credential:
- A baccalaureate degree or higher degree from a regionally accredited institution of postsecondary education;
- Satisfactory completion of a program of professional preparation that has been accredited by the Committee on Accreditation, and which includes experience that addresses all of the following:
- Health education, including study of nutrition, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and the physiological and sociological effects of the abuse of alcohol, narcotics, drugs, and the use of tobacco;
- Field experience in methods of delivering appropriate educational services to pupils with exceptional needs in regular education programs; and
- Advanced computer-based technology, including the use of technology in educational settings;
- Study of effective means of teaching literacy;
- Verification of subject matter competence;
- Demonstration of knowledge of the principles and provisions of the Constitution of the United States; and
- Demonstration of basic competency in the use of computers in the classroom. (Education Code (EC) 44259)
- By July 1, 2008, requires a program of professional preparation to include a teaching performance assessment (TPA) aligned with the California Standards for the Teaching Profession and aligned with the state content and performance standards for students adopted by the State Board of Education (SBE). (EC 44320.2)
- Requires the governing board of a school district to give diligent care to the health and physical development of pupils, and authorizes the district to employ properly certified persons for the work. (EC 49400)
- Requires the governing board of any local educational agency (LEA) that serves pupils in grades one to twelve, inclusive, to adopt a policy on pupil suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention. The policy shall specifically address the needs of high-risk groups, including suicide awareness and prevention training for teachers, and ensure that a school employee acts within the authorization and scope of the employee’s credential or license. (EC 215)
- Requires the California Department of Education (CDE), subject to an appropriation, to identify one or more evidence-based online training programs that a LEA may opt to use to train school staff and pupils as part of the LEA’s policy on pupil suicide prevention, and subject to an appropriation for this purpose, provide grants to a county office of education (COE) to acquire a training program and to disseminate that training program to LEAs at no cost. (EC 216)
- Requires the CDE to, subject to an appropriation, by January 1, 2023, recommend best practices and identify evidence-based and evidence-informed training programs for schools to address youth behavioral health, including specified elements. (EC 49428.15)
- Requires the CDE, by June 1, 2025, to develop model referral protocols for addressing pupil behavioral health concerns, designed for use on a voluntary basis by schools. (EC 49428.1)
- Requires LEAs, by January 31, 2026, to adopt a policy on referral protocols for addressing student behavioral health concerns in grades 7-12, which specifically addresses the needs of high-risk groups, as specified. (EC 49482.2)
- Requires LEAs to certify to the CDE by July 1, 2029 that 100% of its certificated employees and 40% of its classified employees who have direct contact with students in grades 7-12, have received youth behavioral health training at least one time, and repeals this requirement as of January 1, 2031. (EC 49428.2)
FISCAL EFFECT: Unknown
COMMENTS:
Need for the bill. According to the author, “Suicide is a complex public health challenge which tragically, remains a leading cause of death for young adults. With our youth spending much of their days at school, signs and symptoms of mental illness can often present themselves in the classroom. Although our educators play a significant role in our children’s social, educational, and personal development, Youth Mental Health First Aid is not included in our state’s teacher credentialing process.
AB 1034 sets our teachers up for success by requiring the Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) to develop a standard and assessment so that beginning teachers have a basic understanding of youth mental health. This will help our educators to identify the signs, create a trusting dialogue and assist in getting the student the support they need.
Telling the difference between what expected behaviors are and what might be the signs of a mental illness isn’t always obvious without having received proper training. This bill will ensure that from the moment they enter the field, every teacher can feel confident and prepared to help those students in need.”
Current law already requires teachers to have youth mental health training. Current law requires LEAs to certify to the CDE by July 1, 2029, that 100% of certificated employees and 40% of its classified employees who have direct contact with students in grades 7-12 have received youth behavioral health training at least one time. As noted above, the CDE offers a variety of youth mental health training programs to schools at no cost. In addition, teacher preparation programs include substantial content on youth mental health. The Committee may wish to consider whether the current requirements in teacher preparation programs, coupled with the requirement proposed by this bill for teachers to be trained in behavioral health, are sufficient to ensure that teachers have a basic understanding of youth mental health.
California Standards for the Teaching Profession (CSTP). According to the CTC, “the 2024 CSTP represent an expertly informed consensus on expectations for the teaching profession. They lay groundwork for next steps in continuously improving teaching in ways that equitably benefit all learners’ academic achievement and well-being. The standards attend to the social, emotional, physical, cognitive, and academic needs of learners. Their focus is to ensure inclusive learning experiences based on individual learner assets and needs while also creating equitable outcomes for all. The revised CSTP also highlight enhanced family and community engagement practices, with an emphasis on two-way communication to develop positive and reciprocal family and community connections. Additionally, the standards include indicators for teaching performance in relation to digital citizenship, restorative justice, a growth mindset, and the implementation of a continuous growth model.”
The following are the 6 CSTPs, including the elements and indicators related to youth behavioral health:
- CSTP 1: Engaging and Supporting All Students in Learning. Teachers apply knowledge about each student to activate an approach to learning that strengthens and reinforces each student’s participation, engagement, connection, and sense of belonging;
- 1A–1: Create learning experiences that support the academic, behavioral, cognitive, functional, cultural, linguistic, physical, and social–emotional development of each learner; and
- 1B–5: Respond to and implement support for students’ social–emotional well-being and mental health needs, including those of students who have experienced trauma, homelessness, or other situations.
- CSTP 2: Creating and Maintaining Effective Environments for Student Learning. Teachers create and uphold a safe, caring, and intellectually stimulating learning environment that affirms student agency, voice, identity, and development and promotes equity and inclusivity;
- 2B–1: Recognize the underlying causes of student behavior, including developmental and individual social–emotional needs; and
- 2B–5: Implement trauma-informed practices and developmentally appropriate positive behavioral interventions and supports that apply restorative justice and conflict resolution practices with individual students.
- CSTP 3: Understanding and Organizing Subject Matter for Student Learning. Teachers integrate content, processes, materials, and resources into a coherent, culturally relevant, and equitable curriculum that engages and challenges learners to develop the academic and social–emotional knowledge and skills required to become competent and resourceful learners;
- 3C–3: Address the strengths and needs of students who require specific academic, linguistic, social–emotional, and physical accommodations, to provide equitable access to critical content;
- CSTP 4: Planning Instruction and Designing Learning Experiences for All Students. Teachers set a purposeful direction for instruction and learning activities, intentionally planning and enacting challenging and relevant learning experiences that foster each student’s academic and social–emotional development;
- 4A–4: Collaborate with diverse groups of colleagues to identify and recognize barriers to equitable access to effective instruction and determine remedies for individuals and student groups to include in instructional plans; and
- 4D–4: Determine what content, skills, instructional strategies, and learning experiences must be adjusted so that each learner progresses, paying particular attention to students with disabilities, students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), high-achieving students, and English learners.
- CSTP 5: Assessing Students for Learning. Teachers employ equitable assessment practices to help identify students’ interests and abilities, to reveal what students can do, and determine what they need to learn. Teachers use that information to advance and monitor student progress as well as to guide teachers’ and students’ actions to improve learning experiences and outcomes; and
- 5C–4: Collaborate with specialists to accurately interpret assessment results that apply to the broad range of students with disabilities, as well as to accelerated students, multilingual learners, and students who have targeted learning plans.
- CSTP 6: Developing as a Professional Educator. Teachers develop as effective and caring professional educators by engaging in relevant and high-quality professional learning experiences that increase their teaching capacity, leadership development, and personal well-being. Doing so enables teachers to support each student to learn and thrive.
- 6B–3: Choose professional learning opportunities and experiences that incorporate relevant, active, and ongoing learning and that address the need to ensure that every student makes progress;
- 6D–2: Work with families, guardians, and community partners to identify local academic and social–emotional support services, including trauma, health, and mental health resources, that can be directed toward improving the well-being of students; and
- 6E–4: Implement legal imperatives that address each student’s learning requirements by making accommodations and modifications, especially for students with disabilities and those with targeted goals.
Incidence of mental health and behavioral health issues for children and youth. A 2014 UCLA Policy Brief notes that nearly half of all Americans will need mental health treatment sometime during their lifetimes, with initial symptoms frequently occurring in childhood or adolescence. According to a report by the American Institutes for Research (AIR), Mental Health Needs of Children and Youth, up to 20% of children in the United States experience a mental, emotional, or behavioral health disorder each year.
Importance of prevention and early intervention. Several decades of research have shown that the promise and potential lifetime benefits of preventing mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders are greatest when focusing on young people, and that early interventions can be effective in delaying or preventing the onset of such disorders. Mental health problems that are not addressed early in life can result in severe consequences including serious difficulties at home, with peers, and in school; a higher risk for dropping out of school; and increased risk of engaging in substance use, criminal behavior, and other risk-taking behaviors.
Research suggests that nearly half of all children with emotional or behavioral health difficulties receive no mental health services. Among the relatively few children and youth who do receive mental health services, most do so at school, with schools serving as the de facto mental health system for children in the U.S. This bill suggests that teacher preparation programs and assessments ensure that teacher candidates develop a basic understanding of youth mental health.
Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA). The CDE, with the support of federal funding, offers access to YMHFA training to district and school staff statewide. YMHFA is a research-based curriculum based on a medical first aid model. It is designed to provide parents, family members, caregivers, teachers, school staff, neighbors, and other caring adults with skills to help a school-age child or youth who may be experiencing emotional distress, the onset of a mental illness, addiction challenge, or who may be in crisis. YMHFA participants learn to recognize signs and symptoms of children and youth in emotional distress, initiate and offer help, and connect the youth to professional care through a five-step action plan.
The CDE offers this free training to public, charter, and private schools, districts, and community organizations at no cost, delivered virtually through two hours of self-paced learning or 5.5 hours of instructor-led training. The training is available in both English and Spanish. It is specifically designed for adults who work with young people from 6 to 18 years of age.
Arguments in support. The California Behavioral Health Association writes, “This bill takes an essential step toward ensuring that every new teacher is equipped to recognize and respond to student mental health needs from the start of their careers. As advocates for behavioral health access and equity, CBHA knows that early identification and timely connection to care can be life changing for students. Giving teachers the foundational skills to recognize warning signs and initiate referrals can reduce stigma, improve classroom culture, and support a holistic learning environment. AB 1034 offers California a timely opportunity to embed lasting, meaningful change into the way we prepare educators to meet students’ full range of needs.”
Related legislation. SB 153 (Committee on Budget and Fiscal Review) Chapter 38, Statutes of 2024, requires the CDE to develop model referral protocols for addressing student behavioral health concerns by June 1, 2025; requires LEAs to, by January 31, 2026, a model policy on referral protocols for addressing student behavioral health concerns in grades 7-12; requires by July 1, 2029, an LEA to certify to the CDE that 100% of its certificated staff and 40% of classified staff with direct contact with students, have received youth behavioral health training at least one time, as specified; and requires that the training provide instruction around the unique risk factors and warning signs of behavioral health problems in adolescents, builds understanding of the importance of early intervention, and teaches classified and certificated employees how to help an adolescent in crisis or experiencing a behavioral health challenge, including guidance on when to make referrals.
SB 1318 (Wahab) Chapter 645, Statutes of 2024, requires the CDE, by July 1, 2026, to update the model suicide prevention policy to address crisis intervention protocols and requires LEAs to update their suicide prevention policies to include these protocols on or after July 1, 2026.
SB 14 (Portantino) Chapter 672, Statutes of 2021, includes, specifically, “for the benefit of the behavioral health of the pupil” within the “illness” category for excused absences for purposes of school attendance; and requires the CDE to identify an evidence-based and evidence-informed training program for LEAs to address youth behavioral health, including staff and pupil training.
SB 428 (Pan) of the 2019-20 Session would have required the CDE to identify an evidence-based training program for LEAs to implement to train classified and certificated school employees having direct contact with pupils in youth mental and behavioral health. SB 428 was vetoed by the Governor, who stated:
This bill would require the CDE to identify an evidence-based training program on youth mental health for LEAs to use to train classified and certificated employees who have direct contact with students at each school site. Providing support for students facing mental health is of critical importance. Multiple public agencies beyond CDE hold a responsibility for addressing the mental health crisis impacting young people today. That is why I worked with the Legislature to appropriate $50 million in this year's budget to create the Mental Health Student Services Act. Mental health partnerships among county mental health or behavioral health departments, school districts, charter schools and county offices of education are best positioned to address the diverse mental health needs of young people.
AB 1767 (Ramos) Chapter 694, Statutes of 2019 requires LEAs serving students in grades K-6 to adopt and periodically update a policy on student suicide prevention that is appropriate for that age group.
AB 1808 (Committee on Budget) Chapter 32, Statutes of 2018 requires the CDE to identify one or more evidence-based online training programs that an LEA can use to train school staff and pupils as part of the LEA’s policy on pupil suicide prevention. Also requires the CDE to provide a grant to a COE to acquire a training program identified by the CDE and disseminate that training program to LEAs at no cost. Also appropriates, for the 2018–19 fiscal year, the sum of $1,700,000 from the General Fund to the SPI for these purposes.
AB 2639 (Berman) Chapter 437, Statutes of 2018, requires the CDE to identify and make available an online training program in suicide prevention that an LEA can use to train school staff and pupils, consistent with the LEA’s policy on suicide prevention.
AB 2246 (O’Donnell) Chapter 642, Statutes of 2016, requires LEAs to adopt policies for the prevention of student suicides, and requires the CDE to develop and maintain a model suicide prevention policy.
REGISTERED SUPPORT / OPPOSITION:
Support
Association of California School Administrators
California Behavioral Health Association
Hadassah
JCC/Federation of San Luis Obispo
JCRC Bay Area
Jewish Democratic Club of Marin
Jewish Family and Children's Service of Long Beach and Orange County
Jewish Family and Children's Services of San Francisco, the Peninsula, Marin and Sonoma Counties
Jewish Family Service of San Diego
Jewish Family Service of the Desert
Jewish Family Services of Silicon Valley
Jewish Federation of Greater Santa Barbara
Jewish Free Loan Association
Jewish Long Beach
Jewish Public Affairs Committee
Los Angeles County Office of Education
Public Health Advocates
Torrance Unified School District
Opposition
None on file
Analysis Prepared by: Debbie Look / ED. / (916) 319-2087
Bill Author
Bill Co-Author(s):