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Guidance for Credential Programs in Response to COVID-19

PSA 21-05 provides information on action taken by the Commission to extend Preliminary Multiple Subject and Single Subject Program Flexibilities into 2021-2022 due to the continued impact of COVID-19. In August 2020, the Commission approved specific flexibilities related to the implementation of the preliminary multiple subject and single subject credential program standards for the 2020- 2021 academic year. At the Commission’s June 2021 meeting, the Commission approved the continuation of these flexibilities through the academic year 2021-2022 when warranted due to the continued impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. As in-person instruction is expected to resume more fully during the 2021-22 academic year, the Commission expects programs to use these flexibilities on a more limited basis, as appropriate, for situations in which a candidate’s progress continues to be impacted by the pandemic.

UPDATE: COVID-19 related flexibilities are expiring. Please be aware of the deadlines for flexibilities. 

  • RICA Flexibility - expires June 30, 2022
  • TPA Flexibility - expires August 31, 2022

 

Department of Teaching and Learning

CalTPA & RICA Exam Flexibilities

This information is for candidates who completed student teaching or a teaching internship during Spring 2020, Fall 2020, or Spring 2021. All candidates in fieldwork Fall 2021 and on should refer to the Preliminary Credential Requirements for all requirements they must meet. 

I was a student teacher or intern in Spring 2020, Fall 2020 or Spring 2021 and have completed all credential requirements EXCEPT for the CalTPA exam(s). 

In order to be eligible for the Preliminary Credential based on CTC action and EO N-66-20, you must also satisfy all of the following conditions during the 2019-2020 or 2020-2021 academic year:  

  1. Was placed or employed in a local educational agency impacted by COVID-19 related school site closures;
  2. Was in the process of completing the TPA;
  3. Was unable to complete the TPA due solely to school closures; AND
  4. Successfully completed all other preliminary teaching credential requirements.

If you meet ALL of the conditions, submit a credential application. Please attach to the application, a written statement explaining how you meet the above conditions.

If you do not meet ALL of the conditions, EO-N-66-20 and SB 820 does not apply to you.

I was a student teacher or intern in Spring 2020, Fall 2020 or Spring 2021 and have completed all credential requirements EXCEPT for the RICAexam. 

The RICA flexibility has expired and can no longer be used. In order to be recommended for a Preliminary Credential, Multiple Subject and Education Specialist candidates must pass the RICA exam. 

The RICA is currently available for in-person and online proctoring. See more information on the RICA and find study resources.

Sign up for the RICA exam.

Trailer Bill AB 130 & Subject Matter Competency

Trailer Bill AB 130

See more on Subject Matter Competency and find the steps to have your transcripts/academic major reviewed by an OSS advisor. 

We were excited to learn about Governor Newson signing TK Education Trailer Bill (AB 130) and the new opportunities for students to meet the Subject Matter Competency and Basic Skills requirements. Research has shown that standardized exams are not always an indicator of content knowledge. For that reason, we know that these exams can be a real challenge and act as potential barriers for many of our students. We are pleased that the State has created additional routes for students to meet requirements. 

Here are some important things for you to know:

  • The Basic Skills requirement remains a requirement to earn the preliminary credential.
  • The CBEST exam has not gone away and will continue to be an option for students to meet the Basic Skills requirement. 
  • The Subject Matter competency requirement remains a requirement to earn the preliminary credential.
  • The CSET exams have not gone away and will continue to be an option for students to meet the subject matter competency requirement.
  • The bill has introduced new ways for teacher candidates to meet the basic skills and subject competency requirements by using qualified coursework.

We encourage you to read through the press releases from CTC regarding the bill and their recent coded correspondence. 

July 9, 2021 - Press Release from CTC

July 22, 2021 - Coded Correspondence from CTC 

August 9, 2021 - CTC's Webinar on New Options Available for Candidates to Demonstrate Basic Skills

September 3, 2021 - Program Sponsor Alert from CTC: Implementation of New Options for Meeting the Statutory Subject Matter Competence Requirement 

 

See more on Subject Matter Competency and find the steps to have your transcripts/academic major reviewed by an OSS advisor. 

Questions

OSS Guidance

The Office of Student Success continually provides updated information to all School of Education students during COVID-19. Teacher candidates are encouraged to attend Group Advising sessions to hear the latest updates. 

Teacher candidates can book an appointment with their advisor if they need additional help. 

CalTPA Exam Questions

If teacher candidates were unable to complete their CalTPA exams during Spring 2020, Fall 2020, or Spring 2021 and have questions regarding the CalTPAs exams, they can contact Dr. Greg Hamilton, CalTPA Coordinator. 

See more on the CalTPA exams.