CA SB488

Requires Commission on Teacher Credentialing to ensure teaching performance assessments for preliminary multiple subject and education specialist credentials assess competence in literacy instruction, including evidence-based foundational reading skills, by July 1, 2025.

Extends all requirements for preliminary multiple subject credentials to preliminary education specialist credentials, including study of effective means of teaching literacy aligned with the state's ELA/ELD Framework.

Allows passage of a combination of reading instruction competence assessment components (comprehensive exam, authentic assessment, or both) as approved by the commission to meet credential requirements.

Permits holders of preliminary credentials unable to take the reading instruction competence assessment during COVID-19 pandemic closures to complete the requirement through successful completion of an approved assessment from another state if the original assessment is no longer being administered.

Requires internship programs to include reading instruction competencies in their written teaching foundations assessment and allows community college coursework to count toward subject matter competence verification.