Science and Math Education Get Boost

Senate Bill 1209 has been signed into law, which aims to increase the supply of teachers and reduce the inequitable assignment of the state's least experienced, least qualified teachers to schools in low-income neighborhoods serving predominately minority students. The legislation removes barriers to entry into the teaching profession, provides training and support to new teachers, and offers incentives to encourage veteran teachers to serve as mentors in high need schools. The legislation also seeks to streamline hiring and broaden compensation practices.

CHAPTERED AND SIGNED BY GOVERNOR

• AB 937 (Wyland) Authorizes the governing board of a school district to designate a credentialed teacher as a science coach for other teachers at each elementary school, or provide staff development to teachers, to develop, coordinate, and provide instruction in an experimental science curriculum.
• SB 472 (Alquist) Extends the Mathematics and Reading Professional Development Program (AB 466) until July 1, 2012.
• SB 1209 (Scott) Makes numerous changes to existing teacher quality statues consistent with the recommendations contained in The Status of the Teaching Profession 2005.
• SB 1292 (Scott) Modifies existing statutes related to the teaching of English Learners.
• SB 1614 (Simitian) Establishes the California Longitudinal Teacher Integrated Data System.
• SB 1655 (Scott) Prohibits a district from transferring a teacher who requests to be transferred to a school that is ranked in deciles 1 to 3 on the Academic Performance Index if the principal of that school refuses to accept the transfer.

LEGISLATION THAT DID NOT PASS

• SB 1433 (Torlakson) Would establish a California Teacher Leadership Program. This bill was passed in the Senate but held in Assembly Appropriations.
• SB 1567 (Soto) Would establish the English Language Learner Teacher Coaching Program. This bill was held in the Senate Committee on Appropriations.
• SB 1824 (Migden) Would require the Commission on Teacher Credentialing to issue a California Preliminary (CAP) credential to any person who displays knowledge and expertise in math or science as demonstrated by the qualifications of possession of a postbaccalaureate or graduate degree in those subject matters, five or more full-time equivalent years of practice in the field for which the postbaccalaureate or graduate degree was awarded, basic skills proficiency, and teacher fitness. This bill was passed in the Senate but held in Assembly Appropriations.
• AB 2970 (Pavley) Would establish the Teacher Recruitment and Retention Act of 2006. This bill was held in the Assembly Committee on Appropriations.

VETOED

• AB 2423 (Wyland) Would establish a science resource teacher for each elementary school or provide staff development to teachers in order to coordinate and provide instruction in an experimental science curriculum, as specified, and mentor other teachers in the provision of that curriculum. This bill was passed by the Legislature but vetoed by the Governor.
• SB 842 (Torlakson) Would authorize School Boards to use state funds to pay the fees of teachers seeking National Board for Professional Teaching Standards certification improving recruitment, training, and retention.
• SB 1142 (previously 1190) (Alquist) Would add Science to the Mathematics and Reading Professional Development Program. This bill was passed by the Legislature but vetoed by the Governor.