Highlights of the Commission

Chair’s Report

Chair Schwarze began the meeting by acknowledging the hard work of the CCTC staff. She acknowledged the fact that because so many of the Commissioners had been recently appointed, and needed extra information to bring them up to speed on issues, that they created a great deal of additional work for the CCTC staff.

Review and Establish the Priorities for the Commission on Teacher Credentialing for the 2005-2006 Fiscal Year

This item generated a great deal of interest and a large number of individuals who attended the meeting spoke to various issues. The intent of this item was to respond to a request of the Department of Finance to come up with a priority list and to “think outside the box” about how they would live within their budget during the 2005-2006 fiscal year. The CCTC staff came up with a list of options, but made no specific recommendations. You will find the full text of the item and the CCTC recommendations at http://www.ctc.ca.gov/commission/agendas/2005-04/2005-04-4A.pdf. I encourage you to look this item over carefully.

After a lengthy discussion by the Commissioners 16 individuals, representing IHEs, counties, districts, and others, came to the table to support some cuts, but also to encourage the Commissions to vote against some of the cuts. The majority of the speakers encouraged the Commissioners to consider reinstating the $70 credential application fee.

During the discussion it was pointed out that many of the proposed cuts would require changes in statute. CCTC legal counsel responded when asked “what does this mean?” that they would need to find a legislator or legislators who would be willing to sponsor a Bill to change the statues. The bill(s) would then have to obtain approval from both houses and arrive on the Governor’s desk for his signature. It was pointed out that if signed by the Governor the changes would not become effective until January 1, 2006, or halfway through the next fiscal year.

The Commission then moved to a vote on the proposed cuts. They voted on each section separately. The following is a summary of the outcome:

Certification, Assignment and Waivers Division – approved options 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 & 7. These cuts include cutting the liaison services to IHEs, counties and districts. They did, however, vote to keep the toll free line.

Professional Services Division – approved options 1,6,7,8 & 10

Professional Practices Division – approved options 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, & 7

Administrative Division, approved options 1, 2, 3, 4, & 5.

During the discussion of this item the Commissions were encouraged to deal with the issue of raising the fee. This item will appear on the agenda for the next meeting.

Options for Determining the Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs) for the California Teachers of English Learners (CTEL) Examination

This item originally appeared on the agenda for March. At that time the Commissioners asked that the CCTC staff provide them with more information. This additional information was included in this month’s agenda.

It was expected that with the additional information included the Commissioners would approved the KSAs. However, Commission Banker distributed a document which contained additions, modification and deletions to the document prepared by the CCTC staff in collaboration with field specialists. These changes will be studied by the CCTC staff, as well as NES to see if any changes that had been proposed that would impact the validity of the process. It is anticipated that this item will again appear on the June agenda.

Further delay of this issue may impact the timeline for bringing the new CTEL test on line. It is possible that the CCTC will approach the testing company and possibly look at extending the contract for the current CLAD exam.

Options for Reviewing Bilingual Certification

This item was approved without discussion. The approval included full funding for the working group who will be dealing with this item.

Interested parties expressed concerns about the name of the work group. They indicated that they hoped it would be viewed the same as an advisory panel. Comments also included some suggestions about who should participate in this work groups.

Options for the Establishment of Exam Fees for 2005-06 Fiscal Year

As we saw with other items that would potentially raise fees for new teachers, there was a great deal of comment from the public encouraging Commissioners not to raise the test fees. The reasons included the idea that increasing the test fees would be an additional financial burden on the shoulders of the new teachers.

No action was taken on this item. The Commissions expressed the desire to deal with fee issues (credential and exams) more holistically.

Teacher Supply in California 2003-2004 – A Report to the Legislature

I encourage you to take time to read this report. It contains a great deal of interesting information. This report was accepted by the Commissioners.

Public Hearing – Proposed Amendments to Title 5 Section 80413

The public hearing was to approve the amendments dealing with requiring induction for new teachers to earn their professional clear credential. This was passed with no comment from the public.

You will find the complete agenda and item information at http://www.ctc.ca.gov/commission/agendas/2005-04/2005-04-agenda.html.

The next meeting will be held May 31 and June 1, 2005 at the Commission Offices in Sacramento.

Edith Thiessen

		Credential Counselors & Analysts of California Highlights of the Commission April 14, 2005 Edith Thiessen, Fresno Pacific University
	Chair’s Report Chair Schwarze began the meeting by acknowledging the hard work of the CCTC staff. She acknowledged the fact that because so many of the Commissioners had been recently appointed, and needed extra information to bring them up to speed on issues, that they created a great deal of additional work for the CCTC staff. Review and Establish the Priorities for the Commission on Teacher Credentialing for the 2005-2006 Fiscal Year This item generated a great deal of interest and a large number of individuals who attended the meeting spoke to various issues. The intent of this item was to respond to a request of the Department of Finance to come up with a priority list and to “think outside the box” about how they would live within their budget during the 2005-2006 fiscal year. The CCTC staff came up with a list of options, but made no specific recommendations. You will find the full text of the item and the CCTC recommendations at http://www.ctc.ca.gov/commission/agendas/2005-04/2005-04-4A.pdf. I encourage you to look this item over carefully. After a lengthy discussion by the Commissioners 16 individuals, representing IHEs, counties, districts, and others, came to the table to support some cuts, but also to encourage the Commissions to vote against some of the cuts. The majority of the speakers encouraged the Commissioners to consider reinstating the $70 credential application fee. During the discussion it was pointed out that many of the proposed cuts would require changes in statute. CCTC legal counsel responded when asked “what does this mean?” that they would need to find a legislator or legislators who would be willing to sponsor a Bill to change the statues. The bill(s) would then have to obtain approval from both houses and arrive on the Governor’s desk for his signature. It was pointed out that if signed by the Governor the changes would not become effective until January 1, 2006, or halfway through the next fiscal year. The Commission then moved to a vote on the proposed cuts. They voted on each section separately. The following is a summary of the outcome: Certification, Assignment and Waivers Division – approved options 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 & 7. These cuts include cutting the liaison services to IHEs, counties and districts. They did, however, vote to keep the toll free line. Professional Services Division – approved options 1,6,7,8 & 10 Professional Practices Division – approved options 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, & 7 Administrative Division, approved options 1, 2, 3, 4, & 5. During the discussion of this item the Commissions were encouraged to deal with the issue of raising the fee. This item will appear on the agenda for the next meeting. Options for Determining the Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs) for the California Teachers of English Learners (CTEL) Examination This item originally appeared on the agenda for March. At that time the Commissioners asked that the CCTC staff provide them with more information. This additional information was included in this month’s agenda. It was expected that with the additional information included the Commissioners would approved the KSAs. However, Commission Banker distributed a document which contained additions, modification and deletions to the document prepared by the CCTC staff in collaboration with field specialists. These changes will be studied by the CCTC staff, as well as NES to see if any changes that had been proposed that would impact the validity of the process. It is anticipated that this item will again appear on the June agenda. Further delay of this issue may impact the timeline for bringing the new CTEL test on line. It is possible that the CCTC will approach the testing company and possibly look at extending the contract for the current CLAD exam. Options for Reviewing Bilingual Certification This item was approved without discussion. The approval included full funding for the working group who will be dealing with this item. Interested parties expressed concerns about the name of the work group. They indicated that they hoped it would be viewed the same as an advisory panel. Comments also included some suggestions about who should participate in this work groups. Options for the Establishment of Exam Fees for 2005-06 Fiscal Year As we saw with other items that would potentially raise fees for new teachers, there was a great deal of comment from the public encouraging Commissioners not to raise the test fees. The reasons included the idea that increasing the test fees would be an additional financial burden on the shoulders of the new teachers. No action was taken on this item. The Commissions expressed the desire to deal with fee issues (credential and exams) more holistically. Teacher Supply in California 2003-2004 – A Report to the Legislature I encourage you to take time to read this report. It contains a great deal of interesting information. This report was accepted by the Commissioners. Public Hearing – Proposed Amendments to Title 5 Section 80413 The public hearing was to approve the amendments dealing with requiring induction for new teachers to earn their professional clear credential. This was passed with no comment from the public. You will find the complete agenda and item information at http://www.ctc.ca.gov/commission/agendas/2005-04/2005-04-agenda.html. The next meeting will be held May 31 and June 1, 2005 at the Commission Offices in Sacramento. Edith Thiessen