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Assemblymember Chris Holden’s Bill to Address Bilingual Teacher Shortage Clears Committee Hurdle

For immediate release:

Sacramento, CA – Assemblymember Chris Holden’s measure to streamline credentialing for qualified, out-of-state bi-lingual teachers, AB 2248, passed the Assembly Education Committee with a 4-0 vote today. AB 2448 streamlines requirements for out of state credentialed teachers with satisfactory performance evaluations and two or more years of teaching experience to address California’s teacher shortage.

“With an unprecedented amount of unfilled teaching positions, California is experiencing one of the worst teacher shortages ever,” said Assemblymember Chris Holden.  “The teacher shortage disproportionately impacts low-income students of color, English language learners and students with special needs, contributing to the growing achievement and opportunity gap.”

According to a Learning Policy Institute report “Addressing California’s Emerging Teacher Shortage,” the easing of credential renewal and streamline reciprocity with other states supports teachers’ ability to stay in or re-enter the teaching profession. Additionally, the Legislative Analyst Office Report “California’s Teacher Workforce in Context” recommends out of state recruitment and more flexible teaching requirements to address California’s teacher shortage.

Under current state law, teachers who possess a bilingual teaching credential moving to California from other states must take multiple professional tests and course work regardless of education level, prior teaching evaluations and previous teaching experience in another state.  AB 2248 fixes this inefficiency to expedite qualified teachers’ ability to begin working in California classrooms.

“AB 2248 is a common sense, low-cost solution that can solve California’s urgent teacher shortage and improve the quality of education students receive,” said Holden.

AB 2248 receives broad support from a coalition of organizations focused on education including the California Federation of Teachers, California Charter School Association Advocates, and Edvoice.