Request adequate school funding ACR 54 states the intent of the Legislature to provide sufficient education funding to bring per-student spending up to or beyond the national average and recognizes that the level needed must account for the actual cost of educating California’s diverse population. CFT- sponsored. Julia Brownley, D-Santa Monica
Changes to teacher credentialing AB 239 allows National board Certified Teachers to earn a clear teaching credential, and makes the NBCT English Learner certificate valid toward CLAd authorization. Also deletes a sunset date, allowing district intern programs to offer all types of education Specialist Credentials statewide, enabling these programs to prepare special education teachers for all levels of disability. Julia Brownley, D-Santa Monica
Enhance school safety AB 1390 requires the school principal or designee to report any act involving the possession, sale, or furnishing of a firearm by a student or non-student to the city police or county sheriff with jurisdiction over the school, and to the school security or police department. Bob Blumenfield, D-Van Nuys
Allow exams by physician assistants SB 171 allows applicants seeking employment in school districts and county offices of education to file medical exams conducted by a physician assistant rather than by a doctor. Fran Pavley, D-Agoura Hills
Allow more electronic teaching materials SB 247 allows school districts to use instructional materials categorical funding to purchase materials in an electronic format. Elaine Alquist, D-Santa Clara
Charter School Facilities Program* SB 592 allows local governments and charter schools to hold title to a school constructed using state education bond funds specifically set aside for charter schools. Also authorizes charter schools to request that a district currently holding title to such a facility transfer title to the charter school or to another entity upon mutual agreement. CFT opposed Sb 592 because it could divert public facility bonds to private charter school operators. Gloria Romero, D-Los Angeles
Extend sunset for Districts of Choice SB 680 repeals the sunset date for the School districts of Choice program until July 1, 2016, and January 1, 2017, respectively, repeals limitation on the number of districts electing to become a district of Choice, and requires the Legislative Analyst to evaluate the program and report to the Legislature by November 1, 2014. Gloria Romero, D-Los Angeles
Eases out-of-state teacher credentialing SB 751 streamlines the credential application process for out-of-state teachers who were prepared outside the United States and establishes guidelines for local educa-tion agencies that provide test preparation courses for teachers seeking a subsequent credential. Gloria Romero, D-Los Angeles