Preconditions for Preliminary Education Specialist Programs 2026

The program includes the study of effective means of teaching literacy, in accordance with 44259 (b)(4)(A) and (B).

The program sponsor has a timely and systematic process for evaluating and notifying candidates of their standing in relation to the subject matter competence requirement. This process includes:

• Providing candidates with clear and accurate information in all advising and application materials about all options available to demonstrate subject matter competence, pursuant to Education Code Section 44259(b)(5)(A), Title 5 Code of Regulations §80096.
• Within the first 60 days of the candidate’s admission, the institution must complete an assessment of each candidate’s standing in relation to demonstration of the subject matter competence requirement, including whether a coursework evaluation will be needed, and notify candidates of that standing.

The approved preliminary teacher preparation program sponsor determines that each candidate meets the subject matter requirement prior to being given daily whole class instructional responsibilities in a TK-12 school. Candidates enrolled in an integrated undergraduate teacher preparation program may begin the daily whole class instruction portion of their student teaching experience before meeting the subject matter requirement. However, all candidates must meet the subject matter requirement before being recommended for their preliminary teaching credential. The candidate provides evidence of having demonstrated subject matter competence through one of the following methods:

1. Completion of a subject matter program approved by the Commission on the basis of standards of program quality and effectiveness. Reference: Education Code 44259 (b)(5)(A)(i).
2. Passage of a Commission-approved subject matter examination. Reference: Education Code 44259 (b)(5)(A)(ii).
3. Successful completion of coursework at one or more regionally accredited institution of higher education that addresses each of the domains of the subject matter requirements adopted by the Commission in the content area of the credential pursuant to Section 44282, as verified by a Commission-approved program of professional preparation. Coursework completed at a community or junior college that is regionally accredited by an accrediting agency listed in subparagraph (A) of paragraph (1) of subdivision (g) of Section 44203 or by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges may count for purposes of this clause. Reference: Education Code 44259 (b)(5)(A)(iii), Title 5 Code of Regulations §80096.
4. Successful completion of a baccalaureate or higher degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education that meets any of the following:
   1. A major in one of the subject areas in which the Commission credentials candidates or closely related to an area in which the commission credentials candidates as indicated in Education Code Sections 44259(b)(5)(A)(iv)(I), Title 5 Code of Regulations §80096.*
   2. A liberal studies, liberal arts, elementary education major or other degree major that includes coursework required for the degree major in the content areas pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 44282 (language studies, literature, mathematics, science, social studies, history, the arts, physical education, and human development).
5. A combination of the methods described in (a), (b), or (c) above that, together, demonstrate that the candidate has met or exceeded the domains of the subject matter requirements adopted by the Commission. Education Code 44259 (b)(5)(A)(v), 44282 (b), Title 5 Code of Regulations §80096.

*(The term “closely related” as defined in proposed regulations pending approval by the commission and the Office of Administrative Law)

Prior to recommending a candidate for the Preliminary Education Specialist credential, the program verifies all of the following:

1. Possession of a baccalaureate or higher degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education.
2. Completion of the subject matter competence requirement
3. Completion of a Commission-approved professional preparation program
4. Passage of a Commission-approved Teaching Performance Assessment
5. Demonstration of knowledge of the principles and provisions of the Constitution of the United States
6. Passage of a Commission-approved literacy performance assessment, the Foundations of Reading Examination, or other examination approved by the Commission to meet the literacy instruction competence requirement. Note: This may also include a passing RICA examination score taken before the retirement of the RICA examination in October 2025. RICA scores are valid for 10 years. (f) Completion of health education including CPR. Reference Education Code 44259(b)(3)(B)(i)
7. Completion of advanced computer-based technology, including the use of technology in educational settings. Reference Education Code 44259(b)(3)(B)(iii)