Teacher credentialing: computer science instruction: workgroup.

Assembly Member Ahrens' proposal to modify California's computer science teacher credentialing process extends key deadlines for a state-mandated workgroup examining qualification standards for computer science instruction. The legislation shifts the Commission on Teacher Credentialing's deadline to convene this specialized workgroup from July 2024 to July 2026, while moving the required report of findings to July 2027.

The workgroup, which must include a majority of current computer science teachers alongside school administrators and teacher preparation experts, maintains its original charge: evaluating whether existing teaching credentials should authorize computer science instruction, considering the establishment of a dedicated computer science credential, and recommending strategies to meet workforce demands for expanding computer science education. The bill extends the sunset date for these provisions from January 2028 to January 2030, contingent upon budget appropriations.

This timeline adjustment occurs within California's existing framework for teacher credentialing, where the Commission currently issues single-subject teaching credentials in specified subjects and may authorize instruction in additional subjects when credential holders meet established requirements. The workgroup's eventual recommendations could reshape how California prepares and authorizes educators to teach computer science in secondary schools.