Pupil literacy: administrative services credential program standards and professional development.

Assembly Member Muratsuchi's literacy education proposal directs California education authorities to develop comprehensive standards and resources for literacy instruction training, establishing new requirements for both teacher professional development and administrative credentials.

The State Department of Education would create and maintain an online directory of approved literacy instruction training programs by September 2026. These programs, available in both virtual and in-person formats, must address foundational reading skills including phonological awareness, phonics, and fluency while incorporating supports for students with reading difficulties, English learners, and those with exceptional needs. All listed programs must align with current state teaching performance standards, the English Language Arts/English Language Development Framework, and established dyslexia guidelines.

The Commission on Teacher Credentialing faces a two-phase implementation timeline for new administrative credential requirements. By September 2027, the Commission must update its program standards to include preparation in supporting effective literacy instruction. Following this, the Commission has until September 2029 to certify that all professional preparation programs and internships for administrative services credentials meet these updated standards. The certification process requires programs to demonstrate alignment with state quality standards and teaching expectations while incorporating current frameworks for English language arts and dyslexia instruction.

The measure builds upon existing credential requirements by adding specific literacy instruction components to administrative preparation programs, aiming to ensure school leaders can effectively support teachers in literacy education across California's diverse student population.