Elementary and secondary education: omnibus.

The California Assembly Committee on Education proposes substantial changes to teacher credentialing requirements and educational program administration through amendments that modify how teachers can expand their subject authorizations and how schools implement physical education schedules. The legislation removes restrictions that previously limited credential holders from adding subjects they already teach, while maintaining existing competency verification requirements through coursework or subject matter testing.

The bill revises physical education scheduling requirements by specifying that alternative term schedules must calculate minimum instructional minutes based on schooldays rather than other time periods. For grade 6, this means 400 minutes every 10 schooldays during an 18-week semester, totaling 3,600 minutes annually. Students in grades 7-12 must receive 800 minutes per 10 schooldays over 18 weeks, amounting to 7,200 annual minutes.

Additionally, the legislation requires school districts, county boards of education, and charter schools to develop policies by July 2026 regarding student smartphone use on campus. These policies must incorporate stakeholder input and include specific exemptions for emergencies, teacher-approved activities, medical needs, and requirements in individualized education programs. The measure explicitly prohibits schools from monitoring students' online activities while implementing these policies.

The amendments maintain existing provisions for physical education instruction, including requirements that programs align with state frameworks and prepare students for mandated performance testing. Schools must continue offering alternative physical education courses to exempt students and follow established complaint procedures for addressing compliance issues.