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

Assembly Members Rivas, Muratsuchi, and Blanca Rubio propose comprehensive changes to California's literacy education framework through legislation requiring the Department of Education to establish standardized professional development programs for literacy instruction by September 2026. The measure creates a state-approved list of training programs for teachers and support staff working with students in transitional kindergarten through fifth grade.

The legislation directs the Commission on Teacher Credentialing to update administrative services credential requirements by September 2027 to include preparation in supporting evidence-based literacy instruction. Programs must incorporate foundational reading skills, English language development, and support for students with reading difficulties. By 2029, all preparation programs must align with these new standards.

The State Board of Education must adopt new English language arts and English language development instructional materials for kindergarten through eighth grade by June 2027. Local educational agencies using alternative materials must certify their alignment with state criteria for evidence-based literacy instruction. The Department will distribute funding to local agencies for staff professional development, with requirements to report participation data by September 2029.

Implementation of all provisions depends on legislative appropriation. The measure includes state reimbursement to local agencies for costs associated with new mandated activities.