10 STANDARDS FOR THE PREPARATION AND LICENSING OF TEACHERS

10.10-Certification, Assignment and Waivers:

Certification, Assignments and Waivers is the licensing division of the Commission, responsible for evaluating and processing over 233,000 applications annually for credentials, permits, certificates and waivers for authorization to serve in California's public schools. Certification, Assignments and Waivers serves as the Commission's primary point of contact, providing information to credential applicants and holders and credential personnel at the college, university, county, and school district levels regarding specific requirements for the licenses issued. It is also responsible for monitoring certificated assignments in collaboration with county offices of education.

10.20-Professional Services:

Professional Services is responsible for: the development of licensure standards for all credential areas for which the Commission issues credentials; the accreditation of colleges, universities and local education agencies that offer educator preparation; the development and implementation of licensing examinations as required in the Education Code; and the administration of state funded programs including the Paraprofessional Teacher Training Program, the Alternative Certification/Intern Program, and in conjunction with the California Department of Education, the Beginning Teacher Support and Assessment Program. Related activities include data collection and reporting and policy research.

10.30-Professional Practices:

Professional Practices is responsible for both the discipline of credential applicants and holders and the legal activities of the Commission. Professional Practices supports the Committee of Credentials, a statutory body that is responsible for conducting investigations of charges of misconduct against a credential holder or applicant upon initial application for a credential, when a credential is renewed, or when there are allegations against a credential holder relating to criminal activity, unprofessional conduct or misconduct that would impact the status of a license. The professional practices legal staff provides legal counsel and advice to the Commission, the Committee of Credentials and program divisions within the Commission.