6360 Commission on Teacher Credentialing
Program Descriptions

10 - STANDARDS FOR THE PREPARATION AND LICENSING OF TEACHERS

10.10 - Certification, Assignment and Waivers:
The Certification, Assignment and Waivers Division is responsible for evaluating and processing approximately 218,000 applications annually for credentials, permits, certificates, and waivers for authorization to serve in California's public schools. The Division serves as the primary point of contact for the Commission, providing information to credential applicants and holders and credential personnel at the college, university, county, and school district level regarding specific requirements for the licenses issued. It is also responsible for monitoring certificated assignments in collaboration with county and district offices of education.

10.20 - Professional Services:
The Professional Services Division is responsible for the development of licensure standards for all credential areas, aligned with the adopted K-12 academic content standards; the development and implementation of licensing examinations, including the teaching performance assessment, 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 Department of Education, the Beginning Teacher Support and Assessment Program. The Division supports the Committee on Accreditation, a statutory body that is charged with implementing the Commission's accreditation system to monitor the quality of all educator preparation programs. The accreditation system involves educators in judgments of program quality through biennial reports, program assessment and site visit activities. Related activities include initial program approval, data collection, reporting, and policy research.

10.30 - Professional Practices:
The Division of Professional Practices is responsible for the discipline of credential applicants and holders, and provides legal advice to the Commission, the Committee of Credentials and the Commission's management team. The Division supports the Committee of Credentials, a statutory body that is responsible for investigations of alleged misconduct against credential holders and applicants. The investigations generally begin based upon reports from employing school districts, on misconduct disclosed on an application, and criminal convictions.