(a) (1) It is the intent of the Legislature that one full year, or the equivalent thereof, of paid, classroom teaching experience and beginning teacher support and assessment shall be a prerequisite to obtaining a professional credential to teach in the California public schools.
(2) Any credential candidate who is eligible for a preliminary credential shall be eligible for a classroom teaching position with beginning teacher support and assessment. The requirements of this article may be waived by the commission for individuals who are pursuing alternative entry programs established pursuant to subdivision (g) of Section 44225 and subparagraph (B) of paragraph (3) of subdivision (c) of Section 44259.
(b) It is the intent of the Legislature that support and assessment of beginning teachers shall be governed by standards adopted by the commission in consultation with the Superintendent and the state board.
(c) A beginning teacher who has been issued a preliminary teaching credential and a preliminary specialty credential pursuant to paragraph (3) of subdivision (b) of Section 44225 shall be eligible for one year of beginning teacher support and assessment that combines classroom teaching and specialty instruction.
(Amended by Stats. 2011, Ch. 348, Sec. 4. (SB 941) Effective January 1, 2012.)