(a) The Legislature recognizes the need for specially trained professionals to assess and serve pupils of limited English proficiency. This is particularly true of pupils with exceptional needs or pupils with suspected disabilities.

(b) The commission shall develop a bilingual-crosscultural certificate of assessment competence for those professionals who may participate in assessments for placements in special education programs. The certificate shall be issued to holders of appropriate credentials, certificates, or authorizations who demonstrate, by written and oral examination, all of the following:

(1) That the person is competent in both the oral and written skills of a language other than English.

(2) That the person has both the knowledge and understanding of the cultural and historical heritage of the limited-English-proficient individuals to be served.

(3) That the person has the ability to perform the assessment functions the candidate is certified or authorized to perform in English and in a language other than English.

(4) That the person has knowledge of the use of instruments and other assessment techniques appropriate to evaluate limited-English-proficient individuals with exceptional needs and ability to develop appropriate data, instructional strategies, individualized education programs, and evaluations.

(c) Certificates of bilingual-crosscultural competence for special education professionals who implement individual education plans requiring bilingual services shall be granted by the commission pursuant to Section 44253.7.

(d) It is not the intent of the Legislature in enacting this section that possession of any certificate established by this section be a state-mandated requirement for employment or continued employment. It is the intent that this is a matter for local educational agencies to determine.

(Amended by Stats. 2005, Ch. 677, Sec. 46. Effective October 7, 2005.)