AB2580: Teacher credentialing: programs of professional preparation: California State University and…

Amended IN Senate June 15, 2026 Amended IN Assembly April 13, 2026 Amended IN Assembly March 19, 2026 CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE— 2025–2026 REGULAR SESSION Assembly Bill No. 2580 Introduced by Assembly Member Members Muratsuchi and Hadwick February 20, 2026 An act to add and repeal Section 44320.1 of the Education Code, relating to teacher credentialing. LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST AB 2580, as amended, Muratsuchi. Teacher credentialing: programs of professional preparation: California State University and community college partnerships. Existing law requires the Commission on Teacher Credentialing to establish standards for the issuance and renewal of credentials, certificates, and permits. Existing law authorizes the commission to approve a regionally accredited institution of higher education, as defined, to recommend to the commission the issuance of credentials to persons who have successfully completed a teacher education program of the institution if the program meets the standards approved by the commission. Existing law requires, as a minimum requirement for a preliminary multiple subject, single subject, or education specialist teaching credential, the satisfactory completion of a program of professional preparation, as provided. Existing law requires professional preparation, including student teaching, to be made available in the upper division course offerings at all California public institutions of higher learning, except as provided. This bill would require the Chancellor of the California Community Colleges and the Chancellor of the California State University to develop, on or before July 1, 2027, a plan to increase professional teacher preparation partnerships between California State University campuses and community college districts that addresses (1) the expansion of online programs of professional preparation offered by the California State University in partnership with community college districts to increase access and opportunities for students pursuing teaching careers in rural communities, and (2) the expansion of educator preparation pathways between community college districts and the California State University to include opportunities for concurrent enrollment at the California State University in teacher preparation coursework for community college students pursuing a teaching credential. The bill would make implementation of the plan contingent upon an appropriation for its purposes. The bill would repeal these provisions on January 1, 2033. Digest Key Vote: MAJORITY Appropriation: NO Fiscal Committee: YES Local Program: NO Bill Text The people of the State of California do enact as follows: SECTION 1. Section 44320.1 is added to the Education Code, to read: 44320.1. (a) On or before July 1, 2027, the Chancellor of the California Community Colleges and the Chancellor of the California State University shall develop a plan to increase professional teacher preparation partnerships between California State University campuses and community college districts. The plan shall address at least both of the following: (1) The expansion of online programs of professional preparation offered by the California State University in partnership with community college districts to increase access and opportunities for students pursuing teaching careers in rural communities. (2) The expansion of educator preparation pathways between community college districts and the California State University to include opportunities for concurrent enrollment at the California State University in teacher preparation coursework for community college students pursuing a teaching credential. (b) Implementation of the plan developed pursuant to subdivision (a) is contingent upon an appropriation being made for its purposes in the annual Budget Act or another statute. (c) This section shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2033, and as of that date is repealed.