Supplementary Authorization in Computer Science
The Commission on Teacher Credentialing is considering a proposal to change the current, outdated Supplementary Authorization in Computer Concepts and Applications (CCA) with one explicitly focused on Computer Science, changing both the name as well as the content areas. This proposed change was first presented this at the February 2015 Commission meeting (item 6B), where the concept was unanimously approved. Relevant amended regulations, presented at the June Commission meeting (item 7B, Part I), were also unanimously approved. The final public hearing will be held at the October Commission meeting, item 1I on Friday, October 9 2015.
The current CCA authorization requires coursework that covers only the use of computers (i.e., software evaluation and selection, hardware operation and functions, and classroom uses of computers). Moreover, this content has now become addressed within the preliminary preparation program standards for all general and special education teaching credentials and is thus redundant.
The proposed CS authorization strengthens the required content areas of study to prepare teachers to teach the full range of K-12 Computer Science courses being offered in California. Teachers holding the authorization will have the knowledge to introduce students to creation of computing technology (e.g., computational thinking, programming, digital devices, impacts of computing). The specified content areas are differentiated by an introductory CS authorization (which basically authorizes teaching curriculum level grade 9 and below) and a specific CS authorization (which authorizes teaching content in grades K-12).
For full information, you can study Coded Correspondence 15-06—Proposed Amendments to Title 5 Regulations Pertaining to the Supplementary Authorization in Computer Science (you may need to open this in something other than Safari). We are currently in the 45-day public comment period before the final CTC step to approve the new authorization in CS. So, now is the time to submit your support letters and/or comments. Responses must arrive by 5:00 PM on October 5 to be considered for the October 9 public hearing. It is important that they see broad support for the authorization.
You can send a letter of support via email to David Crable <DCrable@ctc.ca.gov>, or send a hard copy to
David Crable
Certification Division
Commission on Teacher Credentialing
1900 Capitol Avenue
Sacramento, CA 95811-4213.
You can also merely voice your support by marking and sending the Response Form at the end of the coded correspondence. The Commission has indicated that the best mechanism is to send a marked response form, whether sent alone or with a letter attached, as it allows them to immediately identify the purpose of the correspondence. For your convenience, you can find just the Response Form here.
Please contact me if you have any questions. I thank you for your continued support.
Debra Richardson
ACCESS Steering Committee Chair