Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA)

October 27, 2022

New literacy standards for teacher candidates could be pivotal to improving student reading scores

Accreditation of California teacher preparation programs will hinge on whether they follow new literacy standards that focus more intensely on foundational reading skills.

Diana Lambert

February 12, 2021

California teacher credentialing requirements continue to be eased during pandemic

A waiver that allows teacher candidates to teach while completing required exams and courses is the latest action to ease teaching requirements.

Diana Lambert

July 30, 2020

Quick Guide: Who are California's teachers?

Who are California's teachers? How do they become teachers? Who awards them their credentials? Get the answers to these questions and more in this quick guide.

Joan Bissell And Louis Freedberg

May 8, 2020

California may soon require fewer tests to become a teacher, at least temporarily

The authors of the bills say the legislation is needed to help teacher candidates complete their credentials during the coronavirus pandemic.

Diana Lambert

March 12, 2020

The state should revise the reading instruction test for teachers

The RICA is outdated and discourages talented teachers, says long-time educator.

Tina Costantino-Lane

January 23, 2020

California moves closer to eliminating, replacing reading instruction test that has blocked thousands from teaching credential

Debate rages on about how to measure a teacher candidate’s ability to teach reading.

Diana Lambert

May 23, 2019

California considers overhauling test of reading instruction for teachers in training

The test is outdated and there is no evidence that it contributes to more effective instruction.

Diana Lambert

January 21, 2019

Required tests roadblock for many aspiring California teachers

Almost half of California’s potential teachers quit the profession before they even start because they can't pass one or more of the tests required for them to earn a credential, making it more difficult for the state to put a dent in a persistent teacher shortage.

Diana Lambert

August 15, 2018

California gets high grade in measuring teachers’ reading instruction skills

Linda Darling-Hammond, chair of teacher credentialing commission, calls the state assessment out of date and not a good predictor of classroom performance.

John Fensterwald