The California Commission on Teacher Credentialing sets standards for teacher training programs in public colleges and universities, establishes requirements for teacher credentialing, enforces professional practices and disciplines credential holders.
State Board of Education President Linda Darling-Hammond says that key priorities, among other things, should be improving teacher preparedness and qualifications and building a more diverse teaching force in California.
As California schools move to implement new science standards, there will be an increased demand for teachers in a subject area where there is already a severe shortage.
The Learning Policy Institute found that fully prepared teachers mattered more than overall spending and low teacher-student ratios in raising test scores.