Special education: substitute teachers.

Existing law authorizes a person holding a valid credential authorizing substitute teaching to serve as a substitute for an appropriately credentialed special education teacher, as specified. Existing law prohibits an employer from employing an inappropriately credentialed substitute teacher for a period of more than 20 cumulative school days for each special education teacher absent during each school year. Existing law authorizes the Superintendent of Public Instruction to approve an extension beyond 20 cumulative schooldays, as provided. Existing law requires the county superintendent of schools to perform various duties with respect to the schools of his or her county, including a duty to monitor and review their certificated employee assignment practices. This bill instead would prohibit an employer from employing an inappropriately credentialed substitute teacher for a period of more than 20 cumulative school days for each special education teacher absent, or if there is a vacancy, during each school year. This bill would, until January 1, 2022, additionally authorize, subject to the issuance of specified federal guidance, a person holding a valid emergency 30-day substitute teacher permit to serve as a substitute in a special education classroom for up to 40 cumulative schooldays per vacancy when specified conditions are met. The bill would require an employing authority to report annually to its county office of education, as part of the monitoring and review of certificated employee assignment practices, the number of permitholders employed pursuant to these provisions and the length of time they were employed. By imposing additional duties on local educational agencies, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program. This bill would make conforming changes and nonsubstantive changes. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to these statutory provisions.