As local educational agencies (LEAs) across the state are impacted by the Coronavirus Disease-19 (COVID-19), an unintended consequence is the disruption in time that credential candidates have to complete their student teaching or other required practicum. In response, on March 12, 2020, the Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) released a memorandum regarding the impact of school and university closures on teaching credential candidates due to COVID-19.
The CTC is aware that many candidates will have difficulty meeting the 600-hour clinical practice requirements and completing performance assessments at sites working with supervising teachers, master teachers, and actual students. With the number of school closures, those registered for a performance assessment are experiencing a significant disruption in their field placement.
The CTC is considering any and all legal pathways to allow candidates to begin teaching or providing services this fall and to complete clinical practice and performance assessments during their first year of teaching or service. We will provide updates as they become available. LEAs should remain in contact with their University partners to ensure all requirements can be met regarding any credential candidates who may be performing their practicum or working towards a full credential that requires hours in service.