Senate Bill 488 (2021) mandates that preparation programs for Multiple Subject, Single Subject (English), and Education Specialist credentials include content on evidence-based literacy instruction, such as:

• Print concepts

• Phonological awareness

• Phonics & word recognition

• Fluency

• Tiered support for students with reading difficulties, English learners, and those with exceptional needs

Clearing the "reading restriction" means meeting program-specific and assessment requirements to transition from a Preliminary (Level I) to a Clear (Level II) credential.

A. Through a Commission-Approved Teacher Induction Program

For Multiple Subject, Single Subject, and Education Specialist credentials:

• Complete a CTC-approved Induction Program.

• Completed Form 41-4 and application fee

B. National Board Certification

Alternatively, those certified by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) in approved literacy-related areas (e.g., Reading–Language Arts/Early and Middle Childhood) may bypass induction. They can apply directly with:

• A photocopy of their NBPTS certificate

• Completed Form 41-4 and application fee

C. For the Reading & Literacy Added Authorization (RLAA)

To earn the RLAA:

• Hold a valid basic California credential and an English Learner Authorization.

• Have three years of full-time teaching experience (excluding student teaching, emergency, or intern credentials).

• Complete a CTC-approved RLAA preparation program, including supervised fieldwork.

• Receive a formal recommendation from the program sponsor.

Alternatively, NBPTS certification in a relevant literacy area can substitute for program completion, paired with experience, EL Authorization, and application.

• UC San Diego Extension – EDUC 30145 

• UCLA Extension - Education X315