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May Revision proposes $100M student-teacher stipends, $200M literacy PD; LAO urges different targeting
Summary
The May Revision would retool a teacher loan-forgiveness idea into a $100 million one‑time stipend program for student teachers, add $200 million for literacy professional development and augment credentialing and facilities staffing; the LAO questioned targeting and effectiveness.
The subcommittee reviewed May Revision proposals intended to bolster the teacher pipeline and support school facilities and credentialing operations.
The administration proposes a $100 million one‑time Proposition 98 appropriation to provide $10,000 stipends to student-teachers who complete 500 hours of student teaching. The Department of Finance's trailer bill language would designate Kern County Superintendent of Schools as the administrative entity for the program; up to 2% of the appropriation may be used for administration and outreach, and Kern County would be required to report to the Legislature and the Department of Finance.
"The proposal provides $100,000,000 one time Proposition 98 general fund ... and $10,000 stipends to California prepared preliminary credential candidates for 500 hours of student teaching," Jody Lieberman of the Department of Finance told the subcommittee. The administration framed the stipend as a way to reduce a financial barrier to student teaching that can deter prospective teachers.
The May Revision also proposes a $200 million one‑time appropriation to support evidence‑based literacy professional learning for elementary teachers aligned with the English language arts and English language development framework. That proposal would direct the State Board of Education to approve criteria and guidance for in‑service professional development posted by the California Department of Education.
Other May Revision actions affecting the teacher pipeline and credentialing include additional ongoing funding for the Commission on Teacher Credentialing (an increase to address workload and IT operations) and funds for the Office of Public School Construction to reallocate unexpended one‑time balances for TK–12 facilities programs.
The Legislative Analyst's Office recommended rejecting the stipend proposal and the literacy/mathematics coaches proposals as currently designed, arguing the stipend program lacks evidence of increasing teacher supply and is not targeted to subject areas or schools with the greatest shortages. The LAO recommended alternative investments or changes that would better focus resources where shortages are most acute.
CDE representatives said some program elements are priorities for the department, and flagged reporting and staffing pressures from reductions in CDE's operations budget. The Commission on Teacher Credentialing noted increased litigation and workload that are driving a modest augmentation in its Teacher Credentials Fund for legal costs and IT needs.
No formal action was taken. Senators and witnesses agreed the details — program eligibility, targeting and reporting responsibilities — would be matters for negotiation before final budget adoption.
