(a) In order to ensure excellence in teaching in specific subjects, the commission may issue a multiple or single subject teaching credential with a specified concentration in a particular subject based upon the depth of an applicant’s preparation in an important subject of the school curriculum. The commission shall establish and maintain standards for concentrations in particular subjects, as necessary.

(b) The commission shall determine the authorizations of teaching credentials with concentrations. The commission shall ensure that with the exceptions of the single subject credentials specified in subdivision (c) of this section, the authorization of a credential with a specified concentration shall not be more restrictive than the authorization of the same credential without the specified concentration.

(c) The commission shall issue the single subject teaching credentials in mathematics and science with a specified concentration in a particular subject. The commission shall establish and maintain standards for concentrations in the following specific subject areas:

(1) Mathematics shall consist of concentrations in advanced mathematics and foundational mathematics. The holder of a single subject credential in mathematics shall be qualified and authorized to teach courses in numbers and quantity, algebra, geometry, probability, and statistics in kindergarten and grades 1 to 12, inclusive.

(2) Science shall consist of concentrations in biological sciences, chemistry, geosciences, and physics. The holder of the single subject teaching credential in science shall be qualified and authorized to teach courses in general science, introductory science, integrated science, and coordinated science in kindergarten and grades 1 to 12, inclusive.

(Amended by Stats. 2021, Ch. 252, Sec. 16. (AB 167) Effective September 23, 2021.)