SB 488 Updates: What Ed Prep Programs & Teacher Candidates Need to Know
In October 2021, California passed Senate Bill 488, requiring all teacher preparation programs to align with new literacy standards grounded in the science of reading. This law also called for the replacement of the Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA) with a new evaluation tool—the Literacy Performance Assessment (LPA)—which will assess California teacher candidates on their knowledge and skills in effective literacy instruction.
This transition was initially scheduled to go into effect on July 1, 2025. However, the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) recently announced several important updates.
SB 488 (Chap. 678, Stats. 2021) Key Updates
RICA Sunset Date Extended:
Assembly Bill 121 gives teacher candidates additional flexibility by extending the RICA’s retirement date to October 31, 2025 (previously June 30, 2025). Candidates must either pass all three RICA Written Examination subtests or pass the RICA Video Performance Assessment to complete this requirement. Review the CTC’s RICA Transition FAQ for more details.
Three Approved Models Now Meet the SB 488 LPA Requirement:
The CTC adopted three performance assessments for administration in the 2025–2026 academic year. Candidates may meet the SB 488 LPA requirement by passing one of the following:
California Teacher Performance Assessment (CalTPA) Literacy Cycle
Educative Teacher Performance Assessment (edTPA)
edTPA Multiple Subject, Literacy with Mathematics
edTPA Education Specialist, Literacy: MMSN / ESN
Fresno Assessment of Student Teachers (FAST)
FAST 3.0 for Multiple Subject E
FAST 2.0 EdSp (MMSN & ESN)
Note: This assessment is only available to candidates in programs that have formally adopted FAST as their Teaching Performance Assessment model (e.g., CSU Fresno and select partner institutions)
Alternate Option Available to Select Candidates:
Beginning July 1, 2025, candidates may also meet the LPA requirement by passing the Foundations of Reading if they fall under any of the following categories:
Single Subject credential holders adding a Multiple Subject credential
Private school teachers seeking Multiple Subject, PK–3 ECE Specialist Instruction, or Education Specialist credentials
Teachers prepared in another country or via Peace Corps Experience
Teachers with a Preliminary credential with a RICA renewal code EPC 5F-5
Multiple Subject and Education Specialist candidates who complete all other credential requirements except the RICA by June 30, 2025
Why This Matters
These changes are especially important for Educator Preparation Programs and K–12 districts hiring intern-credentialed teachers beginning Fall 2025. Once the RICA is retired, all newly enrolled candidates in affected programs will be expected to meet the literacy performance requirement through one of the three approved models or—if eligible—the Foundations of Reading examination.
Stay informed—subscribe to FULCRUM’s newsletter.
