RICA for California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) and Pearson Education, Inc. Latest Update

RICA for California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) and Pearson Education, Inc.: Latest Update

The Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA) has been an essential requirement for teacher candidates in California for several years. The California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) introduced RICA to ensure that prospective educators have the necessary knowledge and skills to teach reading effectively. However, as of recent developments, the CTC and Pearson Education, Inc. have announced key changes to the assessment, with RICA slated for retirement by June 30, 2025. In this article, we will discuss the upcoming changes to RICA, the transition to new assessments, and other important updates provided by the CTC and Pearson Education.

The Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA)

RICA is a standardized exam designed to assess a teacher candidate's ability to provide quality reading instruction in the classroom. The test measures knowledge of reading development, instructional strategies, assessment methods, and the ability to help students with different needs and abilities become proficient readers. RICA has been an integral part of the credentialing process for aspiring teachers in California, ensuring that teachers meet state-mandated competency requirements in literacy education.

Historically, RICA has been available in both written and video formats, each focusing on different aspects of literacy instruction. These formats have been intended to assess how candidates demonstrate knowledge and practical skills in reading instruction. However, the introduction of Senate Bill 488 in 2021 marked the beginning of changes to this assessment.

Senate Bill 488 and the Transition from RICA

Senate Bill 488 (SB 488) was signed into law to address concerns around the relevance and effectiveness of the RICA as the sole reading instruction assessment. The bill authorized the CTC to transition from RICA to a new literacy assessment that better reflects the dynamic and evolving nature of literacy instruction.

SB 488 set the stage for the retirement of RICA by June 30, 2025. This move aligns with efforts to create more meaningful, authentic assessments that capture the complexities of teaching literacy in modern classrooms. Under the new framework, RICA will no longer be available after its retirement date, and teacher candidates will be required to fulfill their reading instruction competency requirement through alternative measures.

The transition is expected to provide greater flexibility and ensure that new assessments will better reflect current best practices in teaching literacy. These changes will also simplify the process for teacher candidates who may have faced difficulties in passing RICA, offering them additional pathways to demonstrate their competence.

The Literacy Performance Assessment (LPA)

The Literacy Performance Assessment (LPA) is the new assessment designed to replace RICA. One of the major goals of this transition is to move away from traditional multiple-choice exams and focus more on authentic assessments that simulate real classroom teaching scenarios. The LPA is designed to assess a candidate's practical ability to teach reading and literacy, including their capacity to plan, deliver, and assess reading instruction in an actual or simulated classroom environment.

The LPA aims to be a more reflective assessment of real-world teaching, ensuring that teacher candidates can apply theoretical knowledge of reading instruction in practice. While RICA primarily tested theoretical knowledge and some practical skills, the LPA will evaluate how well candidates can demonstrate teaching skills in actual educational settings. For instance, teacher candidates may be required to submit video recordings of themselves teaching reading lessons, along with reflections on their teaching practices.

The CTC’s transition to the LPA also addresses the desire to streamline assessment processes. The new assessment is intended to be more comprehensive and interactive, providing better feedback to candidates on their teaching methods and effectiveness in literacy instruction.

Pilot Testing and Development of the LPA

In preparation for the full implementation of the LPA, the CTC conducted pilot testing to refine the new assessment and ensure its effectiveness. The field-testing of the Literacy Performance Assessment began in fall 2024 with a group of about 85 Multiple Subject candidates. This field test, known as the Fresno Assessment of Student Teachers (FAST) 3.0, was an updated version of the LPA designed to evaluate how well it could measure candidates' competencies in literacy instruction.

The field test provided the CTC with valuable data on how candidates interacted with the LPA, as well as feedback on the structure and content of the assessment. Adjustments were made based on these results to ensure that the LPA could assess the specific skills required of effective literacy instructors. The results from the pilot program will help the CTC fine-tune the LPA and ensure its alignment with state standards and expectations.

The pilot testing phase also helps prepare teacher preparation programs and other stakeholders for the transition. Educator preparation programs can adjust their curricula to better support the new LPA and ensure that candidates are adequately prepared for the new assessment.

Alternative Assessment Options for Teacher Candidates

For teacher candidates who are currently in the process of completing their certification requirements and have not yet passed the RICA, the CTC has indicated that alternative assessment options will be available. This is an important aspect of the transition, as it ensures that candidates who have not yet passed RICA will still have a pathway to meet their credentialing requirements.

One of the proposed alternatives is the "Foundations of Reading" examination. This examination is already used in several other states as an alternative measure to demonstrate competency in reading instruction. It tests similar skills and knowledge to those evaluated in RICA and can serve as a substitute for the RICA requirement for teacher candidates in California. The inclusion of alternative options ensures that candidates will have flexibility and access to a range of assessments based on their circumstances and qualifications.

Role of Pearson Education, Inc.

Pearson Education, Inc. has played a key role in providing preparation materials and resources for the RICA exam. Through its Evaluation Systems group, Pearson has offered study guides, practice tests, and other resources that have helped thousands of candidates prepare for the RICA Written Examination. These resources are still available to candidates as they prepare for the final round of RICA testing before its retirement.

Pearson’s ongoing support ensures that teacher candidates have access to the materials they need to succeed in passing RICA. However, as the assessment retires, Pearson will shift its focus to support candidates preparing for the new Literacy Performance Assessment (LPA) and other related assessments.

Pearson has also worked alongside the CTC to ensure that the transition from RICA to the new LPA is as smooth as possible. The company will likely continue to offer preparation resources for the LPA once it is implemented. Additionally, Pearson may provide training and educational materials to help teacher preparation programs adjust their curricula to better prepare candidates for the new literacy assessment.

Final Thoughts

The transition from the RICA to the Literacy Performance Assessment marks a significant shift in how California evaluates teacher candidates' reading instruction competencies. The new LPA promises to offer a more authentic and reflective assessment of teachers’ abilities, better aligned with the needs of modern classrooms. As the CTC moves forward with these changes, candidates, educators, and preparation programs will need to stay informed about the updates and adjust their approaches to meet new requirements.

While the retirement of RICA may bring uncertainty for some, the shift to the LPA ultimately represents an opportunity to enhance literacy instruction and provide teacher candidates with better assessments that align with contemporary educational practices. For those still in the process of completing the RICA or considering certification, staying up-to-date with CTC announcements and utilizing available preparation resources, including those from Pearson, will be essential to navigating the transition successfully.

Candidates who have already passed the RICA need not worry about the new assessment, as they will retain their certification, and the new LPA will only apply to those who are beginning the credentialing process. The upcoming changes aim to improve the overall quality of literacy instruction in California and set teacher candidates up for success in the classroom.