Purpose
of the RICA: The purpose of the RICA is to ensure that candidates
for Multiple Subject Teaching Credentials and Education Specialist Instruction
Credentials (special education) possess the knowledge and skills important
for the provision of effective reading instruction to students. The goal
of reading instruction is to develop competent, thoughtful readers who
are able to use, interpret, and appreciate all types of text.
Who must take the RICA: California
Education Code Sections 44283 and 44283.2 require that candidates for
the following two groups of California-trained credential applicants pass
the RICA: candidates for initial Multiple Subject Teaching Credentials,
preliminary or professional clear, with our without emphases; and effective
January 1, 2000, candidates for initial preliminary level I or professional
clear level II Education Specialist Instruction Credentials (Special Education)
The requirement applies to candidates who
are recommended by accredited California colleges or universities, candidates
who are recommended by district internship programs, and candidates who
apply directly to the CCTC. The requirement is effective beginning October
1, 1998. Candidates for initial preliminary or professional clear Multiple
Subject Teaching Credentials who do not complete all current credential
requirements prior to October 1, 1998, will be required to pass the RICA.
When should the RICA be taken: When
scheduling the test date, allow sufficient score reporting time to meet
university/employer deadlines.
