California Code, Education Code - EDC § 44615

The commission shall adopt rules and regulations providing for the recruitment of, and issuance of special credentials in the teaching of a world language to, foreign-born persons or others having native fluency in a modern world language to teach world languages in the public schools of California.  The issuance of special credentials in the teaching of world languages pursuant to this section shall be limited to 500 persons a year.  The commission shall prescribe the minimum standards for these special credentials and shall provide for the renewal of these credentials.  In issuing the credentials to any applicant, the commission shall take into consideration fluency in the language to be taught, academic preparation, previous teaching experience, a knowledge of modern methods of world language instruction, and a knowledge of peoples of other countries and their environment.  The commission shall adopt rules and regulations that require the holder of a special credential issued under this section to undertake, within a reasonable time, a course of study that will enable the holder to become eligible for a standard teaching credential.