(a)
For purposes of hiring an individual to serve as a substitute teacher, preference shall be given as follows:
(1)
First, to a candidate who achieves a minimum score of 4 on the American Sign Language Proficiency Interview (ASLPI) or an equivalent score on an alternate test selected by the American Sign Language Competency Evaluation Committee of the California School for the Deaf that assesses American Sign Language linguistic competency.
(2)
Second, to a candidate who achieves a minimum score of 3 on the ASLPI or an equivalent score on an alternate test, as described in paragraph (1).
(3)
Third, to a candidate who achieves a minimum score of 2.5 on the ASLPI or an equivalent score on an alternate test, as described in paragraph (1).
(b)
Except as provided in subdivision (c), a candidate who fails to achieve a score of at least 2.5 on the ASLPI or who fails to achieve an equivalent score on an alternate test, as described in paragraph (1), may not be hired as a substitute teacher.
(c)
The superintendent of the school may waive the requirements of subdivision (b) if no candidate for the substitute teacher position has achieved the minimum score required by subdivision (b) and there is an immediate need to fill an open position.