A new training requirement is now in place for teachers and other certificated staff in grades 7–12. Assembly Bill 5 (The Safe and Supportive Schools Act) took effect on July 1, 2025, and added Education Code Section 218.3(b)(1), which directs the California Department of Education (CDE) to provide free online LGBTQ+ cultural competency training for teachers and other certificated employees.
To meet this requirement, CDE created the following professional development program:
Providing Relevant, Inclusive Support that Matters (PRISM) for LGBTQ+ Students
This includes six courses designed to:
- Support inclusive, welcoming classrooms
- Equip educators to understand better and support LGBTQ+ students
- Improve educational outcomes across the board
Under AB 5, teachers and other certificated staff serving grades 7–12 are required to complete one hour of training annually for the next five years. The CDE training is hosted on a learning management system only for eligible teachers and other certificated staff.
Accessing the Training
On or around July 8, 2025, Local Education Agency Superintendents should have received an email from CDE that includes:
- A link to the training platform
- A facilitator’s guide to help with local implementation
If you're responsible for professional development and haven’t seen this information, we recommend connecting with your superintendent.
A Quick Clarification
As many of our members know, we are PRISM—Public Risk, Innovation, Solutions, and Management. While the state’s new LGBTQ+ training is also called PRISM, the two are completely unrelated. While we continue to support school districts with risk management, training tools, and resources, we do not host or manage the CDE’s training platform.
For any inquiries related to the AB 5 training or access to the LGBTQ+ training platform, please visit the official CDE Website.