The Single Subject Credential Program is a 45 unit program of study comprised of one prerequisite course, four co-requisite courses, four core courses, and the capstone student teaching experience and student teaching seminar. EDSS 300, the prerequisite course, must be taken prior to other EDSS and EDSE courses. The corequisites may be taken prior to or concurrent with EDSS 300, or the core courses. All course work must be completed prior to student teaching, except for the student teaching seminar which is taken concurrently with student teaching. Student teaching is a full teaching day, Monday through Friday, for approximately 20 weeks under the guidance of one or more cooperating teachers and a university supervisor.
Prerequisite:
Take the following course:
Corequisites:
Take the following courses:
Take one of the following courses:
Take one of the following choices:
Level I technology course or state-approved exam
Candidates in the subject area programs can meet the computer technology requirement through the following courses: Art (ART 305), English (ENGL 337), Health Science (ETEC 444), LOTE (RGR 470), Mathematics (MTED 301), Music (EDSS 300M, EDSS 450M, EDSS 473), KIN (KIN 354), Science (EDSS 300C, EDSS 450C, EDSS 473), Social Science (ETEC 444).
Take the following courses:
or for interns
In addition to professional preparation, all credential candidates must demonstrate subject matter competence by one of the following: A) completion of a CTC-approved subject matter program; B) passing scores on the CSET exam; C) transcript review. Candidates should confer as early as possible with the Credential Advisor in their subject area to develop an efficient program plan.
Before beginning the Single Subject Credential Program (SSCP), students should be admitted to the university. Apply for admission if you are A) a graduating senior at CSULB, B) transferring from another institution, or C) returning to the university after an absence of one or more semesters. Admission to the university does not constitute admission to the SSCP. Application to the program is normally made as part of the course requirements for EDSS 300. Students may take the EDSS 300 course once they have completed a minimum of 60 semester or 90 quarter units.
Admissions requirements are subject to change by the California Commission in Teacher Credentialing. Current requirements can be found at http://www.ced.csulb.edu/programs/single-subject-credential-program/admission-program.
Successful completion of the Single Subject Credential Program leads to the Preliminary Credential, which is valid for five years.
In order to apply for a preliminary credential, candidates must:
1. Hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
2. Satisfy the U. S. Constitution requirement (POSC 100 or POSC 391 or exam or equivalent course from another institution).
3. Demonstrate basic educational skills.
4. Hold a Certificate of Clearance (fingerprint check).
5. Demonstrate subject matter competence.
6. Complete all prerequisite, corequisite, core and capstone courses with a "B" average and a minimum grade of "C". A minimum 3.0 grade point average must be maintained in all EDSS and EDSE courses. A minimum grade of "B" must be attained in EDSS 300 and EDSS 450.
7. Demonstrate Level I Computer proficiency.
8. Successfully complete student teaching and student teaching seminar.
9. Obtain a score of 3 or better on all 4 tasks in the state-mandated Teacher Performance Assessment (Cal TPA).
Student Teaching is a full day (at least 5 class periods), full semester responsibility following the school district calendar (approximately 20 weeks). Students teach three classes which represent different topics or levels of the subject. The other two periods are for preparation and observation. The university determines the specific student teaching assignment from a wide variety of schools and teaching situations available in the program service area reflecting the region's diversity.
Advancement to Student Teaching is based upon a second thorough assessment of the candidate's qualifications. The process involves an evaluation of the applicant's file and an interview with faculty in the Single Subject Program. The criteria for advancement are as follows:
1. Potential for success in teaching, as indicated by successful leadership, teaching experience, or work experience. Updated information regarding the candidate's most recent experience, including work in EDSS 450, forms the basis of this assessment.
2. Continuing motivation for and enthusiasm toward teaching, together with those dispositions believed essential for successful teaching. Evidence includes a strong recommendation from the instructor of EDSS 450 and further recommendations from faculty who have worked with or have interviewed the student since the time of admission to the credential program.
3. Academic competence, overall and in the teaching major. The level of academic achievement of candidates is expected to be above average.
In order to advance to student teaching, candidates must:
1. Be a member in good standing of the Single Subject Credential Program.
2. Attain a GPA of 2.75 in the last 60 semester units, or 2.67 overall.
3. Successfully complete all program courses, except Student Teaching and Seminar.
4. Attain a minimum "B" grade point average in program courses, including prerequisites, corequisites and core courses, with no grade lower than "C." A minimum 3.0 grade point average must be maintained in all EDSS and EDSE courses. Completion of EDSS 300 and EDSS 450 with a minimum grade of "B."
5. Demonstrate TB clearance (clearance must be valid though completion of student teaching).
6. Demonstrate basic educational skills.
7. Demonstrate subject matter competence. CSET test takers must submit passing scores with their student teaching application. Course-takers must satisfy the subject matter mastery requirement prior to the first day of student teaching.
8. Proof of identity and character clearance (Certificate of Clearance)
9. Submit a student teaching application by October 1 or March 1 of the semester prior to student teaching.
1. Student Teaching applications are only distributed at mandatory student teaching information meetings held the first two weeks of the semester. Candidates for advancement to student teaching must attend a meeting. Meeting dates are posted outside the Single Subject Program office and are available on the website.
2. The application for Student Teaching is reviewed by the student’s Subject Area Credential Advisor (SACA). The Credential Center evaluates transcripts. The SACA then makes a recommendation to the University Single Subject Credential Coordinator who takes final action. When approved, the student registers for student teaching. A priority system is used if sufficient funding is not available to allow all qualified applicants to enroll in student teaching.
3. A Certificate of Clearance must be on file in the Credential Center prior to the beginning of Student Teaching.