CSU Fall 2003 Counselor Conference Teacher Preparation Workshop

What does a teacher need to know? Subject Matter Knowledge Documentation of subject matter competency is one requirement for the teaching credential. This can be done by  Passing a state-approved examination, OR  Completing a state-approved program of study, often called a subject matter preparation program. (As of summer 03, this now only applies to single subject credentials.)

What does a teacher need to know? Pedagogy Individuals develop pedagogical knowledge and skills through credential program classes. Documentation of teaching skills will be required of new teachers earning credentials under SB Because of the CA budget situation, implementation of this requirement has been deferred to an unspecified date.

No Child Left Behind This federal legislation was signed into law in January The law requires that there be a “highly qualified” teacher in every classroom by January The law distinguishes between “new” and “veteran” teachers. The State Board of Education has defined a “teacher new to the profession” as anyone obtaining a preliminary or internship credential after July 1, For more information, see the State Board of Ed NCLB web page at

No Child Left Behind: Meeting the “Highly Qualified” Requirement Elementary teachers new to the profession who are NCLB compliant are those who Possess a bachelor’s degree Are state certified Have passed a rigorous state-approved subject matter exam Middle and high school teachers new to the profession who are NCLB compliant are those who Possess a bachelor’s degree Are state certified Have a degree in the subject taught or have passed a state- approved subject matter exam in the subject taught

Three Basic Credentials: Multiple Subject (for elementary teachers) Single Subject (for middle and high school teachers) Education Specialist (for special education teachers)

Multiple Subject Credential Subject Matter Competency established by Passing the California Subject Matter Exam for Teachers: Multiple Subjects (CSET) The decision to require a passing score on a subject matter exam for new elementary teachers was made at the August CCTC meeting. The implementation timeline will be discussed at their October meeting.

Multiple Subject Credential How do students best prepare for the CSET? Select courses for the General Education Program that align with the test. Select a major that provides a broad preparation across subject areas. On most campuses, this will be the Liberal Studies major; however, several campuses offer other majors that provide subject matter preparation appropriate for CSET preparation (e.g. Child Development). For more information about campus specific programs see p in your conference notebook. For more information about the CSET, go to

Single Subject Credential Subject Matter Competency established by Completing a state-approved program of study in the subject named on the credential OR Passing the state-approved examination, e.g. CSET: English, CSET: Mathematics, etc. To comply with NCLB requirements, an individual must have a bachelor’s degree in the subject taught or have passed a subject matter exam.

Education Specialist Credential Caution: Upcoming federal legislation may change these requirements. Subject Matter Competency established by Multiple Subject Route (CSET; Subject Matter Preparation Program?) Single Subject Route (CSET or Subject Matter Preparation Program) Regardless of what route the individual takes to establish subject matter competency, this credential authorizes the person to teach K- 12 in a special education environment.

What about teaching middle school? No Child Left Behind requires that middle school teachers either have a bachelor’s degree in the subject taught or have passed a subject matter exam in the subject. This has functionally removed the supplementary authorization route that has been used for years to staff middle schools. There is some discussion of establishing a 32- unit “degree equivalence” that will comply with NCLB.

Essential requirements for all basic credentials: Bachelor’s degree U.S. Constitution course or test California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST) Documentation of subject matter competency Professional Preparation (credential program, including student teaching)

Routes to the credential… Post-baccalaureate programs So-called, “fifth year” programs Bachelor’s degree focuses on subject matter preparation; credential program focuses on pedagogy. Best for those who decide after entering college or graduating that they want to be teachers. For more information about campus specific programs, see the fold-out sheet in your conference notebook materials.

Routes to the credential… Undergraduate Blended or Integrated Teacher Preparation programs These programs combine subject matter preparation with pedagogical studies and field experience. Ideal for those “early deciders” who know they want to teach as early as the college freshmen year. Most CSU campuses have blended/integrated programs for multiple subject; some have them in certain single subject areas; some campuses offer these programs for special education.

Common Framework for Integrated Teacher Preparation (ITP) Programs A Task Force, convened by the CSU Academic Senate in conjunction with the Chancellor’s Office, has been working throughout the summer of 2003 to develop a common framework for ITP programs. While the framework is yet to be approved by the Academic Senate and sent to the CSU Chancellor for approval, the current draft requires that there be a 30-unit statewide agreement common to all multiple subject integrated programs; a 15-unit regional agreement between CSUs that share common feeder community colleges; and, up to 15 units articulated for specific CSU campuses. The goal is to articulate a 60-unit transfer package wherever possible.

What Community College counselors and students should know: Students should be encouraged to take the CBEST as soon as possible after completing QR and composition; a passing score does not expire. Early field experience in a diverse classroom strongly encouraged. Future elementary teachers should become familiar with the wide range of subject areas they will teach. Teachers must teach to the Student Academic Content Standards; these standards can be found at

What Community College counselors and students should know (cont’d): For example…  In Social Science…  Elementary teachers teach California history, U.S. history (colonial through reconstruction), and world history (early).  In Science…  Elementary teachers teach all three strands of science: Life science, earth science and physical science (including both physics and chemistry).  In the Visual & Performing Arts…  Elementary teachers teach all four art domains: Art, Theater, Dance, Music

Current Areas of Need Mathematics Single Subject Teachers Science Single Subject Teachers Special Education Teachers Urban and Rural Teachers Bilingual Teachers

Websites of Interest The following website contains many links to sites of interest to future teachers: / /

The CA Credential Structure is in transition…. Stay Tuned!