CSU Fall 2002 Community College 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.

What does a teacher need to know? Pedagogy Documentation of teaching skills will be required of new teachers earning credentials under SB Teacher Performance Assessments will be in place as credential programs transition to new standards mandated by SB 2042

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

Multiple Subject Credential Subject Matter Competency established by  Completing a state-approved program of study. On most CSU campuses, this will be the Liberal Studies major. On some campuses, there are additional majors that are “subject matter approved” OR  Passing the California Subject Matter Examinations for Teachers: Multiple Subjects (CSET)* *New this year; MSAT phasing out, to be replaced by CSET by June 2003.

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, CSET: English, CSET: Mathematics, etc.

Education Specialist Credential Subject Matter Competency established by Multiple Subject Route (Subject Matter Preparation Program or CSET) Single Subject Route (Subject Matter Preparation Program or CSET) 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? Single Subject Credential, OR Multiple Subject Credential + Supplemental Authorization in a particular subject.

Essential requirements for all basic credentials: Bachelor’s degree 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.

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 programs for multiple subject; some have single subject blended programs; some campuses offer blended programs for special education.

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. New programs in place no later than January 2004 Still true: students should do early field experience ASAP

What Community College counselors and students should know (cont’d): Specific and rigorous standards will require a much stricter list of possible courses to satisfy these requirements. Some specific examples:  US history pre-colonial through reconstruction; world history ancient to scientific revolution; California history  Emphasis on physical and world/regional geography will necessitate a geography course as well  Physical science (including physics & chemistry), earth and space science (including astronomy, geology, meteorology, and oceanography), and life science

What Community College counselors and students should know (cont’d): For assessment purposes, students should keep syllabi and assignments as much as possible as some campuses require portfolios including examples of work in each of the content areas (Reading, Language, & Literature; History & Social Science; Mathematics; Science; Visual & Performing Arts; PE; Human Development; plus Health)

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

What about foreign language? Prior to SB 2042, CLAD certification required either 3 years of high school foreign language or 6 units of college level study. There is no foreign language requirement for the 2042 credentials.

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