Program Information

A teacher with a Single Subject Credential is authorized to teach the specific subject(s) named on the credential in departmentalized schools. This is commonly done in California high schools and in most California junior high and middle schools. However, a teacher authorized for single subject instruction may be assigned to teach any subject in his or her authorized fields at any grade level:  pre-school, kindergarten and grades one through twelve; or in classes organized primarily for adults. (Music, Physical Education, Art, and Foreign Language teachers in elementary schools usually have Single Subject Credentials.)  The Single Subject Credential Program (SSCP) at CSULB is a state-approved program that prepares teachers in ten subject areas (Art, English, Family and Consumer Sciences, Health Science, Languages Other Than English, Mathematics, Music, Physical Education & Adapted Physical Education, Science, and Social Science).  The program includes courses in the single subject teaching area, in Secondary Education (EDSE), and in Single Subject Education (EDSS).

• Common Requirements For All California Teaching Credentials
• Philosophy of the Single Subject Credential Program
• Subject Area Programs
• Courses in the Program
  • Pre-Requisite Course
  • Co-Requisite Courses
  • Core Courses
  • Student Teaching Courses
  • Level 1 Computer Competency Requirement
  • Student Teaching
• Admission to the University
• Admission to the Program
• Information Meetings

Common Requirements For All California Teaching Credentials

All candidates for teaching credentials in California must meet nine requirements:

• 1) Complete a baccalaureate or higher degree from a regionally-accredited college or university

  2) Satisfy the Basic Skills Requirement by passing the CBEST exam or other state approved exam (test of basic English and Math skills)

  3) Complete a single subject teacher preparation program including successful student teaching, and obtain a formal recommendation for the credential by the California college or university where the program was completed

  4) Verify subject matter competence by one of the following methods:

  a. Achieve a passing score one the appropriate subject-matter examination(s)

  b. Complete a Commission-approved subject-matter program or its equivalent and obtain verification of completion from the authorized person in the education department of a California college or university with an approved program

  c. For specialized science subjects only, individuals may take and pass the appropriate subject matter examination or obtain verification of completion of subject-matter course work from the Commission on Teacher Credentialing

  5) Satisfy the Developing English Language Skills, including Reading requirement by completing a comprehensive reading instruction course that includes the following: the systematic study of phonemic awareness, phonics, and decoding; literature, language and comprehension; and diagnostic and early intervention techniques

  6) Complete a course (two semester units or three quarter units) in the provision and principles of the U.S. Constitution or pass an examination given by a regionally-accredited college or university

  7) Complete foundational computer technology course work that includes general and specialized skills ion the use of computers in educational settings

  8)  Pass character clearance (fingerprint background check)

  9)  Complete all prerequisite, co-requisite 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 EDSS and EDSE courses.  A minimum grade of “B” must be attained in EDSS 300 and EDSS 450

  Through successful completion of the CSULB Single Subject Credential Program, candidates will satisfy all nine California State requirements.

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Philosophy of the Single Subject Credential Program

The Single Subject Program grounds its philosophy in a bedrock principle clarified by the National Commission on Teaching and America’s Future: What teachers know and can do makes the crucial difference in what children learn.

Building on this core principle, the program has as its overarching purpose the preparation of high quality beginning teachers who possess the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and dispositions that will enable them to provide the conditions for meaningful, instrumental learning for all students so that they may become active citizens in a democratic, increasingly global, technology-driven society.

The program believes that a skilled teacher provides engaging, meaningful, and intellectually challenging learning opportunities for all students by drawing on a strong foundation in the liberal arts for a broad understanding of the human historical, aesthetic, spiritual and political condition; a deep knowledge of subject-specific content in the teacher’s discipline; a range of pedagogical strategies to utilize in appropriate teaching contexts; and a sensitive understanding of students from diverse backgrounds with diverse social, emotional, and intellectual needs.

The program understands that it plays a critical foundational role in the preservice phase of teacher development.  Graduates should leave the program as educators committed to life-long learning for themselves and their students, as professionals committed to growth and development throughout their careers, and as advocates of socially responsible education in a pluralistic society.

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Subject Area Programs

The SSCP has two strands:  subject matter preparation (CSET or coursework), professional pedagogical preparation, which includes student teaching.

The program currently offers subject matter preparation coursework in the following disciplines:

• Art Education
• English Education
• Family and Consumer Science Education (Home Economics)
• Health Science Education
• Languages Other Than English Education (French, German, Japanese, Latin, Spanish)
• Mathematics Education
• Music Education
• Physical Education
• Science Education (Biology, Chemistry, Geosciences, Physics)
• Social Science Education (History, Political Science, Geography, Economics, Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology)

Each of the ten disciplines offers a state-approved subject matter program that leads to subject matter competence.  Candidates may also demonstrate subject matter competence by passing the state-approved examination (CSET) or by transcript review.  Each of the ten subject matter programs is responsible for evaluating candidates' subject matter competence.  Candidates should contact the Credential Advisor in their area of interest at the earliest possible date to discuss subject matter competence.

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Courses in the Program

PRE-REQUISITE COURSE(3 units) 

CO-REQUISITE COURSES(12 units) Can be taken before, concurrent with, or after EDSS 300.  Must be completed prior to student teaching.

CORE COURSES(12 units) Students must be admitted to the Single Subject Program in order to take these courses.  All credential courses must be completed prior to student teaching.

STUDENT TEACHING(15 units) & Seminar (2 units) Students must attend a Student Teaching Application Meeting the semester prior to Student Teaching. 

Subject Matter Exam Takers:  Passing scores on subject matter exams must be submitted by October 1 (Spring) or March 1 (Summer/Fall) PRIOR to Student Teaching. 

Students Completing Subject Matter Waiver Programs:  Final subject matter courses must be completed no later than the semester PRIOR to student teaching.  Credential courses and subject matter courses cannot be taken concurrently with student teaching.

Level 1 Educational Technology Competency Requirement

Candidates in the 10 subject area programs meet the Level 1 technology requirement through the courses listed below.  Candidates are advised to take the course associated with their subject.  However, all student may and of the courses listed to satisfy this requirement.  Candidates may also demonstrate Level 1 proficiency by passing a state-approved examination (refer to www.ctc.ca.gov for test information) or by passing ETEC 411:  Assessment of Computer Technology competency, Level 1.  ETEC 411 is a performance assessment course for those who already have Level 1 skills and knowledge.  Additional information regarding this course is available at: www.csulb.edu/~tchen5/etec411.htm

Student Teaching

Students must attend a Student Teaching Application Meeting the semester prior to Student Teaching and apply to Student Teach by October 1st for the Spring and March 1st for the Fall. All course work must be completed before advancement to student teaching.  Student teaching is for one semester (approximately 20 weeks) during which the candidate spends three periods per day teaching, one period in preparation, and one period in observation.  Student teaching placements are made by the subject matter programs.  Candidates may fulfill the student teaching requirement by traditional student teaching, through an internship, or by using an emergency permit position.

Internships
University Internships are an alternative to traditional student teaching for completing the culminating field experience in the program.  Since they are full-time teaching positions, internships are limited to students who demonstrate a high degree of readiness for teaching.  To participate in an internship, candidates must have the approval of the Credential Advisor in their subject area and the approval of the University Coordinator. The Single Subject Credential Program assesses internship applications with a critical eye toward the aptitude and skill development of the potential intern.  Internship applications are rejected for candidates who have not demonstrated readiness for complete responsibility for a full-time teaching position.

Internships are collaborative arrangements between the university and a school district in which the intern is employed in an entry-level paid teaching position.  Intern Credentials are valid for two years.  The internship offer is made by the school district, and must be in the candidate’s teaching field.  Interns cannot teach out of their field.  There also must be a District/University Internship Agreement in place between the district and CSULB.  Please contact the Single Subject Credential Office for a list of current internship districts.

Please Note:  Being offered an internship position by a district does not guarantee that an internship will be approved.  Advising appointments should be made with your subject area Credential Advisor and the Single Subject Credential Office if you are considering applying for an internship.

Other types of Student Teaching
           In special circumstances candidates may be approved to use a placement at a private school or employment to satisfy the student teaching requirement.  Candidates must receive approval from the subject area Credential Advisor, the University Coordinator and the Single Subject Credential Program Petition Committee.  Please make an appointment to meet with your Credential Advisor and the Single Subject Credential Office (562-985-5325) for more information.

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Admission to the University

Admission to the University and to the program are two separate processes.  Before beginning the Single Subject Credential Program, candidates should be admitted to the university.  Applications to the University are seperate from the application to the credential program and are not sent from the Single Subject Program office.  Contact Enrollment Services  for application information, deadlines, fees, etc.  Apply for admission if:

• You are a CSULB graduating senior
• Yoou received your bachelor's degree or are transferring from another institution
• You have been away from CSULB for one semester or without an approved Educational Leave

Being admitted to the University does not mean you have been admitted to the Single Subject Credential Program.  Application for admission to the SSCP is a separate procedure with separate requirements and is made through the prerequisite course of EDSS 300.  Application through EDSS 300 must be made within one year (two semesters) of being accepted to the University.

*** Undergraduate students already enrolled at CSULB for the purpose of obtaining a bachelor’s degree should understand that application to the University is related to a specific program.  Therefore, when they complete their degree they must reapply to the University in order to be eligible to take courses to complete their credential program. Undergraduates may begin taking program courses with advanced sophomore or junior standing if they have completed a minimum of sixty units.

Apply to the University as early as possible in the semester before you plan to attend.  Late applications can result in processing delays and closed classes. To submit a University application, go to http://www.csumentor.edu .  Submit the application, $55 application fee, and one set of official transcripts to Graduate Admissions.  DO NOT send test scores, letters of recommendation, or a personal essay with your University application.  Information is also available in the “How to Apply” section below and online at http://www.csulb.edu/depts/enrollment/html/admissions.html.

PLEASE NOTE:

The Single Subject Credential Program is NOT a graduate program, masters program, or a major.  The SSCP is a post-baccalaureate program that leads to a Preliminary Single Subject Credential in your specific subject area.

It is important to fill out your University application correctly.  Please follow the Tips for Single Subject Candidates using csumentor to correctly apply to the University for the purpose of achieving a Single Subject Credential.

Candidates should familiarize themselves with university policies, procedures, deadlines, and tuition and fees by referring to the University Catalog.  The SSCP can be accessed through the Catalog at Single Subject Teacher Education in the table of contents.  Candidates should access the Schedule of Classes for days, times, and locations of course offerings.

Candidates who have not been admitted to the University may begin to take courses through University Extension Services.  All candidates must eventually be matriculated university students.

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Admission to the Program

Application to the program is made during the EDSS 300 prerequisite course.  After acceptance to the program, candidates take the remaining courses, including student teaching after all course work is completed. The program application is included in the EDSS 300 course packet available in the University Bookstore.

The length of time to complete the program varies with each candidate's background, circumstances, and time table.  Candidates should plan for three semesters.  For candidates who need to take courses in their subject area, it may take longer.  For candidates who  cannot attend full-time, it may take longer.  For candidates who are subject matter competent when they begin, it is possible to complete the program in three semesters.  Candidates can take up to seven years to complete the program.  Candidates who need to break their enrollment status for personal, financial, or other reasons should take an official Educational Leave of Absence to avoid being dropped from the university.  Candidates should consult with the University Coordinator and the Credential Advisor in their subject matter program to develop a program plan.

Admission requirements for the SSCP are:  (a)  a minimum grade point average of 2.75 in the last 60 units of course work [or 2.67 overall]; (b) complete EDSS 300 with a B or better; (c) submission of official CBEST scores for all 3 sections; (d) demonstration of fundamental skills in English speaking and writing [through passage of CBEST or performance in selected undergraduate courses, and by an oral interview]; (e) demonstration of personality and attitudinal characteristics appropriate to the teaching profession; (f) two complete recommendation forms; (g) endorsement from the subject matter program which the candidate wishes to enter.   There is a petition process available for students who do not meet the minimum grade point average standard.

The SSCP accepts transfer candidates from accredited programs at other institutions.  Transfer candidates must be in good standing in their original program.  Prospective transfer candidates should consult with the University Coordinator for transfer procedures and to determine which courses may be transferred to CSULB.

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Information Meetings

The Single Subject Program conducts monthly Information Meetings that prospective candidates are urged to attend.  The program office (ED1-67) is open from 8:00 to 5:30, Monday through Thursday and 8:00 to 5:00 Friday, year around (closed Friday for lunch 12 noon - 1 p.m. & University holidays).  

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Last update: 12/11/07