Common Terms and Definitions

CCTC: California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.  A state agency that administers legislation governing the preparation of teachers in California, sets standards for candidates and programs, and issues credentials.

CBEST: California Basic Educational Skills Test.  An exam required of all California teachers, including substitute teachers.  Tests basic reading, writing and mathematical skills.  Must be attempted prior to applying for a credential program, and must be passed prior to student teaching.

CSET:  California Subject Examinations for Teachers. The Multiple Subjects CSET is required of candidates for a Multiple Subject (elementary) or Education Specialist (special education) credential.  The Multiple Subjects CSETS tests college level subject knowledge in seven areas:  Literature and Language Studies, Mathematics, History/Social Sciences; Science; Visual and Performing Arts; Human Development; and Physical Education.  Must be passed before admission to the Multiple Subject or Education Specialist program.

Integrated Teacher Education Programs: Blended teacher preparation programs which include pedagogy and methods of teaching along with subject matter studies. The candidate earns academic credit toward the baccalaureate degree by completing selected pedagogical courses during the undergraduate years. Beginning as early as the candidate's first year in the program,  s/he completes selected education courses concurrently with related subject matter courses,  or courses that blend subject matter and pedagogy.  At CSULB there is one blended program, called the Integrated Teacher Education Program (ITEP), designed for prospective Multiple Subject credential candidates. For more information, see: http://www.ced.csulb.edu/liberalstudies/

Preliminary or Level I Credential: Issued when a B.A./B.S. degree and a Credential Program have been successfully completed.  Valid for five years, during which Professional Clear Credential Requirements must be met.

Professional Clear or Level II Credential: Issued when a candidate has completed requirements during a two year induction program in a public school district in California that may also include additional University coursework, depending on the credential.

RICA: Reading Instruction Competency Assessment. The purpose of the RICA examination is to ensure
 that candidates for the Multiple Subject Teaching Credentials and Education Specialist Credentials possess the knowledge and skills important for the provision of effective  reading instruction to students.  Must be passed before credential can be issued; should not be attempted prior to completion of methods courses in Reading and Language Arts.

Professional Preparation Program/Credential Program/"Fifth Year" Program: Terms often used interchangeably.  A credential program is designed to develop expertise in the skills of teaching, including classroom management, curriculum development, lesson planning and assessment.  Though students can begin credential programs prior to earning a baccalaureate degree, most typically don't finish the credential program simultaneously with the undergraduate degree (with the exception of "blended" or "integrated" teacher education programs). 

Subject Matter Competence:  Whereas teacher preparation is knowledge of HOW to teach, subject matter competence is knowledge of WHAT is taught. Subject matter competence is a requirement for all basic credentials which assesses the prospective teacher's knowledge in the academic subject area that she or he will be teaching. To demonstrate subject matter competence for the Multiple Subject or Education Specialist credentials, currently candidates must take and pass the CSET.  Candidates for the Single Subject credential should contact the Single Subject Credential Program for information:  http://www.ced.csulb.edu/single-subject/

Last update: 1/4/08