SPECIALIST EDUCATION CREDENTIALS – 2003-05 Catalog
University Center for Teacher Education Information Center
Education Bldg. (02), Room 120
(805) 756-2126

Education Specialist

Preliminary Level I
Professional Clear Level II

Pupil Personnel Services
Agriculture Specialist
Administrative Services

Preliminary (Tier I)
Administrative Intern (Tier I)
Professional (Tier II)

The Education Specialist ¹ (formerly known as Special Education) credential authorizes the holder to teach in the area of specialization in the following settings: special day classes, special schools, home/hospital settings, correctional facilities, nonpublic schools and agencies, and resource rooms.

Cal Poly is authorized to offer programs in the specializations for mild/moderate disabilities and moderate/severe disabilities.

These programs prepare candidates to instruct pupils from ages 3–21 with conditions ranging from learning disabilities, delayed intellectual development, to behavioral, sensory and/or motor impairments, including mental retardation, autism and multiple disabilities.

A full-time candidate may complete the requirements in one calendar year. The Education Specialist program is heavily field based. Candidates who complete the Preliminary Level I program will be required to obtain a Professional Clear Level II Education Specialist credential within five years of employment as a special educator.

Admission Requirements

 - admission to Cal Poly as a postbaccalaureate student;

 - 2.75 GPA in last 90 quarter units;

 - evidence of taking the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST);

 - early field experiences in general and special education;

 - subject matter competency (exam or coursework);

 - application for Certificate of Clearance;

 - attendance at an information meeting; and

 - meet personal and professional standards during an interview.

A Multiple or Single subject teaching credential is not required for admission. However, some coursework taken for the Single Subject or Multiple Subject Credential program may be applied to the Education Specialist Credential program.

Mild/Moderate Disabilities

This program is designed to prepare candidates to work with pupils with mild/moderate disabilities which include specific learning disabilities; mild to moderate mental retardation; attention deficit and attention deficit hyperactivity disorders; and serious emotional disturbance, and authorizes serving individuals in kindergarten, grades one through twelve, and in classes organized for adults through age 22.

Moderate/Severe Disabilities

This program is designed to prepare candidates to work with pupils with moderate/severe disabilities which include autism; deaf-blindness; moderate to severe mental retardation; multiple disabilities; and serious emotional disturbance, and authorizes serving individuals in kindergarten, grades one through twelve, and in classes organized for adults through age 22.

For more information regarding this program, contact the Coordinator, Special Education, University Center for Teacher Education.

Pupil Personnel Services

The Pupil Personnel Services credential program is designed to prepare students for counseling and guidance positions in public and private schools in grades K-12. This program stresses applied theory and practical, direct experiences to prepare pupil personnel candidates. A low student-advisor ratio allows for personalized attention. The PPS Credential program has excellent fieldwork placements in K-12 public schools including career centers, continuation schools, and special classes. Required courses are generally offered in late afternoons and evenings.

For more information regarding this program, contact the Coordinator, Counseling and Guidance, University Center for Teacher Education.

Agriculture Specialist

This program is usually taken as a co-requisite with the single subject credential in Agriculture. Contact Dr. Glen Casey, in the Agricultural Education and Communication Department, for more specific information.

Administrative Services

Administrative Services offers three credential programs: one leading to recommendation for the Preliminary Administrative Services Credential; a second, the Administrative Intern Credential, for those persons earning their Preliminary Administrative Services Credential and who concurrently serve in an administrative position; and a third leading to recommendation for the Professional Clear Administrative Services Credential.

Preliminary Administrative Services

The preliminary program emphasizes a comprehensive knowledge of public school administration including applied theory, administration and leadership, schools in contemporary society, and effective management related to educational outcomes. As a basis for credential recommendation, the preliminary program emphasizes applied theory with actual experience in fieldwork assignments and an evaluation of administrative competence.

To enter the Preliminary Administrative Services Credential program, a candidate must verify proof of a valid basic teaching credential or appropriate service credential and three years of teaching and/or related service, and satisfactorily complete all admissions requirements including 3.0 GPA in last 90 quarter units, and two letters of recommendation.

The credential program requires 45 quarter units, most of which are applicable to the MA in Education with a Specialization in Educational Administration. The Preliminary Administrative Services Credential authorizes service in any administrative position at any grade level in California.

A Certificate of Eligibility can be acquired upon successful completion of the Preliminary program if no employment in an administrative services position has been obtained.

Administrative Internship Program. California does not provide an emergency provision to hire someone to be a school administrator who does not possess an administrative credential. The Administrative Internship Program supports districts that have an immediate need for an administrator and are without suitable candidates. Applicants for this program must verify proof of a valid basic teaching credential or appropriate service credential and three years of teaching and/or related service, documentation of being offered an administrative position, and support for this Internship from the superintendent of schools in the employing district or county office of education. Students will earn the Preliminary Administrative Services Credential as they serve in an administrative capacity within a two year timeframe.

Professional Administrative Services

To enter the Professional Administrative Services Credential program, applicants must verify proof of a valid basic teaching credential or appropriate service credential and Preliminary Administrative Services Credential, confirm current employment in an administrative position, and satisfactorily complete all admission requirements.

The professional credential program prepares candidates for the Professional Clear Administrative Services Credential. The program requires an equivalent of 36 quarter units of work. A minimum of 18 quarter units are appropriate coursework, 6 are induction planning and assessment, and 120 hours or 12 quarter units are professional development hours or university coursework that meet identified student goals.

The program emphasizes advanced skill development in building-level or central office administration with emphasis on the deepening of management and leadership skills.

For credential recommendation the candidate must, in addition to completing the program of study, have had two years of successful administrative experience and meet program competency review criteria.

For more information regarding this program, contact the Coordinator, Educational Administration program, University Center for Teacher Education.

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¹ Credential requirements may change during 2003-2005. Check with the program advisor.