SPECIALIST EDUCATION CREDENTIALS  2005-07 Catalog
College of Education Information Center
Education Bldg. (02), Room 120
(805) 756-2126

Education Specialist

Preliminary Level I

Pupil Personnel Services: School Counseling

Agriculture Specialist

Administrative Services

Administrative Intern
Preliminary (Tier I)

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. In addition, Cal Poly prepares Education Specialists to work in inclusive settings.

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

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 orientation meeting;

     meet personal and professional standards during an interview;

     personal interest questionnaire;

     two letters of recommendation; and

     provisions and principles of the U.S. Constitution.

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.

Pupil Personnel Services: School Counseling

The Pupil Personnel Services (PPS): School Counseling credential program is designed to prepare students for school counseling positions in public schools in grades K-12. This program stresses applied theory and practical, direct experiences to prepare candidates. A low student-advisor ratio allows for personalized attention. The PPS: School Counseling credential program has excellent fieldwork placements in K-12 public schools in the surrounding area.

The PPS: School Counseling credential requires 72 quarter units, which are applicable to the MA in Education with a Specialization in School Counseling.

For more information regarding this program, contact the Coordinator, Counseling and Guidance, College of 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 two credential programs: one leading to recommendation for the Preliminary Administrative Services Credential, and a second, the Administrative Intern Credential, for those persons earning their Preliminary Administrative Services Credential and who concurrently serve in an administrative position.

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.

 

For more information regarding this program, contact the Coordinator, Educational Leadership and Administration Program, College of Education.

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1  Credential requirements may change during 2005-2008. Check with the program advisor.