TEACHING CREDENTIAL PROGRAMS – 2005-07 Catalog
College of Education Information Center
Education Bldg. (02), Room 120
(805) 756-2126

The Basic Credential Programs consist of coursework and field experiences, including student teaching, required to obtain the Multiple and Single Subject teaching credentials in California. Guidelines for all credentials are established by California's Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC), and are subject to change. Cal Poly is authorized by the CCTC to prepare candidates and recommend for the following Basic credentials.

NOTE: Changes in credential requirements are subject to change. Please check with program advisors for up-to-date information.

Multiple Subject Instruction

Multiple Subject Credential

Bilingual Crosscultural Language and Academic Development (BCLAD) Emphasis

Single Subject Instruction

Agriculture
English (includes Speech Communication)
Mathematics
Physical Education
Science: Biological Science
Science: Chemistry
Science: Physics
Social Science (includes History and Political Science)

Candidates for the Single Subject teaching credential in Agriculture or the Agricultural Specialist credential complete their preparation program through the Agricultural Education and Communication Department at Cal Poly and should communicate with the department credential advisor for further information or advisement (Dr. Glen Casey, at 756-2401 or gcasey@calpoly.edu).

The teaching credential programs typically take four or five quarters, depending on completed prerequisites. Applications are accepted during specific periods at the beginning of each fall, winter and spring quarter (for these dates contact the College of Education Services Center). Detailed information about other requirements can be found in the credential handbooks, "The Guide to the Multiple Subject Credential Program" and "Single Subject Teaching Credential Handbook," which are available at the Services Center and at El Corral Bookstore. Further information, requirements and procedures for entering a particular credential program may be obtained from the appropriate credential program advisor, or consult our web page at www.coe.calpoly.edu. Program requirements may be updated according to state law or policy. Applicants should keep in touch with their program advisor.

Multiple Subject and Single Subject Teaching Credential Programs

Admission Requirements

Admission to Cal Poly as a postbaccalaureate student or as a Liberal Studies major in the junior year of the blended program¹,

Required cumulative GPA (see below),

Evidence of taking the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST),

Evidence of passing the Multiple Subject Assessment for Teachers Examination (MSAT/CEST) or an approved “Subject Matter” (coursework) statement (Multiple Subject only),

Evidence of application for Certificate of Clearance,

Attendance at a program information meeting, and

One letter of recommendation.

The requirements for admission to Cal Poly to pursue a Multiple Subject credential differ slightly from those for the Single Subject credential. Details concerning specific requirements are available from the appropriate advisor, the advisement handbook, or at www.coe.calpoly.edu.

Admission to the university does not guarantee admission to either teacher education program.

BCLAD Emphasis in Spanish (Multiple Subject only)

Cal Poly's Bilingual Crosscultural Language and Academic Development (BCLAD) emphasis programs stress knowledge of language, structure, acquisition, and development; methodologies for English language development and specially designed content instruction delivered in English; and general cultural concepts relevant to education.

BCLAD is designed to prepare teachers for bilingual classrooms. The BCLAD emphasis focuses on knowledge of bilingual teaching methodologies, the Latino culture, and proficiency in Spanish.

STEP I - ADMISSION TO PRELIMINARY CREDENTIAL PROGRAM

To enter the credential program and to identify additional requirements that must be completed prior to beginning student teaching, a "STEP I" application is to be submitted at least two quarters before student teaching (not including summer quarter). For most credential candidates this is done upon completion of the baccalaureate degree or during the first quarter of postbaccalaureate studies. Check with your credential program advisor, the credential handbook, and www.coe.calpoly.edu to be sure that all requirements are completed.

Minimum Scholarship Standards

2.67 overall GPA or 2.75 in last 90 quarter units.

Students may enter the credential program as an undergraduate (under certain conditions) or as a postbaccalaureate candidate. Accepted postbaccalaureate candidates must maintain a 3.00 quarterly GPA.

Step I Verifications Required

(refer to most recent student handbook and www.coe.calpoly.edu for specifics)

· Completion of an approved early field experience

· A Certificate of Clearance

· Completion of a CCTC approved academic program of coursework in the single subject area, OR passing appropriate examinations for the subject matter

· Letters of recommendation

· A professional aptitude interview with advisor or designated faculty member

· Evidence of competency in reading, writing and speaking English

· Evidence of freedom from rubella and tuberculosis

· Evidence of mathematics competency (Multiple Subject candidates only)

STEP II - ADMISSION TO STUDENT TEACHING

Students must complete all Step I requirements. Application for student teaching assignments must be made by Monday of the fourth week of the quarter before one plans to student teach. Student teaching consists of two consecutive quarters in public school classrooms, under the supervision of a master/cooperating teacher and a university supervisor. Applicants must pass CBEST prior to receiving a student teaching assignment.

Multiple Subject candidates will complete student teaching over a two-quarter period. The first quarter (10 weeks) consists of four days a week beginning with the teaching day and ending at 1:00 pm to attend classes on campus; the fifth day of the week is for the entire teaching day. The second quarter (11 weeks) consists of four full days a week and a fifth day ending at 2:00 pm to attend a seminar on campus.

Single Subject student teaching involves a six unit and a twelve unit assignment. Six unit student teaching consists of a part-time (half day) experience in the classroom observing and teaching. Twelve unit student teaching consists of a full-time all day experience with the student teacher gradually assuming responsibility for the class.

Note: Students are reminded of their responsibility to register for the appropriate student teaching class and accompanying seminar. While the College of Education assigns student teaching placements, it does not handle registration of classes for student teachers.

STEP III - APPLICATION FOR PRELIMINARY CREDENTIAL

Candidates for the California Multiple or Single Subject Teaching Credential must submit an "Application for Credential Authorizing Public School Service" (form 41-4) and credential fee. Upon completion of the U.S. Constitution requirement, the Level I Technology Competency requirement, and Cal Poly's Teaching Credential Program (Multiple or Single Subject), each student may apply for his or her Preliminary Credential. These applications are available through the College of Education Student Information Center and may be submitted as early as two weeks prior to completing the final credential requirements. See the credential handbooks for more information.

Clear Credential – Fifth Year of Study

California Senate Bill 2042 reforms transferred the granting of clear (advanced) multiple subject and single subject teaching credential recommendations to school district based Induction Programs, or to Fifth Year of Study Programs conducted with California Commission on Teacher Credentialing approved school district-university initiatives. At this writing, Cal Poly does not sponsor a Fifth Year of Study option; Cal Poly does, however, partner with the San Luis Obispo County Induction Program. Graduates obtaining their preliminary credential from Cal Poly should consult the school district employing them, whether in San Luis Obispo County or elsewhere in California, for information about the Induction Program and obtaining the clear credential.

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¹ Cal Poly Liberal Studies students in the blended program complete a specific set of courses in preparation for a bachelor of science degree and a multiple subject credential. The program includes taking the CBEST before or during the first quarter of the junior year and applying to the credential program during the junior year. For additional information, refer to the Liberal Studies section in this catalog.