Preliminary Education Specialist Credentials
In each program of professional preparation, the college or university or school district requires candidates to demonstrate knowledge of alternative methods of developing English language skills, including reading, among all pupils, including those for whom English is a second language, in accordance with the Commission's standards. Reference: Education Code Sections 44227, 44253.1, and 44283.
Completion of the 3‐unit course (DLE915 A or B) Teaching and Learning in the Content Area: English Language Development/SDAIE is required of all candidates for all Education Specialists preliminary teaching credentials.
All Mild to Moderate Supports Needs and Extensive Support Neesd Program candidates are also required to take a reading methods course (TE 930, Teaching Reading and Language Arts).
The program sponsor has a timely and systematic process for evaluating and notifying candidates of their standing in relation to the subject matter competence requirement. This process includes:
- Providing candidates with clear and accurate information in all advising and application materials about all options available to demonstrate subject matter competence, pursuant to Education Code Section 44259(b)(5)(a).
- Within the first 60 days of the candidate’s admission, the institution must complete an assessment of each candidate’s standing in relation to demonstration of the subject matter competence requirement, including whether a coursework evaluation will be needed, and notify candidates of that standing.
As part of the application process we require evidence of having meeting subject matter competency.
Candidates who do not meet subject matter competence, may be conditionally admitted and allowed to begin and complete the first semester of the part‐time Multiple Subject or Single Subject program. Timelines for completing subject matter competency are made on an individual basis. Candidates can track conditional admissions requirements in the My.SDSU student portal.
Mild/Moderate Credential Admissions
Extensive Needs Credential Admssions
Example of communication with candidates who are admitted conditionally.
The approved preliminary teacher preparation program sponsor determines that each candidate meets the subject matter requirement prior to being given daily whole class instructional responsibilities in a TK-12 school.
A) For Education Specialist programs, the candidate provides evidence of having demonstrated subject matter competence through one of the following methods:
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Completion of a subject matter program approved by the Commission on the basis of standards of program quality and effectiveness. Reference: Education Code 44259 (b)(5)(A)(i).
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Passage of a Commission-approved subject matter examination. Reference: Education Code 44259 (b)(5)(A)(ii).
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Successful completion of coursework at one or more regionally accredited institution of higher education that addresses each of the domains of the subject matter requirements adopted by the Commission in the content area of the credential pursuant to Section 44282, as verified by a Commission-approved program of professional preparation. Coursework completed at a community or junior college that is regionally accredited by an accrediting agency listed in subparagraph (A) of paragraph (1) of subdivision (g) of Section 44203 or by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges may count for purposes of this clause. Reference: Education Code 44259 (b)(5)(A)(iii).
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Successful completion of a baccalaureate or higher degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education with either a major in one of the subject areas in which the Commission credentials candidates or a liberal studies or other major that includes coursework in the content areas pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 44282.
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A combination of the methods described in 1, 2, or 3 above that, together, demonstrate that the candidate has met or exceeded the domains of the subject matter requirements adopted by the Commission. Education Code 44259 (b)(5)(A)(v), 44282 (b).
B) For integrated undergraduate programs only, the candidate must be monitored by the program for subject matter competency prior to beginning early field experiences and throughout the program until such time as it has been determined that the candidate has satisfied subject matter competence. Each candidate in an integrated undergraduate program must have satisfied subject matter competence, or at a minimum completed four-fifths of the Commission-approved subject matter preparation program, prior to beginning daily whole class instruction.
Notes:
- Proposed Title 5 regulations are under review with the Office of Administrative Law. These proposed regulations would provide additional information on meeting the subject matter competence requirement by degree major and/or completed coursework. Commission staff will update the relevant preconditions and evidence guidance documents and remove this note, if and when, the Title 5 regulations take effect, in accordance with direction from the Commission.
- Verification of subject-matter competence is not required for the area of Early Childhood Special Education.
As part of the application process we require evidence of having meeting subject matter competency.
Candidates may be conditionally admitted to the program without meeting subject matter competency. We will allow them to begin the program as part‐time candidates and do not let them enroll in student teaching until they meet the requirement.
A checklist with all requirements is kept in the students' files. Elements such as passing subject matter exams are updated and reviewed prior to student teaching.
A college or university or school district that operates a program for the Education Specialist teaching credential shall determine, prior to recommending a candidate for the credential, that the candidate meets all legal requirements for the credential, including but not limited to: Reference: Education Code Sections 44259 (b) and 44283 (b) (8).
- Possession of a baccalaureate or higher degree from a regionally accredited institution
- Satisfaction of the Basic Skills Requirement
- Completion of an accredited professional preparation program
- Completion of the subject matter requirement
- Demonstration of knowledge of the principles and provisions of the Constitution of the United States
- Passage of the Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA).
- Passage of a Commission-approved Teaching Performance Assessment (for candidates enrolling after July 1, 2022)
See links to checklists above
