Preliminary Multiple and Single Subject Credentials
The professional preparation coursework that all candidates are required to complete shall be equivalent to no more than two years of full‐time study at the institution. The limitation applies to postgraduate teacher preparation programs. The limitation does not apply to blended/integrated programs of subject matter preparation and professional preparation teaching internship programs. Reference: Education Code Section 44259 (a) and (b) (3).
Clarification of Program Precondition 1
Individually Prescribed Courses. Program Precondition 1 does not apply to additional courses that are required if a candidate is unable to meet the Commission’s standards of candidate competence and performance by completing the regular professional preparation program.
The professional preparation coursework that all candidates are required to complete prior to or during a professional preparation program is equivalent to no more than one year of full‐time study at San Diego State University.
Example course schedule for the Bilingual MS program can be found here.
Example course schedule for the Bilingual SS program can be found here.
Example course schedule for the traditional MS program can be found here.
Example course schedule for the traditional SS program can be found here.
No college or university shall require candidates to complete more than the equivalent of nine semester units of professional preparation courses (as defined in Program Precondition 1) prior to allowing candidates to enroll in student teaching in elementary or secondary schools. This restriction may be increased to the equivalent of twelve semester units if the student teaching prerequisites include study of alternative methods of English language development as required by Program Precondition 7. Reference: Education Code Section 44320 (a).
Clarification of Program Precondition 2
Student Teaching is defined as experience in a classroom or school under the direction and supervision of an experienced practitioner to complete program requirements. Other terms sometimes used include field work, field experience, directed teaching, practice teaching, practicum, etc.
Candidates for a Multiple or Single Subject Credential begin fieldwork expereinces at the same time as they begin required coursework. Program prerequisites include less than nine units of courses that qualify as professional preparation as defined.
See links to course schedules above.
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 Section 44259 (b) and 44259.5.
See links to course schedules above.
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 the Multiple Subject or Single Subject Credential.
All Multiple Subject General Program candidates are required to take a reading methods course (TE 930, Teaching Reading in the Elementary School). All Single Subject General Program candidates are required to take a reading methods course (TE 933, Teaching Reading in the Secondary School). These require candidates to demonstrate knowledge of alternative methods of reading instruction. This knowledge is further demonstrated and evaluated during the student teaching experience.
All Multiple Subject Bilingual Program candidates are required to take a reading methods course (DLE931, Skills in Teaching Reading to Bilingual Elementary Students). All Single Subject Bilingual Program candidates are required to take a reading methods course (DLE933, Skills in Teaching Reading to Bilingual Secondary Students). These require candidates to demonstrate knowledge of alternative methods of reading instruction.
Undergraduate students of any campus of the California State University or the University of California shall be allowed to enroll in any professional preparation course. Reference: Education Code Section 44320 (a).
Clarification of Program Precondition 4
Program Precondition 4 does not mean that a public institution must make it possible for a candidate to complete all requirements for a baccalaureate degree and a preliminary credential in four years of full‐time study or the equivalent.
Professional preparation courses carry course numbers in the range of 900‐999. The University does not prohibit the enrollment of undergraduate students in these courses. Link to catalog.
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 the candidate of that standing.
We require evidence of meeting subject matter competence as part of the application process.
Preliminary Credential Admissions Requirements
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.
Examples of letters sent to students 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 Multiple Subject and Single Subject programs, the candidate provides evidence of having demonstrated subject matter competence through one of the following methods:
- 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).
- Passage of a Commission-approved subject matter examination. Reference: Education Code 44259 (b)(5)(A)(ii).
- 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).
- Successful completion of a baccalaureate or higher degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education with the following, as applicable.
- For Single Subject credentials, a major in one of the subject areas in which the Commission credentials candidates, as indicated in Education Code 44259(b)(5)(A)(iv)(I) and 44282 (b).
- For Multiple Subject credentials, a liberal studies major or other degree that includes coursework in the content areas as indicated in Education Code 44259(b)(5)(A)(iv)(II) and 44282 (b).
- 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), and 44282 (b).
B) For integrated undergraduate programs only, the candidate must be monitored by the program for subject matter competence 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.
NOTE: 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.
We require evidence of meeting subject matter competence as part of the application process.
Preliminary Credential Admissions Requirements
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 are not allowed to begin student teaching unless they have met subject matter competence.
Link to website with subject matter competence options
Link to request forms for SMC course evaluation
We do have the coursework evaluation option. We updated our website for clarity. Here are the course review request forms. Candidates are provided the forms when they apply to our program. Once they submit the form, the Director of Acreditaion, Program Review, and Assessment does a preliminary review. If there are questions, she will reach out to the undergraduate advisors in the appropriate subject area and ask for their input.
A college or university or school district that operates a program for the Preliminary Multiple or Single Subject 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:
- Possession of a baccalaureate or higher degree other than in professional education from a regionally accredited institution
- Completion of 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 Teaching Performance Assessment
- Passage of the Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA) (for Multiple Subject Candidates).
Reference: Education Code Sections 44259 (b) and 44283 (b) (8)
As specified in the San Diego State University Catalog:
Preliminary MS Credential Requirements
- A bachelor’s degree (or higher) with any major other than education.
- Completion of an approved program of professional education. (See Department of Dual Language and English Learner Education for further information.)
- Passage of Multiple Subject/CSET.
- Successful completion of Language Proficiency and Cultural Awareness Requirements for Language of Emphasis.
- Demonstrated knowledge of principles and provisions of United States Constitution through successful completion of three‐unit college level course or examination. Courses are listed in General Catalog section on “Graduation Requirements,” IV. American Institutions Requirement.
- Passage of California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST).
- Passage of Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA) Test.
- Demonstrated knowledge of the needs of and methods of providing educational opportunities to individuals with exceptional needs: Special Education 500.
- Demonstrated knowledge of computer hardware, software, and applications to educational/classroom use (computer literacy).
- Knowledge of health education in California, including substance abuse and nutrition: Teacher Education 280 – Health Education for Teachers (1 unit) and verification of CPR competency.
- Successful completion of a California Teacher Credentialing approved Teacher Performance Assessment (edTPA).
Preliminary SS Credential Requirements
- A bachelor’s degree with one of the approved single subject majors listed in the single subject bilingual teaching credential General Catalog section. Credentials can be granted only in the designated single subject credential areas.
- Completion of an approved program of professional education. (See Department of Dual Language and English Learner Education for further information about the approved programs.)
- Major Adviser’s Recommendation. Passage of subject matter examination(s) or waiver thereof through completion of one of the approved single subject credential majors listed below with a written recommendation from the Ryan major adviser. Demonstrated subject matter competency through completion of approved waiver program in one of the California single subject areas, is through a combination of coursework and competency examinations, or through CSET examinations. Candidates should check with the College of Education, Office for Student Success, LH‐259, to clarify the appropriate means for satisfaction of the subject matter competency requirement.
- Successful completion of Language Proficiency and Cultural Awareness requirements for the language of emphasis.
- Demonstrated knowledge of principles and provisions of United States Constitution through successful completion of three‐unit college level course or examination. Courses are listed in General Catalog section on “Graduation Requirements,” IV. American Institutions Requirement.
- Passage of California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST).
- Completion of an approved fifth year program (a minimum of 30 upper division or graduate‐level post‐baccalaureate units).
- Demonstrated knowledge of the needs of and methods of providing educational opportunities to individuals with exceptional needs, Special Education 500.
- Demonstrated knowledge of computer hardware, software, and applications to educational/classroom use (computer literacy).
- Knowledge of health education in California, including substance abuse and nutrition: Teacher Education 280 – Health Education for Teachers (1 unit) and verification of current CPR competency.
- Successful completion of a California Teacher Credentialing approved Teacher Performance Assessment (edTPA).
