CBEST Examination
Students must pass the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST) prior to admission to the credential program. Registration information and materials for the CBEST are available at http://www.cbest.nesinc.com. Candidates are urged to take this examination as early as possible. Candidates are required to submit a copy of the individual score reports; uploaded to the online application.
Demonstration of Language and Cultural Proficiency
Completion of DLE 416 or copies of CSET LOTE subtests III and V for Spanish language emphasis.
Grade Point Average
Candidates must have attained a grade point average of at least 2.67 in all baccalaureate and post-baccalaureate coursework or a minimum 2.67 overall or 2.75 in the last 60 semester (or 90 quarter) units attempted. Candidates are required to submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended (with exception of SDSU) to the SDSU Graduate Admissions office for GPA calculations.
Letters of Recommendation
Candidates must submit two letters of recommendation from individuals who know the candidate in different capacities (i.e. employer/supervisor, university professor, classroom teacher) and who can comment directly on factors such as the candidate’s qualifications for a teaching career in a multicultural setting, work or educational experiences, experience teaching or supervising students or other groups of individuals, personal character, and/or potential for success as a teacher. Letters from family or friends will not be considered. These letters will be collected through our online application system. Students will need the name and e-mail address for those who will be providing a recommendation for them.
Tuberculin Clearance
Evidence of a negative tuberculosis test (these tests are valid for four years and must be in effect during the time that candidates are enrolled in the credential program). Clearance statements may be secured from Health Services, private physicians or HMOs, or public health agencies.
California Certificate of Clearance
This certificate represents a background clearance and check conducted by the State Department of Justice and Federal Bureau of Investigation. Turnaround time for the clearance can take as long as eight months or as quick as two weeks depending on one’s background. Candidates must be fingerprinted through LiveScan and then submit the application directly to the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC). The clearance must be granted on the CCTC website prior to admission to the credential program. Possessors of K-12 California credentials or Emergency Teaching Permits may satisfy this requirement with these valid credentials and will need to be kept current throughout the credential program.
Early Field Experience
Candidate must successfully complete an approved course with fieldwork experience OR a minimum of 45 hours of independent observation and participation in a “regular” classroom in public elementary schools.
Personal Narrative
A personal narrative (500 word maximum) that addresses background of experiences that have contributed to the desire to be a special education/bilingual teacher, as well as the personal and professional factors the candidate considers to be most important if one is to become an effective and caring bilingual special educator.
Appeals Process
Candidates who do not meet all the admission requirements may petition the Dual Language & English Learner and Special Education departments for individual consideration; petition forms must be submitted concurrently with the application.
In Addition
In addition to the minimum admissions standards identified above, the Dual Language & English Learner and Special Education departments may also consider qualifications such as previous teaching experience, relevant working experience with children, and second language ability. Due to the number of applicants, application to the program does not ensure admission. The chancellor’s office, Executive Order 1032, establishes standards for admission to teacher credential programs as follows: “The candidate shall have demonstrated personality and character traits that satisfy the standards of the teaching profession. The assessment of the candidates shall be made by the teacher education faculty of the campus, who may also consider information from public school personnel and others. The campus may use tests, observations, and interviews for this assessment.”
Recommendation for Credential
A bachelor’s degree (or higher) with any major other than education.
Completion of an approved program of professional education, including student teaching and coursework in reading methods with a grade point average of 3.0 or better.
Passage of California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST).
Passage of Multiple Subject/CSET.
Passage of the Spanish Language Proficiency and Cultural Awareness Examination, or CSET LOTE, or DLE 416 .
Successful completion of a California Teacher Credentialing approved Teacher Performance Assessment (CalTPA).
Passing scores on the Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA).
Demonstrated knowledge of the principles and provisions of the United States Constitution through successful completion of a three-unit collegiate-level course or examination. Courses are listed in General Catalog section on “Graduation Requirements,” IV. American Institutions Requirement.
Knowledge of health education in California, including substance abuse and nutrition: TE 280 - Health Education for Teachers (1 unit) and verification of CPR competency.
Demonstrated knowledge of the needs of and methods of providing educational opportunities to individuals with exceptional needs: SPED 450 .
Demonstrated knowledge of computer hardware, software, and applications to educational/classroom use (computer literacy).
NOTE: According to SB 2042 legislation, teachers will be able to earn Professional Clear Credentials upon successful completion of a clear credential program or an induction program approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.
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