Single Subject (SB 2042) Credential (Secondary Education)

Information Applicable to Both Multiple Subject and Single Subject Credentials

Departmental admission to either the Multiple Subject or Single Subject credential program does not constitute admission to the university. Candidates who are entering the university for the first time, or who have graduated or who are graduating, and are planning to re-enroll for the credential program must file a separate application for admission to the university during the regular university application period.

Advanced Standing in Teacher Education

A student transferring into San Diego State University to complete requirements for either the Preliminary or Professional Clear Multiple Subject or Single Subject credential must complete a minimum of six units of professional education coursework in residence at SDSU in order to be recommended for certification regardless of the extent of education work completed at other institutions.

Evaluation of Credits

After an interval of five years, courses in education are reevaluated and subject to reduction in credit, in light of new requirements and changes in educational procedures. All courses taken either at this university or elsewhere must be approved by an official adviser in order to be credited toward meeting credential requirements or pattern requirements for a degree.

GPA Requirements For Continuation in Multiple Subject/Single Subject Credential Programs

A grade point average of 3.0 must be maintained each semester to permit a student to continue in the Multiple Subject and Single Subject credential programs.

Supplementary Authorizations

With completion of additional units in certain curriculum areas, both Single and Multiple Subject teachers can be granted supplementary authorizations to teach in generalized areas in middle and junior high schools (e.g., Introductory English). Single subject teaching credential candidates can also be granted supplementary authorizations to teach in specialized areas K-12 (e.g., psychology). Information on requirements for these supplementary authorizations is available through the College of Education, Office of Student Services, EBA-259.

Single Subject - Preliminary Credential

Persons interested in teaching in the traditional secondary school will typically pursue the Single Subject (SB 2042) credential which authorizes teaching service in departmentalized, subject matter classrooms in preschools, grades K-12, and in classes organized primarily for adults (classes where instruction is provided in only one subject). Candidates must verify subject matter competency in one of the following subject fields:

Acceptable Single Subject Credential Areas and Applicable Majors

Art: Art (currently accepting applications from SDSU undergraduate majors only)

English language arts: Comparative Literature, English, Theatre 

Mathematics: Mathematics 

Music: Music 

Science: Biology, Chemistry, Physical Science 

Social science: Social Science

Recommendation for this credential requires:

1. A baccalaureate or higher degree. 
2. Completion of an approved program of professional education, including student teaching with a grade point average of 3.0 or better and coursework in reading methods. 
3. Basic skills competency as demonstrated through passing scores on the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST).
4. Demonstrated subject matter competency through completion of an approved waiver program in one of the California Single Subject areas or through California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET) examinations. Candidates should check with the College of Education, Office of Student Services, EBA-259, to clarify the appropriate means for satisfaction of the subject matter competency requirement in their subject matter area(s). Competency must be verified and assessed by a designated departmental adviser regardless of the means of establishing knowledge proficiency.
5. 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 the section of this catalog on “Graduation Requirements ,” IV. American Institutions Requirement.)
6. Knowledge of health education, including substance abuse and nutrition: P H 101 , or TE 280 , and verification of CPR competency.
7. Demonstrated knowledge of the needs of and methods of providing educational opportunities to individuals with exceptional needs: SPED 450  or SPED 500 .
8. Demonstrated knowledge of computer hardware, software, and applications to educational/classroom use (computer literacy).
9. Successful completion of a California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC) approved Teacher Performance Assessment (edTPA).
10. Current certification in adult, child, and infant cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

NOTE: Undergraduate students in the Single Subject credential program may register for concurrent post-baccalaureate credit in their final semester prior to obtaining a baccalaureate degree as explained in the section of this catalog on “General Regulations .”

According to SB 2042 legislation, teachers will be able to earn Professional Clear Credentials upon successful completion of induction programs sponsored by their employers and approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. For information about the SDSU induction program; visit the website at https://newscenter.sdsu.edu/education/ste/clear-induction.aspx.

Admission Standards and Qualifications for the Single Subject Credential Program

Candidates for the Single Subject Credential Program must satisfy the standards and qualifications listed below and submit an online departmental application to the School of Teacher Education. Contact the School of Teacher Education for application dates or find them at http://go.sdsu.edu/education/ste/apply_credentials_new.aspx.

Applications must verify the following:

1. CBEST Examination. Students must pass the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST) prior to admission to the Single Subject 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.
2. Subject Matter Competency. Students must verify competency in a specified single subject area through a university assessment process which consists of reviewing coursework for completion of an approved teaching major or its equivalent at San Diego State University or another approved California teacher-training institution, passing scores on the appropriate CSET examinations. Competency will be assessed and verified by subject matter departments at SDSU. Requirements for the various single subject majors are listed with the academic majors in this catalog. Test scores submitted for verification of subject matter competency are valid for five years from the date of the examination. Information and registration materials for all current examinations are available at http://www.cset. nesinc.com.
3. Prerequisite Courses. These courses or approved equivalents must be completed with grades of “C,” “CR,” or better no more than seven years prior to admission to the Single Subject Credential Program. The course may be in progress at the time of program application. Proof of registration is required to be considered for admission.
   1. ED 451 - Introduction to Multicultural Education  (3). This course provides an introduction to ethnicity, language, and culture in education, particularly the ways in which those factors differentially affect educational outcomes for children. The course assists in preparing teacher applicants to work with students from diverse backgrounds by examining both societal and personal belief systems and the ways that those beliefs are expressed in public school classrooms.
   2. TE 280 - Health Education for Teachers  (1). This course provides topics designated in the Health Framework for California to include how to infuse health topics into the general curriculum.
   3. SPED 450 - Classroom Adaptations for Special Populations  (2). This course provides strategies for adapting curriculum, differentiating instruction, meeting social and behavioral needs, and modifying assessments for students with disabilities and/or gifted and talented students in general education classrooms.
4. 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 units attempted. Candidates are required to submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended and unofficial copies of transcripts for SDSU coursework for GPA calculations.
5. Letters of Recommendation. Candidates must submit two letters of recommendation from individuals who know the candidate well (but are not related by blood or marriage) 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. 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.
6. TB 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.
7. 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. Possessors of K-12 California credentials may satisfy this requirement by submitting copies of those certificates. Candidates must submit the application directly to the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. A printout from the CCTC website showing the granting of this clearance is required prior to admission; uploaded to the online application.
8. 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 secondary schools. This is documented through the early field experience verification page available for downloading from the School of Teacher Education website at http://go.sdsu.edu/education/ste/apply_credential_step_8.aspx.
9. Personal Narrative. See department website for current prompts at http://go.sdsu.edu/education/ste/apply_credential_ step_9.aspx.
10. Appeals Process. Candidates who do not meet all the admission requirements may petition the Single Subject Admissions and Retention Committee for individual consideration; petition forms must be submitted concurrently with the application packets.

In addition to the minimum admissions standards identified above, the Single Subject Admissions and Retention Committee also may consider qualifications such as previous teaching experience, relevant working experience with children, and second language ability. A personal interview may also be necessary. 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.”

NOTE: Appointments for discussion of individual concerns relative to the credential program may be made with the Single Subject Credential Program Adviser during the academic year through the School of Teacher Education, EBA-259, 619-594-6320. All candidates are urged to attend one of the regularly scheduled group advising sessions prior to making an individual appointment.