Secondary Education, Single Subject (SB 2042) Credential

Also Offered at SDSU Imperial Valley

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
English language arts: Comparative Literature, English
Mathematics
Music
Physical Education
Science: Biology, Chemistry, Physical 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 for Student Success, 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 the General 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: 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.

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 Admission and Registration .

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 application to the School of Teacher Education. Contact the School of Teacher Education for application dates or find them at https://education.sdsu.edu/academics/how-to-apply/ apply-credential-program/prelim-credential-application.

Completed applications will include items verifying satisfaction of the following:

1. CBEST Examination. Students must pass the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST) prior to admission to the Single Subject Credential Program. Candidates are urged to take this examination as early as possible. Candidates are required to submit a scan of the individual score reports.
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, or by submitting passing scores on the appropriate California Subject Examinations for Teachers (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 the General Catalog. Approved waiver programs from other California universities are acceptable. 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 courses 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 2.75 in the last 60 semester (90 quarter) 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. One letter must be from a faculty member in the candidate’s major, and one from an individual who knows the candidate well (but is 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 are now submitted electronically through our online application process.
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. Clearance must be granted on the CCTC website prior to the start of the student teaching.
8. Early Field Experience. Candidate must successfully complete an approved course with field work 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- single subject available for downloading from the School of Teacher Education website at https://education.sdsu.edu/academics/how-to-apply/ apply-credential-program/prelim-credential-application.
9. Personal Narrative. See department website for current prompts at https://education.sdsu.edu/academics/ how- to-apply/apply-credent ial -program/ prelim-credential-application.
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 letters must be submitted concurrently with the application packets.

In addition to the minimum admissions standards identified above, the Single Subject Admissions and Retention Committee may also 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 in the Office for Student Success, 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.