CBEST
Students must pass the California Basic Educational Skills Test prior to admission to the bilingual MS and SPED credential program. This examination is required by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. Booklets containing registration forms and test information are available at http://www.cbest.nesinc.com.
Subject Matter Competency
Students must verify completion of subject matter competency in diversified subjects commonly taught in self-contained classrooms prior to admission to the multiple subject bilingual credential program. To be admitted to the multiple subject bilingual credential and Special Education programs, a candidate shall have achieved a passing score on the California Subject Examination for Teachers (CSET) that is required for the credential sought. Registration information and materials for the CSET are available at http://www.cset.nesinc.com.
Prerequisite Courses
The following courses must be completed with a grade of C or better prior to admission to the program, but may be in progress at the time of application or taken in the term immediately prior to the program start date.
Grade Point Average
Candidates must have a minimum 2.67 overall 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 SDSU transcripts for GPA calculations.
Letter of Recommendation
Two professional references and one letter of recommendation must be submitted attesting to the applicants following characteristics: (a) attitude, aptitude, and ability to teach children; (b) personality and character; (c) academic ability. At least one letter should be from an elementary school teacher the student has worked with and the others may be from faculty and administrators.
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.
Early Field Experience
Applicants must provide evidence of a minimum of 30 hours of experience with students in typical elementary classroom settings within the last five years. Evidence must be documented.
Oral English and Written Statement of Professional Goals and Philosophy
A candidate statement (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. Candidates will also have an interview with the admissions and retention committee of the DLE and SPED Departments.
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 live scan and personal information directly to the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing, http://www.ctc.ca.gov. A copy of the certificate of clearance must be provided to the DLE Department.
Credential Advising Appointment
Advising is available in the College of Education, Office for Student Success, 619-594-6320. Ernesto Sanz is the adviser for the dual credential program and may be contacted at: esanz@sdsu.edu, or 619-594-3265.
Language and Culture Examination
All candidates must demonstrate minimum language proficiency and cultural awareness for the language of emphasis to meet their specific bilingual authorization. This can be met by passing the CSET LOTE examination or earning a C (2.0) or better in DLE 416 .
Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA)
California Education Code Section 44283 requires that candidates for the preliminary or clear credential multiple subject pass this RICA requirement. The purpose of this assessment is to ensure that the candidate possess the knowledge and skills important for the provision of effective reading instruction to students. The RICA requirement applies to candidates who did not complete all credential requirements prior to October 1, 1998. Candidates must have passed the RICA in order to be able to file for the credential.
Appeals Process
Candidates who do not meet all the admission requirements may petition the DLE and SPED Department Admissions and Retention Committee for individual consideration; petition letters must be submitted concurrently with the application packets.
In Addition
In addition to the minimum admissions standards identified above, the DLE and SPED Department Admissions and Retention Committee may also consider qualifications such as previous teaching experience and relevant working experience with children. Due to the number of applicants, application to the program does not ensure admission.
