SDSU Imperial Valley - Elementary K-6 Education, Multiple Subject Bilingual 2042 Credential

Admission Standards and Qualifications for the Division of Education Credential Programs

Candidates must satisfy the standards and qualifications listed below and submit complete application packets to the Division of Education. There are three points of screening and an ongoing monitoring of progress in the teacher education program. These are:

1. Admission to the teacher education program.
2. Monitoring of student progress in the teacher education program.
3. Admission to student teaching.

Generally, students will apply and be admitted to the teacher education program prior to beginning the coursework of the basic credential program. These include the early field experience of 60 hours.

Application Process for the Division of Education Credential Programs

1. Obtain and submit a completed application along with required materials.
2. 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. The signed letters may be hand carried and do not need to be confidential or in sealed envelopes, but must be on letterhead stationery (name, address, telephone number of sender included). If the letters are not on letterhead, the name, address, and telephone number of the sender must be typed on the letter.
3. Professional Goals Essay. This essay should address the following items:
   1. The candidate’s interest in and motivation for a teaching career in a multicultural setting;
   2. The candidate’s personal background and experience working with children in multicultural settings;
   3. Other experiences personally considered important in the teacher preparation process;
   4. Any abilities, knowledge, skills, or experiences that will enhance the candidate’s effectiveness as a teacher (e.g., ability to speak another language, play a musical instrument, use technologies, or experience working with individuals with disabilities or special needs). Further information on the professional goals essay is available in the Division of Education.
4. Analytical Essay. On demand essay regarding some aspect of the field of education with the purpose of assessing candidates’ writing and critical thinking skills.
5. Oral Interview. An oral interview with a panel of Division of Education faculty with the purpose of assessing candidates’ proficiency in communication skills, and disposition related to diversity and the overall skills of the teaching and learning process.
6. Appeals Process. Candidates who do not meet all the admission requirements may petition the Admissions and Retention Committee for individual consideration; petition forms must be submitted concurrently with the application packets.
7. 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 or better in the last 60 semester units attempted. Candidates are required to submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended and unofficial transcripts for SDSU coursework for GPA calculations.

Required Clearances

1. California Certificate of Clearance. This certificate represents a background clearance and check conducted by the State Department of Justice and Federal Bureau of Investigation. Application is available in the Teacher Education office and must be submitted PRIOR to conducting Early Field Experience and/or enrollment in TE 303  and prior to all other courses requiring field experiences. Legal documentation which meets all current California state law, school district requirements, and university policy on fingerprint clearance must be submitted PRIOR to placement in Early Field Experience and/or participating in TE 303 . In the event that the State Department of Justice and/or the Federal Bureau of Investigation notifies the university of a “HOLD” on any pending application, the student will NOT be able to continue in any Early Field Experience placement and/ or TE 303  course activities. Turnaround time for the clearance is usually about four to six weeks, unless additional information is requested by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC). Possessors of K-12 California credentials, emergency permits, or substitute permits may satisfy this requirement by submitting copies of those certificates. Candidates must submit the application directly to the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing through the online application process. The CTC website, http://ctc.ca.gov, is the official record of any clearance, credential, or permit issued.
2. 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 Student Health Services, private physicians or HMOs, or public health agencies.

Prerequisites

Recommended Requirements

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 Examination. Students must take the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST), or CSETMS plus Writing prior to admission to the Single Subject credential program, or provide appropriate verification of passing an approved out-of-state basic skills examination. If students choose CBEST or CSET plus Writing, they must pass prior to admission to student teaching. Information may be obtained from the academic advisers. Candidates are urged to take this examination as early as possible. Candidates are required to submit a photocopy of the individual score reports. Effective January 1, 2009, individuals who achieve sufficient scores, as established by the California State University (CSU) system, on the following will satisfy the BSR for certification purposes.
   1. English and Mathematics sections CSU Early Assessment Program (EAP) or
   2. CSU English Placement Test (EPT) and the Entry Level Mathematics (ELM) test.
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 Division of Education office 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. Registration information and materials for the CSET are available at the Teacher Education office and at http://www.cset.nesinc.com.
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 bulletin on “Graduation Requirements,” IV. American Institutions Requirement.
6. Knowledge of health education in California, including substance abuse and nutrition: TE 280 , “Health Education for Teachers,” or other CTC approved course in health taken at a regionally accredited college or university, and verification of CPR competency.
7. Demonstrated knowledge of the Individuals with Disabilities Act. Needs of and methods of providing educational opportunities to individuals with exceptional needs (mainstreaming): SPED 500 .
8. Demonstrated knowledge of computer hardware, software, and applications to educational/classroom use (computer literacy).
9. Courses completed for a credential program expire after seven years and must be retaken to meet program requirements. In those cases in which a student is required to repeat a course taken more than seven years earlier, only the last grade will be used in computation of grade point averages. Approved leaves of absence do not count toward these time limits.
10. Successful completion of the Teacher Performance Assessment.

Requirements

The Multiple Subject Bilingual 2042 Credential (Elementary K-6 Education) is available to students interested in teaching in a bilingual Spanish elementary school classroom. Contact the department to see which languages are currently available. This credential authorizes the holder to teach in any self-contained bilingual or regular classroom in which one teacher is responsible for all the subjects commonly taught in the elementary schools. Because courses on methods of teaching subject areas are taught in Spanish, as well as English, candidates must meet the respective language of emphasis proficiency requirements as outlined below.

Candidates who will pursue this credential need to specify “Multiple Subject Credential - Bilingual” in the application for graduate admission to SDSU (Code: 00200). Students applying for admission should electronically submit the university application along with the application fee as well as the supplemental department application (no extra fee).

Applicants who complete their applications on time and meet the standard for admission will be asked to participate in candidate interviews. Applicants should complete application procedures the semester prior to beginning the credential program. Check the department website for current deadline information:

1. Completion of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.

2. Verification of 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 bilingual multiple subject credential program. Students must verify competency either

   • Through a university waiver assessment process which consists of reviewing coursework for completion of an approved teaching major or its equivalent at SDSU or another approved California teacher-training institution or

   • Through a passing score on the Multiple Subjects California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET). Test scores submitted for verification of subject matter competency are valid for 10 years from the date of the examination. Test information and registration materials are available at http://www.cset.nesinc.com.

3. CBEST scores. Students must pass the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST) prior to admission to the Single Subject Bilingual Emphasis credential program. Candidates are urged to take this examination as early as possible. 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.

4. Demonstration of Language and Cultural Proficiency. All candidates must meet Language Proficiency and Cultural Awareness requirements for the language of emphasis in their specific bilingual authorization.

   • Spanish: Can be met via coursework or examination. Coursework: Complete DLE 416 with an 83% on the final examination and a minimum grade of C (2.0). Examination: Pass CSET LOTE subtests III and V (test codes 147 and 258 respectively) for Spanish language emphasis.

5. Successful completion of the Teacher Performance Assessment.

6. Passing scores on the Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA).

7. 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 bulletin on “Graduation Requirements,” IV. American Institutions Requirement.

8. Knowledge of health education in California, including substance abuse and nutrition: Teacher Education 280, “Health Education for Teachers,” or other CTC approved course in health taken at a regionally accredited college or university, and verification of CPR competency.

9. Demonstrated knowledge of the Individuals with Disabilities Act. Needs of and methods of providing educational opportunities to individuals with exceptional needs (mainstreaming): Special Education 500.

10. Demonstrated knowledge of computer hardware, software, and applications to educational/classroom use (computer literacy). SPED 560

11. Courses completed for a credential program expire after seven years and must be retaken to meet program requirements. In those cases in which a student is required to repeat a course taken more than seven years earlier, only the last grade will be used in computation of grade point averages. Approved leaves of absence do not count toward these time limits.

12. Verify current training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and certification.