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Programs in Teacher Education

Requirements

The Credential

Students pursuing a credential must conform to all policies and regulations contained in the sections of this catalog pertaining to the credential programs. Before applying to credentialing agencies, students must complete all requirements specified in the subsequent curriculum section of this catalog. Students are responsible for being informed of all current agency regulations pertaining to the credentials. The University and the School of Education reserve the right to modify the program to meet accreditation requirements such as those of the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC).

Overview

The Teacher Education programs lead to Preliminary Multiple Subject and Single Subject teaching credentials with an optional Bilingual Crosscultural Language and Academic Development (BCLAD) emphasis in Filipino or Spanish.

All credential programs are pursued concurrently with a master's degree. Teaching Credential students may enroll for any of the six M.A. degrees offered by the following departments/programs of the School of Education: the Master of Arts in Teaching or the Master of Arts in Teaching Reading (with CTC Reading Certificate) offered by the Teacher Education Program; the Master of Arts in Catholic School Teaching or Catholic School Leadership offered by the Catholic Educational Leadership Department; the Master of Arts in Digital Media and Learning offered by the Digital Media and Learning Program; or the Master of Arts in Teaching English as a Second Language offered by the International and Multicultural Education department. Some courses taken as part of the credential program may be counted toward these degrees. See the appropriate sections of this catalog or contact the departments directly for additional information.

All of the Teacher Education programs are characterized by three principles derived from the special mission of this Jesuit university: first, philosophical inquiry into educational problems addressed through dialogue and reflection; second, a commitment to social justice in education; and third, attention to the individual developmental needs of children and adolescents. We believe that caring educational practitioners concern themselves with the unique qualities and needs of the individuals they serve.

Students are admitted in both Fall and Spring semesters. The number each semester is kept small to enable us to provide the kind of education necessary to prepare thoughtful, caring educators. Program graduates often go on to assume leadership positions in schools throughout the region due to the quality and character of our programs, the working relationship we are able to establish with our students, and the excellent caliber of our candidates.

For more information about the Teacher Education department and its programs, please visit:

www.soe.usfca.edu/departments/teachered

Please see Teacher Education Course Descriptions.

Credential Programs

The Preliminary Multiple and Single Subject, with the optional BCLAD emphasis, teaching credential programs are fully approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) and the Committee on Accreditation (COA). We are thereby authorized to recommend program graduates to the CTC, which is the state agency responsible for granting credentials.

All credential candidates are required to take the following Teacher Education program (0708) courses:

Candidates for the Preliminary Multiple Subject credential also take the following courses in Teacher Education (0708):

Candidates for the Preliminary Single Subject credential take the following additional courses in Teacher Education (0708):

and one from the following:

A total of 36 units is required to complete the Preliminary Multiple Subject credential. A total of 34 units is required to complete the Preliminary Single Subject credential.

A BCLAD emphasis in Filipino or Spanish is open to candidates who satisfy language proficiency requirements. Students must demonstrate satisfactory language proficiency competence prior to enrolling in BCLAD courses. In addition, written and oral knowledge of Filipino/Spanish at an FSI Level 3 ("Able to speak, read, and write in the language with sufficient structural accuracy and vocabulary to participate in most formal and informal communications on practical, social, and professional topics") or its equivalent, must be demonstrated prior to Student Teaching II and III.

BCLAD candidates are required to take two courses in addition to their preliminary credential program prior to or concurrently with Student Teaching III:

Candidates will then complete a student teaching placement in a bilingual classroom (0708-607/657, Student Teaching III-BCLAD).

In addition to satisfying course requirements, candidates for all credential programs must satisfy several additional requirements set by the CTC prior to admission. Program applicants are required to meet the California basic skills requirement. Single Subject candidates typically meet this requirement by presenting passing scores on the California Basic Skills Test (CBEST) prior to admission. Multiple Subjects candidates can meet the basic skills requirement by presenting passing scores on the CBEST, or by presenting passing scores on the Multiple Subjects California Subject Examination for Teachers (CSET) and the Writing Skills Test portion of the CSET. The Commission has approved several other options for meeting the basic skills requirement. The most current information on these additional options can be found at the Commission's web site.

Candidates must also satisfy CTC standards concerning subject matter competence prior to admission. Single Subject Credential Candidates may satisfy these requirements through completion of a CTC approved subject matter preparation program or by passing the appropriate subject matter examination (CSET). Multiple Subject Credential Candidates must pass the Multiple Subject CSET.

In addition, candidates must submit evidence of a negative tuberculin test and a CTC Certificate of Clearance verifying a non-criminal record prior to census date in their first semester.

Prior to recommendation for the credential, candidates must demonstrate knowledge of the provisions and principles of the U.S. Constitution. This requirement may be met by submitting transcripts of an undergraduate academic record that indicate a passing grade in a state-approved course in American history or government or by passing an examination offered by the School of Education. All credential candidates must also successfully complete CPR training leading to a certificate in infant, child, and adult CPR. Multiple Subject Candidates must also pass the Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA)

Master's/Certificate Programs

The Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) is a direct extension of the credential programs. It prepares candidates who may be interested in assuming non-administrative leadership roles in schools by providing special preparation in conducting and evaluating educational research, especially in school settings, and/or in designing, developing and evaluating instructional or related materials for schools. The program consists of 30 units, up to 24 of which may be counted from credential coursework for which a grade of B or better was earned. There are two required courses:

and

To meet the growing need for teachers with special training in teaching reading, the Teacher Education program offers a Master of Arts in Teaching Reading (with CTC Reading Certificate). The cohort program is designed to enable teachers to assess student reading and provide reading instruction in response to those assessments; develop, implement and adapt reading curriculum and instruction; assist classroom teachers in the prevention and intervention of reading difficulties; and serve at one or more school sites at the grade levels authorized by their prerequisite teaching credential.

At the present time, sixteen (16) units of coursework beyond the required credential courses must be completed. The courses are:

To learn more:


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