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Standards: Common and Program
The California Commission on Teacher Credentialing awards credentials and certificates on the basis of completion of programs that meet Standards for Educator Preparation and Educator Competence.
For each type of professional credential in education, the Commission has developed and adopted standards which are based upon recent research and the expert advice of many professional educators. Each standard specifies a level of quality and effectiveness that the Commission requires from programs offering academic and professional preparation in education. There are different types of program standards:
Preconditions
Preconditions are requirements that must be met in order for an accrediting association or licensing agency to consider accrediting a program sponsor or approving its programs or schools. Some preconditions are based on state laws, while other preconditions are established by Commission policy. Preconditions can be found within each program's standard document.
Common Standards
The Common Standards deal with aspects of program quality that are the same for all credential programs. The institution responds to each Common Standard by providing pertinent information, including information about individual programs. Common standards can be found within each program's standard document.
Educator Preparation Program Standards
Program standards address aspects of program quality and effectiveness that apply to each type of educator preparation program offered by a program sponsor. Program standards contain overall summary statements describing the nature and purpose of each standard, plus required elements that further clarify required aspects subsumed within the domain of the standard. Program sponsors must meet all applicable program standards and required elements before the program application may be approved by the Commission.
Subject Matter Program Standards - Multiple Subject and Single Subject Teaching Credentials
Teacher candidates in California are required to demonstrate competence in the subject matter they will be authorized to teach. In California, subject matter preparation programs for prospective teachers must meet state preparation standards set by the Commission which are aligned with K-12 content standards. These programs of higher education may be associated with degrees or majors in the subjects, but the Commission does not govern degree programs. To satisfy the subject matter requirement for the single subject credential, candidates may complete an approved subject matter program or pass an examination. To satisfy the subject matter requirement for the multiple subject credential, candidates must pass an examination.
Prior Standards for Educator Preparation Programs
When new standards are developed, previous standards continue through a transitional "sunset" period. During the sunset period candidates can be accepted to a program which meets the new standards or the previous standards. However, once a new program has been approved, an institution may not admit new candidates to the old program. At the end of the sunset period, no new candidates can be admitted to programs approved under a previous set of standards. Those programs must reapply to meet the newly adopted standards. The standards under which the Commission has approved any program govern the candidates' requirements for obtaining a credential. Link to the previous standards for educator preparation.
California Standards for the Teaching Profession (CSTP)[PDF]
Standards for professional teaching practice in California. The standards were developed to facilitate the induction of beginning teachers into their professional roles and responsibilities by providing a common language and a new vision of the scope and complexity of teaching. The standards are not set forth as regulations to control the specific actions of teachers, but rather to guide teachers as they define and develop their practice.
Content Standards (K-12), Curriculum guidelines for K-12 subjects, and State Board adopted K-8 instructional materials.
Available at the California Department of Education Website