Preconditions for Internship Programs

Preconditions for Internship Programs

(1) Bachelor's Degree Requirement

Candidates admitted to internship programs must hold baccalaureate degrees or higher from a regionally accredited institution of higher education. Reference: Education Code Sections 44325, 44326, 44453.

(2) Subject Matter Requirement

Each Multiple Subject intern admitted into the program has passed the Commission-approved subject matter examinations(s) for the subject area(s) in which the Intern is authorized to teach, and each Single Subject intern admitted into the program has passed the Commission-approved subject matter examination(s) or completed the subject matter program for the subject areas(s) in which the Intern is authorized to teach. Reference: Education Code Section 44325(c) (3).

(3) Pre-Service Requirement

(a) Each Multiple and Single Subject Internship program must include a minimum of 120 clock hour (or the semester or quarter unit equivalent) pre-service component which includes foundational preparation in general pedagogy including classroom management and planning, reading/language arts, subject specific pedagogy, human development, and specific content regarding the teaching English Learners pursuant to California Code of Regulations §80033.

(b) Each Education Specialist Internship program includes a minimum of 120 clock hour (or the semester or quarter unit equivalent) pre-service component which includes foundational preparation in pedagogy including classroom management and planning, reading/language arts, specialty specific pedagogy, human development, and teaching English Learners.

(4) Professional Development Plan

The employing district has developed and implemented a Professional Development Plan for interns in consultation with a Commission-approved program of teacher preparation. The plan shall include all of the following:

(a) Provisions for an annual evaluation of the intern.

(b) A description of the courses to be completed by the intern, if any, and a plan for the completion of preservice or other clinical training, if any, including student teaching.

(c) Additional instruction during the first semester of service, for interns teaching in kindergarten or grades 1 to 6 inclusive, in child development and teaching methods, and special education programs for pupils with mild and moderate disabilities.

(d) Instruction, during the first year of service, for interns teaching children in bilingual classes in the culture and methods of teaching bilingual children, and instruction in the etiology and methods of teaching children with mild and moderate disabilities

(5) Supervision of Interns

(a) In all internship programs, the participating institutions in partnership with employing districts shall provide 144 hours of support and supervision annually and 45 hours of support and supervision specific to teaching English learners pursuant to California Code of Regulations §80033.

(b) University Intern Programs only: No intern's salary may be reduced by more than 1/8 of its total to pay for supervision, and the salary of the intern shall not be less than the minimum base salary paid to a regularly certificated person. If the intern salary is reduced, no more than eight interns may be advised by one district support person. Reference: Education Code Section 44462. Institutions will describe the procedures used in assigning supervisors and, where applicable, the system used to pay for supervision.

(6) Assignment and Authorization

To receive program approval, the participating institution authorizes the candidates in an internship program to assume the functions that are authorized by the regular standard credential. Reference: Education Code Section 44454. The institution stipulates that the interns' services meet the instructional or service needs of the participating district(s). Reference: Education Code Section 44458.

(7) Participating Districts

Participating districts are public school districts or county offices of education. Submissions for approval must identify the specific districts involved and the specific credential(s) involved. Reference: Education Code Sections 44321 and 44452.

(8) Early Program Completion Option (Does not apply to an Education Specialist intern program)

Each intern program must make available to candidates who qualify for the option the opportunity to choose an early program completion option, culminating in a five year preliminary teaching credential. This option must be made available to interns who meet the following requirements:

(a) Pass a written assessment adopted by the commission that assesses knowledge of teaching foundations as well as all of the following:

• Human development as it relates to teaching and learning aligned with the state content and performance standards for K-12 students
• Techniques to address learning differences, including working with students with special needs
• Techniques to address working with English learners to provide access to the curriculum
• Reading instruction in accordance with state standards
• Assessment of student progress based on the state content and performance standards
• Classroom management techniques • Methods of teaching the subject fields

(b) Pass the teaching performance assessment. This assessment may be taken only one time by an intern participating in the early completion option.

(c) Pass the Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA) (Multiple Subject Credential only).

(d) Meet the requirements for teacher fitness.

An intern who chooses the early completion option but is not successful in passing the assessment may complete his or her full internship program. (Reference: Education Code Section 44468).

(9) Length of Validity of the Intern Certificate

Each intern certificate will be valid for a period of two years. However, a certificate may be valid for three years if the intern is participating in a program leading to the attainment of a specialist credential to teach students, or for four years if the intern is participating in a district intern program leading to the attainment of both a multiple subject or a single subject teaching credential and a specialist credential to teach students with mild/moderate disabilities. Reference: Education Code Section 44325 (b).

(10) Non-Displacement of Certificated Employees

The institution and participating districts must certify that interns do not displace certificated employees in participating districts.

(11) Justification of Internship Program

When an institution submits a program for initial or continuing accreditation, the institution must explain why the internship is being implemented. Programs that are developed to meet employment shortages must include a statement from the participating district(s) about the availability of qualified certificated persons holding the credential. The exclusive representative of certificated employees in the credential area (when applicable) is encouraged to submit a written statement to the Committee on Accreditation agreeing or disagreeing with the justification that is submitted.

(12) Bilingual Language Proficiency

Each intern who is authorized to teach in bilingual classrooms has passed the language proficiency subtest of the Commission-approved assessment program leading to the Bilingual Crosscultural Language and Academic Development Certificate. Reference: Education Code Section 44325 (c) (4).