Preconditions for Multiple Subject/Single Subject Intern Programs 

Preconditions for Multiple Subject/Single Subject Intern Programs October 2022

(1) Bachelor's Degree Requirement.

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

(2 ) Demonstration of Subject Matter Competence.

• Each Multiple Subject and Single Subject Intern must demonstrate subject matter competence prior to being recommended for the intern credential through one of the following methods:

1. Completion of a subject matter program approved by the Commission on the basis of standards of program quality and effectiveness. Reference: Education Code 44259 (b)(5)(A)(i).
2. Passage of a Commission-approved subject matter examination.  Reference: Education Code 44259 (b)(5)(A)(ii).
3. Successful completion of coursework at one or more regionally accredited institutions of higher education that addresses each of the domains of the subject matter requirements adopted by the Commission in the content area of the credential pursuant to Section 44282, as verified by a Commission-approved program of professional preparation. Coursework completed at a community or junior college that is regionally accredited by an accrediting agency listed in subparagraph (A) of paragraph (1) of subdivision (g) of Section 44203 or by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges of the Western Association of Schools and Colleges may count for purposes of this clause. Reference: Education Code 44259 (b)(5)(A)(iii).¹
4. Successful completion of a baccalaureate or higher degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education with the following, as applicable.
   
   I. For single subject credentials, a major in one of the subject areas in which the Commission credentials candidates as indicated in Education Code Sections 44259 (b)(5)(A)(iv) and 44282 (b).¹
   II. For multiple subject credentials, a liberal studies major or other degree that includes coursework in the content areas as indicated in Education Code 44259 (b)(5)(A)(iv) and 44282 (b).¹
   
   
5. A combination of the methods described in 1, 2, or 3 above that, together, demonstrate that the candidate has met or exceeded the domains of the subject matter requirements adopted by the Commission.  Reference: Education Code 44259 (b)(5)(A)(v), and 44282 (b).¹

(3) Pre-Service Requirement.

Each Multiple and Single Subject Intern 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.

(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: 

• Provisions for an annual evaluation of the intern.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

• In all intern 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.
• 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 intern 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.

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:

• 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

• Pass the teaching performance assessment. This assessment may be taken only one time by an intern participating in the early completion option. 
• Pass the Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA) (Not applicable to Single Subject Credential candidates). 
• 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 intern 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 Intern Program.

When an institution submits a program for initial or continuing accreditation, the institution must explain why the intern 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.

Intern programs must verify that candidates who are dually enrolled in a Bilingual Authorization program have attained a language proficiency level in listening, speaking, reading, and writing the target language that is equivalent to the passing standard on the appropriate CSET: World Languages language examination prior to recommending for the intern credential. This performance level is set at a minimum of ACTFL Advanced-Low for Western languages and ACTFL Intermediate-High for non-Western languages. Programs must submit evidence to the Commission which demonstrates how the program ensures that candidates meet the requirement. Reference: Education Code Section 44325(c)(4).

Footnote
¹ Proposed Title 5 regulations are under review with the Office of Administrative Law. These proposed regulations would provide additional information on meeting the subject matter competence requirement by degree major and/or completed coursework. Commission staff will update the relevant preconditions if and when the Title 5 regulations take effect, in accordance with direction from the Commission.