2022

(1) Limitation on Program Length

The professional preparation coursework that all candidates are required to complete shall be equivalent to no more than two years of full-time study at the institution. 

The limitation applies to postgraduate teacher preparation programs. The limitation does not apply to blended/integrated programs of subject matter preparation and professional preparation teaching internship programs. Reference: Education Code Section 44259 (a) and (b) (3). 

Clarification of Program Precondition 1

Individually Prescribed Courses. Program Precondition 1 does not apply to additional courses that are required if a candidate is unable to meet the Commission’s standards of candidate competence and performance by completing the regular professional preparation program. 

(2) Limitation on Student Teaching Prerequisites

No college or university shall require candidates to complete more than the equivalent of nine semester units of professional preparation courses (as defined in Program Precondition 1) prior to allowing candidates to enroll in student teaching in elementary or secondary schools. This restriction may be increased to the equivalent of twelve semester units if the student teaching prerequisites include study of alternative methods of English language development as required by Program Precondition 7. Reference: Education Code Section 44320 (a). 

Clarification of Program Precondition 2

Student Teaching is defined as experience in a classroom or school under the direction and supervision of an experienced practitioner to complete program requirements. Other terms sometimes used include field work, field experience, directed teaching, practice teaching, practicum, etc.

(3) English Language Skills

In each program of professional preparation, the college or university or school district requires candidates to demonstrate knowledge of alternative methods of developing English language skills, including reading, among all pupils, including those for whom English is a second language, in accordance with the Commission's standards. Reference: Education Code Section 44259 (b) and 44259.5.

(4) Undergraduate Student Enrollment

Undergraduate students of any campus of the California State University or the University of California shall be allowed to enroll in any professional preparation course. Reference: Education Code Section 44320 (a). 

Clarification of Program Precondition 4

Program Precondition 4 does not mean that a public institution must make it possible for a candidate to complete all requirements for a baccalaureate degree and a preliminary credential in four years of full-time study or the equivalent. 

(5) Assessing Candidates for Subject Matter Competence

The program sponsor has a timely and systematic process for evaluating and notifying candidates of their standing in relation to the subject matter competence requirement. This process includes:

  • Providing candidates with clear and accurate information in all advising and application materials about all options available to demonstrate subject matter competence, pursuant to Education Code Section 44259(b)(5)(a).
  • Within the first 60 days of the candidate’s admission, the institution must complete an assessment of each candidate’s standing in relation to demonstration of the subject matter competence requirement, including whether a coursework evaluation will be needed, and notify candidates of that standing. 

(6) Demonstration of Subject Matter Competence

The approved preliminary teacher preparation program sponsor determines that each candidate meets the subject matter requirement prior to being given daily whole class instructional responsibilities in a TK-12 school.

Candidates enrolled in an integrated undergraduate teacher preparation program may begin the daily whole class instruction portion of their student teaching experience before meeting the subject matter requirement. However, all candidates must meet the subject matter requirement before being recommended for their preliminary teaching credential.

  1. For Multiple Subject and Single Subject programs, the candidate provides evidence of having demonstrated subject matter competence 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 institution 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).
    4. Successful completion of a baccalaureate or higher degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education with the following, as applicable.
      1. 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)(I) and 44282 (b).
      2. 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)(II) and 44282 (b).
    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. Education Code 44259 (b)(5)(A)(v), and 44282 (b). 

(7) Completion of Requirements

A college or university or school district that operates a program for the Preliminary Multiple or Single Subject Credential shall determine, prior to recommending a candidate for the credential, that the candidate meets all legal requirements for the credential, including but not limited to: Reference: Education Code Sections 44259 (b) and 44283 (b) (8).

  • Possession of a baccalaureate or higher degree for Preliminary Multiple Subject credential candidates, and for Preliminary Single Subject candidates, possession of a baccalaureate degree in a subject other than in professional education from a regionally accredited institution
  • Completion of Basic Skills Requirement
  • Completion of an accredited professional preparation program
  • Completion of the subject matter competence requirement
  • Demonstration of knowledge of the principles and provisions of the Constitution of the United States
  • Passage of the Teaching Performance Assessment
  • Passage of the Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA) (for Multiple Subject candidates)

 

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 update the relevant preconditions coursework. Commission staff will if and when the Title 5 regulations take effect, in accordance with direction from the Commission.

 

Updated April 10, 2024