2016

General Education(Multiple and Single Subject) Programs
Preliminary Multiple and Single Subject

 

(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) Program Admission.

The sponsor of a multiple or single subject preliminary teacher preparation program assesses each candidate’s standing in relation to required subject matter preparation during the admissions process. The program admits only those candidates who meet one of the following criteria. Reference: Education Code Sections 44227 (a).

  • The candidate provides evidence of having passed the appropriate subject matter examination(s).
  • The candidate provides evidence of having attempted the appropriate subject matter examinations(s).
  • The candidate provides evidence of registration for the next scheduled examination.
  • The candidate provides evidence of having completed a Commission approved the appropriate subject matter preparation program.
  • The candidate provides evidence of continuous progress toward meeting the subject matter requirement.
  • The candidate provides evidence of enrollment in an organized subject matter examination preparation program.

(6) Subject Matter Proficiency.

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 or before becoming the teacher of record as an intern in a TK-12 school. Reference: Education Code Sections 44259 (b) (5).

  • For Multiple and Single Subject programs (traditional and intern), the candidate provides evidence of having passed the appropriate subject matter examination(s) or having completed the appropriate Commission-approved subject matter preparation program, or a course of study deemed equivalent by the program sponsor.
  • For integrated undergraduate programs only, the candidate must be monitored by the program for subject matter competency both prior to beginning and during early field experiences. Each candidate in an integrated undergraduate program must have satisfied subject matter or at a minimum completed four-fifths of the Commission approved subject matter preparation program prior to beginning solo (i.e., student) teaching.

(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)

  • Possession of a baccalaureate or higher degree 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 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).
Updated December 26, 2023