.png?sfvrsn=c28b72b1_10 "CA.Gov")
.png?sfvrsn=cd8b72b1_0 "Commission on Teacher Credentialing")
Introduction: Preconditions for California Educator Preparation Programs
California law provides the Commission on Teacher Credentialing with the authority to accredit institutions and approve all programs that lead to a credential to serve as an educator in California’s public schools. Among other responsibilities, Section 44225 of the California Education Code establishes that the Commission shall establish professional standards, assessment and examinations for entry and advancement in the education profession, adopt a framework and general standards for the accreditation of preparation programs for teachers and other certificated educators, and propose appropriate rules and regulations in this area. All institutions wishing to offer credential programs in the area of educator preparation programs must first successfully respond to the Commission’s preconditions.
What is a Precondition?
A precondition is a requirement for initial and continued program approval. Unlike standards, preconditions specify requirements for program compliance. The basis for a precondition is either statute, regulations, or Commission policy.
What kinds of preconditions exist?
The first type of preconditions are the Commission’s General Institutional Preconditions. These apply to all professional preparation programs but do not apply to subject matter programs.
The second type of preconditions are those that apply to particular kinds of credential preparation programs. Preconditions differ according to the type of educator preparation programs and must be addressed for each type of educator preparation program a program sponsor has been approved t o offer.
The third type of precondition is only applicable to new educator preparation programs being proposed for initial program approval. There are two of these preconditions including Demonstration of Need and Practitioners’ Participation in Program Design.
What preconditions should be submitted?
| For Initial Program Approval (IPR) |
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| For Continuing Accreditation (Years 1 and 4 of the Accreditation Cycle) |
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| For Initial Institutional Approval (Institutions seeking to become Approved Program Sponsors eligible to offer educator preparation programs in California) |
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When are preconditions reviewed?
Preconditions are reviewed prior to 1) initial institutional approval, 2) initial program approval and 3) years 1 and 4 during the seven year accreditation cycle.
Who reviews preconditions?
Because preconditions are related to issues of compliance, Commission staff determines whether a program complies with the adopted preconditions on the basis of responses and evidence provided by the institution.