March 2023

The four program-specific preconditions below require specific evidence to demonstrate compliance. This document includes the required evidence to demonstrate compliance with these Preconditions. Please note that the Commission accepts authentic program documentation that demonstrates the equivalent to the evidence required.

PRECONDITION LANGUAGEEVIDENCE REQUIRED
  1. English Language Skills.
    In each program of professional preparation, the college or university or school district requires candidates to demonstrate knowledge of effective 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 Sections 44227, 44253.1, and 44283.

For institutions in IIA and for currently approved Preliminary Education Specialist programs submitting Preconditions in years 1 and 4 of the accreditation cycle: Link to course sequence within a handbook, website, or other authentic program documentation that shows when and how candidates will learn and demonstrate knowledge required in Education Code Sections 44259 (b) (4) (A) and (B).

For institutions working on an Initial Program Review program proposal: Information on this precondition will be included in the submission for Program Standard 7 and TPE 7. No further evidence is required.

  1. 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.
  1. Link within a handbook, website, or other authentic program documentation that indicates how candidates are provided with clear and accurate information about all options available to demonstrate subject matter competence, pursuant to Education Code Section 44259(b)(5)(a). This evidence may be within any current authentic candidate materials where requirements are listed.
  2. Evidence of the program’s process for completing the assessment of a candidate’s standing in relation to demonstration of the subject matter competence requirement and providing candidates with notification of their standing within 60 days of their admission to the program. This notification should include reference to how the candidate has completed the requirement or next steps to completion.

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.

a. For Education Specialist 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.
    i. For Single Subject credentials, a major in one of the subject areas in which the Commission credentials candidates, as indicated in Education Code 44259(b)(5)(A)(iv)(I) and 44282 (b).
    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)(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), 44282 (b).
    		Link to tracking materials, checklists, or other authentic program documentation that shows how the program assures that each candidate has demonstrated subject matter proficiency before being given daily whole class instructional responsibilities. The evidence should be clear about when, in the program, demonstration of subject matter occurs.

    Please indicate if your student teaching program includes an integrated undergraduate teacher preparation pathway; no additional response is needed for that pathway. For all other pathways, a response is required.
    1. Completion of Requirements.
      A college or university or school district that operates a program for the Education Specialist teaching 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 44225(a), 44227, and 44283.2(a).
    • Possession of a baccalaureate or higher degree from a regionally accredited institution
    • Satisfaction of the 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 Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA)
    • Passage of a Commission-approved Teaching Performance Assessment (for candidates enrolling after July 1, 2022)
    		Link to evidence (tracking materials, checklists, or other authentic program documentation) that shows the tracking process followed by the program to assure that each candidate has completed each legal requirement of the credential. If this credential recommendation tracking process is housed in an internal database, screenshots of the process can be provided.

     

    Updated April 10, 2024