Preconditions for Education Specialist Programs

Preliminary Education Specialist

Adopted 2016

(1) 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 Sections 44227, 44253.1, and 44283.

(2) Program Admission

The sponsor of an education specialist 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 an appropriate Commission approved 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.

(3) Subject Matter Proficiency

The approved teacher preparation program sponsor determines that each candidate meets the subject matter requirement prior to solo teaching, or, for intern candidates, before being given daily whole class instructional responsibilities in a K-12 school or before becoming the teacher of record in a K-12 school. Reference: Education Code Section 44227.

  1. To demonstrate subject matter competence, a candidate for an Education Specialist teaching credential, except for the Early Childhood Special Education credential, shall:
    Pass the Commission-approved Multiple Subject matter examination; or pass a Commission-approved subject matter examination in Art, English, Mathematics, including foundational-level Mathematics, Music, Social Science or Science, including foundational-level General Science; or
  2. Complete a Commission-approved subject matter program in Art, Elementary, English, Mathematics including foundational-level Mathematics, Music, Social Science or Science, including foundational-level General Science; or
  3. For integrated undergraduate programs only, the candidate must be monitored 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
  4. Hold a California general education teaching credential in any subject.

(4) 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 the RICA examination does not apply to Early Childhood Special Education Credential candidates Section 44283.2(b).
Updated April 28, 2023