FAQ
1.
Does coursework taken at another institution satisfy current credential
requirements?
Once
a candidate is admitted to the program,
it is expected that all Secondary Education courses will be completed
at SJSU.
Coursework completed at another college or university prior to admission to
SJSU must be evaluated to determine equivalency and
currency.
2. May I take courses required for
the credential through Open University?
Professional preparation
courses in Secondary Education may be taken through Open University only if you
(1) already hold a California Preliminary Credential and are working on a
Professional Clear Credential and (2) take fewer than 4 units. Exceptions to
this rule are made only in cases of very unusual circumstance and require the
approval of the coordinator of the Single Subject Credential Program. Enrollment
in professional preparation courses through Open University in other SJSU
departments requires the approval of a subject area coordinator in the
respective department.
3.
Do I have to pass CBEST before being admitted to the
Program?
Yes
4.
Are there required professional preparation courses I may take before being
admitted to the Program?
Yes. You may take Health
Education or Mainstreaming. However, you must have been admitted or admitted
conditionally to the Program to enroll in any of the following courses: EDSC
138A, EDSC 162, EDSC 172A, EDSC 173, EDSC 182, EDSC 184X, and all courses
numbered 184Y and 184Z.
5.
For how long are passing CSET scores valid?
Passing scores on are valid for
5 years from the date of the test. Verification of subject matter competency by
coursework is valid for 5 years from the date of the Subject Matter Competency
Report.
6. May I do my student teaching in a
private school?
You may student teach in a non-public school for a
small portion of the student teaching experience if (1) the school is accredited
and coeducational, (2) you are employed at the school as a teacher and (3) your
request is approved by both your subject area advisor and the coordinator of the
SSCP. University policy requires that a significant portion of student teaching
be completed in a public school.
7. What is a
Certificate of Clearance? Do I need one?
A Certificate of
Clearance is verification that you have not been convicted of a felony, a
condition which, by California law, would prevent you from being issued a
credential. A valid emergency permit will be accepted in lieu of a Certificate
of Clearance.
8.
Must I satisfy the pre-professional experience requirement before being fully
admitted to the Program?
Yes.
9.
What happens if my GPA falls below 3.0 during the
program?
Candidates whose GPA falls below
3.0 are subject to disqualification from the Program with the following proviso:
disqualification cannot be effected by a grade lower than B in any single course
or by a grade lower than B given in more than one course by the same
professor. Candidates with a GPA
below 3.0 are not eligible for student teaching.
10. Is it possible to have student teaching
waived?
Candidates who have not completed student teaching under
the direction of a SJSU supervisor will not be recommended for the credential.
However, a candidate may be exempted from the first phase of the student
teaching requirement on the grounds of equivalent experience. The following
conditions must be met to be eligible for an exemption from the Phase I portion
of the student teaching requirement:
- Two years part time (contracted)
or one year full time teaching experience in a public secondary school.
- Documented school administrator
evaluations of teaching competence reasonable for a novice teacher.
- Documented participation in new
teacher support program in school district.
- Approval of Secondary Education
Chair
11. Do I have to do my student
teaching in the immediate area of the University?
Yes. Student Teachers are placed
in schools in the immediate Santa Clara Valley area. Exceptions to this rule may
be made for persons contracted in more distant districts but this is not
guaranteed.
12. When must I satisfy the
Constitution requirement?
The Constitution requirement
must be satisfied - either by coursework or exam – as a prerequisite to the
Single Subject Credential Program. Many courses, such as introductory
college-level history and political science courses, satisfy this requirement.
Check with the Secondary Education Department to determine whether you have
satisfied this requirement. If you wish to take the exam, contact Lee Clark,
Santa Clara Adult Education, 423-3530 ex 0, or www.leeclark.org
for information.
13. What are the beginning and
ending dates of student teaching?
Phase I student teaching
coincides with the University calendar. However, in most subject areas, Phase II
Student Teaching extends through the last day of the semester of the school to
which the student teacher is assigned. Exceptions to this rule require the
approval of the (1) resident teacher and (2) University supervisor. Check with
your subject area advisor for additional information.
14. Can I complete required subject
matter preparation courses or take the exams while taking credential
courses?
You may be admitted to the
University as a potential credential student to take subject matter courses
only. You will be reviewed for admission to the program once the courses are
completed or you achieve passing scores on the CSET exams.
15. Is it possible to
teach full-time and simultaneously earn the credential?
Yes. SJSU has an Intern
Credential program as well as supports candidates as Individualized Interns if
they are hired prior to completing the program. It is possible to student teach
at the public secondary school where you are employed.
16. Can I be authorized to teach in
more than one subject area?
Once you earn your credential,
you can achieve subject matter compentency in other teaching areas by passing
the CSET exams or earn a Subject Matter Authorization (minimum of 32 units) by
taking the appropraite coursework. For some non-core or specialty subject areas,
you can earn a Supplemental Authorization (20 units). For more information about
Supplemental Authorizations, check the CCTC website: www.ctc.ca.gov
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