Single Subject

 

Introduction

Welcome to the world of teaching! By becoming a teacher, you have an opportunity to shape the future and to ignite people's passion in your subject area. Like any profession, it requires advanced study in the field of education as well as a deepening content knowledge in your subject specialization. By entering Cal Poly's Single Subject Credential Program (SSCP), you will have the opportunity to develop the knowledge and skills that will contribute to your success as a classroom teacher.

The SSCP at Cal Poly prepares teachers in seven specializations: Agriculture, Biology, Chemistry, English, Mathematics, Physics, Physical Education, and Social Science. The majority of candidates seeking a Single Subject teaching credential enter the program as post-baccalaureate students. That is, one earns a baccalaureate in a major that equips you with the content knowledge to teach in one of the seven specializations listed above.

A Single Subject credential can be earned in three to four quarters of full-time enrollment. However, the length of time required to complete the program depends on whether candidates have already met program prerequisites and fulfilled subject-matter competency.

Candidates who complete the Single Subject program earn a Preliminary Single Subject Teaching Credential (SB 2042 authorization) in one of the seven specialization areas. This credential allows you to teach the subject specific specialization in California classrooms. Typically this is the credential sought by individuals who want to teach in middle or high schools. However, Single Subject credential holders may teach any grade level as long as their assignment consists of teaching only the subject specialization listed on the preliminary credential. Specific information about California's teacher credentials can be found at the website for the California Commission for Teacher Certification (http://ctc.ca.gov).

Cal Poly is currently piloting a program whereby Cal Poly undergraduate chemistry majors may enter the credential program while in their junior or senior year. Candidates then complete the final quarter of student teaching as post-baccalaureate students. Please contact the Chemistry Advisor, Dr. Seth Bush, for additional information about this program.

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Single Subject Coordinator

Dr. Glen Casey
School of Education, Teacher Education Division
Phone: 805-756-2400; Office: Building 02, Room 131
Email: gcasey@calpoly.edu

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Single Subject Advisors/Faculty

AGRICULTURE
Dr. Bill Kellogg, Department of Agricultural Education and Communication
College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences
Phone: 805-756-2793
Email: bkellogg@calpoly.edu
BIOLOGY
Dr. Ed Himelblau, Department of Biological Sciences
College of Science and Mathematics
Phone: 805-756-2826, Office: Building 033, Room 365
Email: ehimelbl@calpoly.edu
CHEMISTRY
Dr. Seth Bush, Department of Chemistry
College of Science and Mathematics
Phone: 805-756-2746, Office: Building 25, Room 127
Email: sbush@calpoly.edu
ENGLISH
Dr. Megan Guise, Department of English
College of Liberal Arts
Phone: 805-756-2134 , Office: Building 047, Room 35L
Email: meguise@calpoly.edu
MATHEMATICS
Ms. Phyllis Brudney, Department of Mathematics
College of Science and Mathematics
Phone: 805-756-2206 , Office: Building 25, Room 208
Email: pbrudney@calpoly.edu
PHYSICS
Ms. Nancy Stauch, Department of Physics
College of Science and Mathematics
Phone: 805-756-6587 , Office: Building 052, Room E06
Email: nstauch@calpoly.edu
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Dr. Kevin Taylor, Department of Kinesiology
College of Science and Mathematics
Phone: 805-756-2103; Office: Building 043A, Room 374
Email: jktaylor@calpoly.edu

Please Note: The Single Subject PE credential is currently on "inactive status." We hope to begin admitting students again in the fall of 2011. For further details please contact Professor Kevin Taylor: jktaylor@calpoly.edu

SOCIAL SCIENCE
Dr. Joel Orth, Department of History
College of Liberal Arts
Phone: 805-756-2963 , Office: Building 047, Room 25L
Email: jorth@calpoly.edu

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How to Apply

Important Note: All forms and information about specific requirements for admission to the Single Subject Credential Program are contained within the Single Subject STEP I Packet (pdf).  Please allow yourself ample time to review the information in this packet so that you can meet the deadlines for admission to the program in any given quarter.

REQUIREMENTS FOR ADMISSION TO THE SINGLE SUBJECT PROGRAM

  1. Admission to the university for graduate studies at Cal Poly (http://www.csumentor.edu/) PLEASE NOTE: Admission to the university is a separate process and must precede admission to the Single Subject Credential Program. Admission to the university for graduate studies does NOT guarantee admission to the Single Subject Credential Program.
    1. Submit a Graduate application to CSU Mentor (www.csumentor.edu) for Cal Poly and pay the $55 application fee online. Details for how to make the payment are provided to you when you complete the CSU Mentor application.
    2. Submit one official transcript (in a sealed envelope from the issuing institution) of all higher education coursework (other than Cal Poly) to the Cal Poly Admissions Office (Building 01, Room 206, San Luis Obispo, CA 93407) by the CSU Mentor deadline. Cal Poly bachelors degree holders will not need to provide these transcripts.
    3. Provide the following items to the School of Education Student Information Center
      1. CBEST - passing transcript or evidence of having signed up to take the CBEST
      2. Issuance of Certificate of Clearance
  2. Completion of all prerequisite courses
  3. Demonstration of subject matter competency
    1. Pass all subtests of the California Subject Examination for Teachers (CSET) for a specialization area
    2. OR complete a state-approved subject-matter coursework program (see STEP I application instructions for how to show you have completed a subject-matter waiver program). A full list of state-approved subject-matter waiver programs can be found at (http://ctc.ca.gov).
  4. Cumulative higher education grade point average (GPA) of at least 2.67 at the time of application OR at least a 2.75 GPA for your last 60 semester or 90 quarter units.
    Applicants with a GPA lower than 2.67 should contact the appropriate Single Subject Faculty Advisor for guidance.
  5. Contact the appropriate Single Subject Faculty Advisor and make an appointment to see that advisor. Send two letters of recommendation to the appropriate Single Subject Faculty Advisor so they are received before your meeting with the Advisor. Download the Professional Aptitude Interview Packet and be sure to complete and submit your essay at least 1 week prior to your interview.
  6. During your initial meeting or at a subsequent meeting, the Faculty Advisor will conduct the Professional Aptitude Interview with you.
    • If you received your bachelor's degree from a California university, bring a copy of your signed subject-matter verification form that was completed by the authorized person from your undergraduate campus.
      OR
    • If you a received your bachelor's degree from an out-of-state university, bring a copy of your undergraduate transcripts so that your advisor can determine whether you have met subject-matter competency with your undergraduate degree
      OR
    • Bring a copy of the passing scores for all subtests of the CSET examination for the specialization in which you will seek a teaching credential.

After admission to the University for Graduate Studies

  1. Download the Single Subject STEP I Packet. Specific instructions and details about all required documents are contained within this packet.
  2. Complete the STEP I application and submit it with all required documents to the Student Information Center in the School of Education, Building 02, Room 120. Only complete STEP I applications will be considered for review. Incomplete packets will be returned and may delay your admission to the program by at least one quarter.

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Program Prerequisites

Before you apply for admission to the Single Subject Credential Program, you must have successfully completed the following:

  1. An approved early field-experience course (e.g., EDUC 300 or SCM300)
  2. KINE 250 - Healthful Living or approved equivalent (4 units)
  3. POLS 112 - American & California Government, equivalent or U.S. Constitution exam offered by Cuesta College. Applicants who earned their bachelor's degrees at a CSU Campus have already met this requirement.
  4. 4. Verification of meeting the Basic Skills Requirement - Passed the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST) examination. Make sure that you possess your CBEST passing verification card. (See, Basic Skills Requirement – CL-667 for other options to meet BSR)
  5. Met the Speaking and Writing English competencies. Applicants who earned their bachelor's degrees at Cal Poly have already met this requirement.

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Deadlines for Admission

Please use the following link to view deadlines for admission to Cal Poly via CSU Mentor:

http://soe.calpoly.edu/studentinfo/?pid=8

Deadlines to Apply for Admission to the Single Subject Credential Program: the Monday of the fourth week of each quarter during Fall, Winter, or Spring. No admissions accepted during Summer quarter.

Note: Please turn in your packet as soon as possible, the fourth Monday is a deadline, not the due date.

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Examinations Required for the Single Subject Preliminary Teaching Credential

Please note: Applicants must make sure that their SCORES are REPORTED by the deadlines stated. The dates listed for each test indicate the day the test is given. Applicants should plan to take a test at least four weeks before the scores are to be reported as part of the STEP application. Otherwise, it is unlikely that scores will be reported in time to meet the deadlines for admission to the program (STEP I)

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Credential Program Coursework and Requirements

Candidates typically complete their professional education coursework and student teaching experiences within three quarters of full-time enrollment. However, there is some variation between the Agricultural Education/Specialist program and all other Single Subject programs. Candidates wishing to become a secondary agriculture teacher should contact Dr. Bill Kellogg for additional information about this program.

The study plan listed below shows one possible schedule, where full-time enrollment can lead to the completion of the credential program within three quarters.

All professional education and subject matter methods courses in the Single Subject Credential Program are graded as CREDIT/NO CREDIT. Candidates must earn a CREDIT grade in all professional education and subject-matter methods courses to continue in the program. A CREDIT grade is equivalent to a B grade in each course. Also must apply for STEP I prior to beginning any professional education coursework.

Coursework to be completed prior to applying for Step I
EDUC 300 - Introduction to the Teaching Profession (3 units)*
Coursework to be completed prior to 6 unit student teaching (EDUC 469)
EDUC 410 - Social Historical and Ethical Perspectives on Teaching and Learning (4 units)
EDUC 412 - Access to Learning in a Pluralistic Society (4 units)
EDUC 414 - Curriculum and Inquiry in Public Schools (4 units)
____ 424 - Methods of Teaching in the Subject Area (3-5 units)**
Coursework to be completed prior to 12 unit student teaching (EDUC 479)
EDUC 416 - Literacy, Language and Culture in the Content Areas (4 units)
EDUC 418 - Culturally Responsive Teaching in Diverse Classrooms (4 units)
EDUC 469 - Part-time Student Teaching (6 units)*
____ 400 - Practicum specific to subject (1-3 units)**
Coursework to complete the Preliminary Teaching Credential Requirements
EDUC 479 - Full-time Student Teaching (12 units)*
____ 400 - Practicum specific to subject (1-3 units)**

* Agricultural Education candidates do not take these classes, but rather enroll in AGED 440.
** See your credential adviser to determine which section you must take.

Additional Requirements for the Preliminary Credential.
The following items must be successfully completed before the candidate can be recommended for a credential. Detailed instructions for completing all requirements to apply for a credential:

  1. Complete state licensure requirements; information about specific documents and clearances required for licensure are displayed in the Credential Program Checklists through the Cal Poly Portal and in the STEP II Packet.
  2. Demonstrate competency in the 13 Teaching Performance Expectations required by the State. Assessment of these competencies occurs in coursework and during student teaching.
  3. Pass all Performance Assessments for California Teachers (PACT); this is required for candidates enrolling in program after July 1, 2008.
  4. Meet the State requirements for technology competency by successfully completing EDUC 480, MATH 300, AGED 410, or passing the CSET in technology.
  5. Complete the CSU Exit Survey. You will need to print out a copy of the last page of the survey and submit it to the SOE Student Information Center (02/120) when you submit your request for the credential.
  6. Submit a request for credential to the SOE Student Information Center (02/120) in the SOE. See How to Request a Credential for more information.
  7. Complete the application process for a credential through the California Commission for Teacher Credentialing (CTC). This requires a valid email address and a credit card number.

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Information on English Specialization

Cal Poly's English credential program is designed to prepare university graduates to become English teachers in California secondary schools. In cooperation with the School of Education and central coast school districts, the English program provides credential candidates with the requisite background in the subject of English, including curriculum and instructional approaches for literature, writing, language, and communication skills. Our candidates can expect to become well acquainted with the profession of teaching English through both university classes, field experiences, as well as student teaching.

For admission to the Preliminary Credential in English program:

  1. Take and pass the CBEST exam.
  2. Complete subject-matter competency requirement. Two options are:
    • Coursework Option: Applicants may choose to complete a CTC-approved course of study, called the "waiver program," either at Cal Poly or at another California institution with an approved CTC subject-matter waiver program. At Cal Poly, this curriculum exists independently of the major in English or related fields. The Cal Poly waiver program was designed by an integrated expression of CTC requirements, the secondary school English standards in California, and the courses available at Cal Poly. Use the Self Evaluation Spreadsheet to see how to qualify for the waiver.
    • Examination Option: Competence may be demonstrated by successfully completing a subject-matter examination in English, the California Subject Examinations for Teacher (CSET). The CSET Web site is http://www.cset.nesinc.com. This exam is given every two months and consists of four subtests: Subtest I - Literature and Literary Analysis; Subtest II - Linguistics and Literacy; Subtest III - Rhetoric and Composition; and Subtest IF - Creative Expression. All four subtests must be passed, but each may be re-taken as many times as necessary. The test period is five hours for all four subtests. Cost is $55 each for Subtests I and II and $56 each for Subtests III and IV ($222 for all four subtests). You may view, download, and print out a guide to the CSET: English Examination at http://www.cset.nesinc.com/CS_testguide_opener.asp.
      • If choosing the examination option, it is the responsibility of each candidate to be aware of both the date of the exam and the date results are available.
  3.  When you have successfully completed subject-matter competency, you may then apply for admission to Cal Poly as a post-baccalaureate student, using the CSU http://www.csumentor.edu. Mentor online application. Cal Poly undergraduates must apply as post-baccalaureate students.
  4. Applicants are required to submit TWO letters of recommendation for admission to the program. These letters must be sent directly to the English Credential Advisor (Dr. Megan Guise, Department of English, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, CA 93407). There is no form for these letters.
  5. After the Admissions Office notifies Dr. Guise of receipt of your completed application (CSU Mentor application, two official transcripts if you are NOT a Cal Poly graduate, and payment of $55 fee) and Dr. Guise has verification of your subject-matter competency, you will be contacted for a Professional Aptitude Interview with the English Credential Advisor (Dr. Guise, 805-756-2134).
  6. Apply for a Certificate of Clearance at the San Luis Obispo County Office of Education that covers both employment in SLO County and the credential.
  7. If you are already enrolled at Cal Poly as an undergraduate or during the first quarter after admission to the university as a post baccalaureate, you should complete the requirements listed above as prerequisites to the program. Additionally, you must take the following classes, regardless of how you met subject-matter competency:
    • ENGL 360 Adolescent Literature (4 units)
      ENGL 365 Literacy Studies: From Surface Features to Deep Text Structures (4 units)
      ENGL 424 Teaching English in Secondary School (5 units)
    • Additional English courses may be assigned by your advisor to strengthen your background in particular areas. Credit for some courses may be granted for equivalent work already completed. (contact your advisor).
  8. Complete EDUC coursework and credential requirements, as outlined in the description of the SSCP above.

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Information on Social Science Specialization

Welcome to Cal Poly Social Studies! The world needs good social studies teachers. The field of social studies is broad and, at the minimum, encompasses history, government, geography, and economics. These disciplines are central to understanding ourselves and the world, and hold the potential of humanizing us in ways presented by few other areas of school curriculum. As a social studies teacher, it becomes your profession to help students discover the insights, skills, and imperfections of these disciplines. Cal Poly San Luis Obispo offers a comprehensive program in teacher preparation, including a series of courses in the School of Education (SOE). This coursework is integrated with a strong program of field experience as a student teacher, supervised by academic staff in the History Department.

You may complete the subject-matter competency requirement via one of two options:

  1. Examination Option: Competency may be demonstrated by successfully completing a subject-matter examination in Social Sciences, the California Subject Examinations for Teacher (CSET). The CSET Web site is www.cset.nesinc.com. This exam is given every two months and consists of three subtests: Subtest I - World History and World Geography; Subtest II - U.S. History and U.S. Geography; and Subtest III - Economics, Civics, and California History. All three subtests must be passed, but each may be re-taken as many times as necessary. The test period is five hours for all three subtests. Cost is $72 for each subtest ($216 for all 3). You may view, download, and print out a guide to the CSET: Social Science Examination at http://www.cset.nesinc.com/CS_testguide_opener.asp.
  2. Coursework Option: Applicants may choose to "waive" the exam requirements by completing a CTC-approved course of study, called the "waiver program," either at Cal Poly or at another CTC-accredited California institution. At Cal Poly, this curriculum exists independently of the major in History or related fields. The Cal Poly waiver program was designed by central coast social science teachers as an integrated expression of CTC requirements, the content requirements of their teaching environment, and the courses available at Cal Poly. Use the Self Evaluation Spreadsheet to see how to qualify for the waiver.

Returning Cal Poly students are advised that Cal Poly is certifying subject-matter mastery rather than merely fulfilling course requirements; accordingly, coursework completed more than seven years in the past will not be considered. As a result, returning students, in most cases, will meet subject-matter competence by successfully completing the CSET examination option.

Students from other California campuses who choose to enter the Cal Poly Social Science credential program may submit a subject-matter competence certification from the institution where they obtained a baccalaureate degree. Provided that this institution is accredited by the CTC to offer a social science teaching credential and signed by the authorized individual Cal Poly will honor the subject-matter certification.

If choosing the examination option, it is the responsibility of the individual candidate to be aware of both the date of the exam and the date results are available.

Other requirements:

  1. Applicants are required to submit TWO letters of recommendation for admission to the program. These letters must be sent directly to the Social Science Credential Advisor (Dr. Joel J. Orth, Department of History, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, CA 93407). There is no form for these letters.
  2. You are required to have a Professional Aptitude Interview with the Social Science Credential Advisor (Dr. Joel J. Orth, 805-756-2963). If you are in the area, it is preferable to conduct this interview in person, but phone interviews are available for those applying from elsewhere.

A student may apply to the program with evidence of having signed up or taken CBEST and/or CSET, but the Social Science Program gives priority in admissions to students who have successfully passed the CBEST and CSET. Be sure to take CBEST and CSET early so you are sure of having a passing score and returned results prior to the admission deadline for the quarter you wish to apply. If admitted to the program without evidence of having passed CBEST and/or CSET, your admittance remains conditional until you show evidence of having passed both exams.

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Program Documents and Forms

Application Forms and Step Packets

Handbooks and Informational Guides

FAQ

Earning a salary during student teaching
A school is interested in hiring me to fill a position in their school while I am student teaching there. Can I substitute a paid position as a teacher for a school while I am student teaching?
No, you may not work as a paid part-time or full-time teacher in a school, even if it is one where you have been assigned to do your student teaching. Cal Poly's program only allows candidates to be recommended for a credential if they complete a student teaching assignment where supervised by a fully credentialed teacher in the class setting during student teaching. Programs that allow candidates to work part-time or full-time as a teacher of record for pay are intern programs. These are programs that are approved by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing. Only State-approved intern programs allow candidates to substitute an internship experience for student teaching. Cal Poly is NOT approved to operate an internship. Thus, Cal Poly would lose its ability to recommend candidates for a credential should candidates work as interns for a school or school district during student teaching.
Substituting courses from another Credential Program
I began a credential program at another university in California. Can I get credit for those courses in the SSCP at Cal Poly?
Yes, you may be able to substitute previous coursework from another institution's SSCP, but  for no more than two EDUC courses in Cal Poly's Single Subject program. However, it is rare for candidates to meet the competencies covered in more than one EDUC course when trying to substitute previous coursework from another institution.
You will need to meet with the SOE credential analyst and the Single Subject Coordinator to determine what courses meet requirements for the Single Subject program. You may be able to meet the requirements for KINE 250, EDUC 300, or EDUC 480 through other coursework, experiences working in schools, or by passing the Educational Technology Exam (CSET).

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School of Education
California Polytechnic State University
San Luis Obispo, CA 93407
(805) 756-2126
soe@calpoly.edu