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Credential Program/English Learner Authorization

Offerings: Credential

Course Description

The Multiple-Subject Credential Program is designed to prepare teachers to work with students in grades K-12 with responsibility for all subject areas in a self-contained and core classroom. Teachers holding a Multiple-Subject Credential are most often assigned to preschool and elementary school classrooms. This program has been specifically designed to prepare teachers for the diversity of languages often encountered in California public school classrooms.

The authorization to teach English learners is met through the infusion of content and experiences within the Multiple-Subject Program, as well as additional coursework. Candidates successfully completing this program receive the Preliminary Multiple-Subject Credential with authorization to teach English learners. A two semester program, the Multiple-Subject Program provides coursework in learning and instruction, content area methodology correlated with field experiences, and clinical practice in conjunction with the authorization to teach English learners.

The School of Education is specifically committed to providing candidates with opportunities to learn innovative teaching practices and put these methods to work with children. The Multiple-Subject with Middle Level Certificate Teacher Education Program is designed to prepare teachers to work with young adoles¬cents in grades 5-9. Graduates of the program will hold a Multiple- Subject Credential with Authorization to Teach English Learners as well as a Certificate of Advanced Study in Middle Level Education. The Middle Level Program provides the candidate with the flexibility to teach in elementary and middle schools.

The Middle Level Program provides focused preparation in teaching, learning, and schooling for youngsters in the middle grades. Coursework is taught at a middle school site with class sessions and assignments geared to the particular needs of middle school teachers and learners. Field experiences are planned and coordinated with a small number of partner middle schools. Supervision of the clinical practice is the shared responsibility of a university faculty advisor (a teaching team member assigned to one school) and an on-site supervisor at the middle school (a full-time teacher at the site). Admission Requirements same as Multiple-Subject.

It is recommended students obtain certification to teach departmentally in a subject area. There are three options currently available:

  1. State-approved examination in a single subject content area. Refer to www.cset.nesinc.com, or call (760) 750-4277 for further informa¬tion.
  2. Subject Matter Programs. California State University San Marcos offers some Single-Subject Subject Matter Programs. Please contact the College of Humanities, Arts, and Behavioral and Social Sciences for eligibility.
  3. Subject Matter Authorizations. The California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC) approved requirements for adding Subject Matter Authorizations as an alternative method of demonstrating single subject content knowledge based on specific coursework. Detailed information is available in the CEHHS, Student Services Office and workshops are conducted throughout the academic year. Please call (760) 750-4277 to register to attend Subject Matter Authorization workshop.

Supplementary authorizations may also be added. Supplementary Authorizations in core academic areas are not compliant with No Child Left Behind (NCLB). Options 1 and 2 qualify candidates for the Single-Subject Credential upon successful completion of the Multiple-Subject Credential Program with Middle Level Certificate. Concurrent candidates receive both the Multiple-Subject and the Preliminary Mild/Moderate Education Specialist Instruction Credentials with the option to also complete the Preliminary Moderate/Severe Education Specialist Instruction Credential. The Authorization to Teach English Learners is met through coursework and clinical experiences. A bilingual emphasis may be added to the Multiple-Subject Credential for qualified candidates. The Multiple-Subject Credential authorizes instruction of students in grades K through 8. The Preliminary Education Specialist Instruction Credentials authorize the provision of instruction to students in grades K through 12 and adults with identified disabilities. The Mild/Moderate Education Specialist Credential authorizes instruction of students with a primary disability of Autism Spectrum Disorder, Emotional Disturbance, Mild/Moderate Mental Retardation, other health impair¬ment (e.g. Attention Deficit Disorder), or specific learning disability. The Moderate/Severe Education Specialist Credential authorizes instruction of students with a primary disability of Autism Spectrum Disorder, Deaf-Blindness, Emotional Disturbance, Moderate/Severe Mental Retardation, or multiple disabilities.

All credentials authorize instruction of English learners. Full-time concurrent candidates may complete coursework and clinical practice for the Multiple-Subject and Preliminary Mild/Moderate Education Specialist Credentials in three semesters. Moderate/Severe Education Specialist coursework and clinical practice requirements may be completed in an additional semester. For part-time candidates, time to completion is longer. Candidates who successfully complete all of the Concurrent Multiple-Subject courses and both Concurrent Multiple- Subject Clinical Practice experiences, the RICA and TPA assessments, and other credentialing requirements may be awarded the Multiple- Subject Credential and apply for admission to the Special Education Master of Arts Option to complete remaining Education Specialist courses and clinical practice experiences as master’s candidates. See the Master of Arts in Education – Option 3: Special Education Preliminary Preparation program description for admissions require¬ments, and courses and clinical practice that may be applied toward the master’s degree.

Integrated Bachelor of Arts - This program provides students with a Bachelor of Arts Degree with a major in Liberal Studies from the College of Humanities, Arts, Behavioral and Social Sciences and a Multiple-Subject Credential English Learner Authorization from the School of Education. The Integrated Credential Program (ICP) consists of one prerequisite semester and five themed semesters of courses which are taken in both colleges. The Integrated Bachelor of Arts and Multiple-Subject Emphasis Credential English Learner Authorization Program appears as Option 2 in the Liberal Studies major under the College of Humanities, Arts, Behavioral and Social Sciences.


College of Education, Health & Human Services (CEHHS)