SSCP Candidate Admissions Handbook

• Art 

• Dance 

• English 

• World Language (American Sign Language, Arabic, Filipino, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Khmer, Korean, Latin, Mandarin, Spanish, Vietnamese) 

• Health Science 

• Mathematics (Math and Foundational Math) 

• Music 

• Physical Education 

• Science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Geo Science, Foundational Level Science) 

• Social Science (History, Political Science, Geography, Economics, Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology)  

A teacher with a Single Subject Credential is authorized to teach the specific subject(s) named on the credential in departmentalized schools. This is commonly done in California high schools and in most California junior high and middle schools. However, a teacher authorized for single subject instruction may be assigned to teach any subject in his or her authorized fields at any grade level: kindergarten and grades one through twelve; or in classes organized primarily for adults. 

See the SSCP Overview and Course Sequence section of the website for more information on the required courses, suggested sequence and course equivalency requests.

Applicants must satisfy all the following requirements for the Five-Year Preliminary Teaching Credential: 

1. Complete a baccalaureate or higher degree from a US regionally accredited college or university or equivalent
2. Complete a single subject teacher preparation program including successful student teaching, and obtain a formal recommendation for the credential by the California College or University where the program was completed
3. Verify subject matter competence by one of the following methods:
   1. Achieve a passing score on the appropriate subject-matter examination(s) (CSET)
   2. Complete a Commission on Teacher Credentialing-approved subject-matter program or its equivalent and obtain verification of completion from the authorized person in the education department of a California college or university with an approved program
   3. Completion of a bachelor’s degree or higher in the exact area as names on the credential.
   4. Completion of coursework aligned to the subject matter domains. Candidates using this option must meet with their Subject Area Faculty advisor to determine the possibility for using this option.
   5. Through a combination of coursework and exam. Candidates using this option must meet with their Subject Area Faculty advisor to determine the possibility of using this option.
4. Satisfy the Developing English Language Skills, including Reading requirement by completing a comprehensive reading instruction course that includes the following: the systematic study of phonemic awareness, phonics, and decoding; literature, language, and comprehension; and diagnostic and early intervention techniques
5. Complete a course (two semester units or three-quarter units) in the provision and principles of the U.S. Constitution or pass an examination given by a regionally accredited college or university
6. Complete a foundational computer technology course that includes general and specialized skills in the use of computers in educational settings
7. Provide verification of valid training in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) that covers infant, child and adult CPR skills that meets the standards established by the American Heart Association or Red Cross.
8. Pass character clearance (fingerprint and background check, valid Certificate of Clearance, 30-Day Sub Permit, Activity Supervisor Permit)
9. Successfully complete the Teaching Performance Assessment (CalTPA). 

Advancement to Student Teaching is based upon a thorough assessment of the candidate's qualifications. The process involves an evaluation of the applicant's file and a meeting with their Program Coordinator. Advancement to student teaching is based upon a second thorough assessment of the candidate's qualifications.  Admission to the Single Subject Credential Program does not lead to automatic advancement to student teaching.  

Indicators of readiness for advancement to student teaching are: 

1. Continued demonstration of potential for success in teaching, as indicated by successful field experiences, work experience, and contact with program faculty.  Updated information pertaining to the candidate's most recent experience, including class and field work in EDSE courses and in EDSS 450 forms the basis of this assessment. 

2. Continuing motivation for and enthusiasm toward teaching, together with those dispositions believed essential for successful teaching. Evidence may include an evaluation from the instructor of EDSS 450 and further evaluation from faculty who have worked with the student since the time of admission to the credential program. A candidate whose student teaching application is denied as a consequence of failing to demonstrate appropriate professional dispositions for successful teaching may appeal this decision within 90 days to the College of Education Panel on Student Professional Conduct 

3. Continued academic competence. Candidates must carry a 3.0 GPA in program courses and EDSS 450 and EDSE 435, EDSE 436, and EDSE 458/459 courses, with no grade lower than "C" and a minimum grade of "B" in EDSS 450.  Students who receive a D or F in EDSS 450 or any EDSE course will be placed on academic administrative probation with the program. 

To advance to student teaching candidates must:  

1. Be a candidate in good standing of the Single Subject Credential Program and a matriculated student (admitted to the University) 

2. Have an overall GPA of 2.67 or a 2.75 in the last 60 semester units (90 quarter) 

3. Complete all program courses, except Student Teaching (EDSS 472/572 A,B) and Seminar (EDSS 473) 

4. Have a minimum “B” grade point average in program courses, including prerequisites, co-requisites and core courses, with no grade lower than a “C.” A minimum 3.0 grade point average must be maintained in all EDSS and EDSE courses with a minimum grade of “B” in EDSS 300 and EDSS 450 (Please note that only one course can be repeated one time and students who receive a D, F, or WU in EDSS 450 or any EDSE course will be placed on administrative academic probation with the program.) 

5. TB clearance (clearance must be valid through completion of student teaching) 

6. Candidates that are satisfying the subject matter competence requirement via CSET must have official passing CSET scores in hand prior to the student teaching application deadline. CSET scores must remain valid through the completion of student teaching and to recommendation of the credential. Candidates that satisfy the subject matter competence requirement via coursework or degree must have all courses completed prior to the beginning of student teaching. 

7. Proof of identity and character clearance (Certificate of Clearance, 30-Day Sub Permit, Activity Supervisor Permit or Child Development Permit) issued by the CTC valid through the completion of student teaching. 

8. Obtain a student teaching application from the SSCP website and submit a complete student teaching application by the appropriate application submission deadline during the semester prior to student teaching. The application is available on the website early in each Fall and Spring semester. 

The following is a partial list of Single Subject Credential Program Policies.  Please refer to the Single Subject Credential Program Policy website or contact the CED Student Success & Advising Center if you have questions or need more information about program policies. 

Continuous Attendance 

Candidates must remain at CSULB (take at least one course each fall and spring semester). If for any reason you are unable to take classes at CSULB for one or two semesters, you must apply for a Leave of Absence. This process enables you to take up to two semesters off without having to reapply to the University upon your return. Students cannot exceed four semesters of leave per academic career. The Leave of Absence is submitted online via MyCSULB through the Student Center. If continuous attendance is not maintained, students must reapply to CSULB via www.calstate.edu/apply.  Having an officially approved Leave of Absence form on file in Enrollment Services meets the requirement for continuous attendance.  Being granted a Leave of Absence does not exempt you from any credentialing changes put in place by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) that are outside of University or SSCP policy, nor does it extend the seven-year limit on courses or the 10-year limit on CSET scores.  Please note that you may not apply for a Leave of Absence in your first semester at CSULB (if you graduate and then reapply as a post-baccalaureate student you are considered a new student and cannot take a Leave of Absence in your first semester as a new post-baccalaureate student). 

Seven-Year Limit on Coursework 

All coursework for the credential program, including student teaching, must be completed within seven years of the date the credential program was initiated i.e., the date (semester) when the first course appearing on the candidate’s program was completed.  Please note that CSET scores are valid for 10 years from the date of passage of each subtest. 

Program Admission 

• Candidates must receive a “B” or better in EDSS 300 to be admitted to the program.  Candidates who do not receive a B or better in EDSS 300 may repeat the course one time. 

• Candidates must demonstrate written and spoken English proficiency 

• Candidates must submit a completed application to be admitted to the Single Subject Credential Program.  This includes all required documents and signatures. 

• Candidates must have a valid CTC Clearance (Certificate of Clearance, 30-Day Substitute Permit, Activity Supervisor Permit, or Child Development Permit) issued by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing to be admitted to the program.  These must remain valid through the completion of student teaching. 

• Candidates must submit one confidential program recommendation form filled out by a recommender who can speak to the candidate’s ability to work with children and teaching ability.  A recommendation letter may be submitted in addition to the recommendation form. The recommendation form should not be filled out by the same person completing the Clinical Practice Evaluation form. 

• Candidates must attend the mandatory SSCP Orientation presented by the SSCP Director 

• Program Application Deadline – Applications must be submitted by the appropriate deadline as established in the EDSS 300 course. Program applications received after this date will be admitted for the following semester. 

• Applicants must successfully complete 35 hours of fieldwork in their subject area during the semester they are enrolled in EDSS 300 to be admitted to the program.  The fieldwork must be done in a school district with which the College of Education has a current affiliation agreement for early fieldwork. 

GPA Requirements and Repeating Coursework 

• Program applicants must submit unofficial transcripts from each institution of higher education attended, including undergraduate and graduate study, as part of the program application. Unofficial Transcripts from MyCSULB is only acceptable for CSULB coursework. 

• The current minimum grade point average for admission to the program is 2.5 in the bachelor's degree or a 2.5 in the last 60 semester units (90 quarter units).  

• Repeating a program course for a 3^rd time 

• Student teaching placement at a private school or using employment (other than a University Internship) to fulfill student teaching requirement (District Permit or Long-Term Sub position) 

Consult the CED Student Success & Advising Center for items not listed here. 

Petitions are heard monthly by the Single Subject Petition Committee during the fall and spring semesters. Petitions must be submitted one week prior to the Petition Committee meeting. Information on Petition Committee meeting dates, deadlines, and guidelines is available on the SSCP Petition website.

Candidates for admission to the Single Subject Credential Program must satisfactorily meet all the following 13 requirements. 

1. Complete the pre-requisite course EDSS 300, in the appropriate subject area, with a minimum grade of "B". 

2. Satisfactorily complete the 35-hour fieldwork requirement and all three fieldwork modules in EDSS 300. 

3. Attain a grade point average of at least 2.5 overall in the bachelor's degree or a grade point average of at least 2.5 in the last 60 semester units or 90 quarter units attempted. 

4. Satisfactorily complete an interview with approved program faculty (assigned in the EDSS 300 course). 

5. Submit a written statement of professional goals and philosophy of education (assigned in the EDSS 300 course). 

6. Submit proof of a valid Certificate of Clearance, 30-Day Sub Permit, Activity Supervisor Permit or Child Development Permit issued from the Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC). Must be uploaded to MyCED prior to beginning clinical practice. 

7. Submit a negative tuberculosis (TB) skin test taken within the last 4 years or chest x-ray taken within the last eight years. Tuberculosis clearance must be valid through student teaching. Must be uploaded to MyCED prior to beginning clinical practice 

8. Exhibit ability to communicate orally in English at the level required of public-school teachers by demonstration of English production skills in the course EDSS 300 and through an oral interview with approved program faculty. In the case of the World Languages Credential Program, candidates must satisfactorily complete and oral interview in both English and the target language.  

9. Attend the mandatory SSCP Orientation Presentation by the SSCP Director. 

10. Provide one the name and email for an individual who is familiar with the candidate’s abilities and dispositions in a professional setting, and who can attest to the candidate’ conduct and character as appropriate for public school teaching. This individual will be sent a Confidential Applicant Recommendation Forms to complete and return via MyCED. In some case this reference may be checked.  

11. Complete all requirements for admission to the program unique to the candidate’s subject matter program. 

12. Submit a completed program application on MyCED prior to the deadline posted by your EDSS 300 Instructor. 

13. Demonstrate personality and character traits that meet the standards of the teaching profession, and the dispositions appropriate for teaching in California schools. Appropriate dispositions are demonstrated in (and not limited to) professional communication and interactions with faculty, staff, school personnel, and peers; timeliness in meeting course and fieldwork deadlines and requirements; and behaviors that equate with equity and inclusion in diverse school settings. Candidate dispositions are measured through the following three items:
    1. Confidential instructor evaluations
    2. Confidential Recommendation Forms
    3. Confidential Fieldwork Evaluations
    4. The personal interview
    5. Checking of professional references (where appropriate) 

Candidates must satisfy all five of these dispositional measures for admission into the program. Where there is a legitimate reason for concern, professional references will also be contacted.   

Candidates who are not admitted as a consequence of not meeting Admission Requirements 1 through 12 may submit a petition for an exception to program admission policy to the SSCP Petition Committee. Candidates who are denied admission because of not meeting Admission Requirement 13 may submit a petition for an exception to program admission policy to the College of Education Panel on Student Professional Conduct within three months of applying for admission.  

Candidates must continue to demonstrate appropriate character and personality traits through completion of the program. 

The application is complete and submitted online through the MyCED portal. Applicants must complete and upload the following items prior to submitting their application on MyCED: 

• Advisement Confirmation and Program Planner form (completed on DocuSign and uploaded to MyCED) 

• Enter the name and email address for on Recommender in MyCED to send Confidential Recommendation Form.  Your Recommender should be someone that is familiar with your potential as a future educator. Be sure to continue to check MyCED throughout the semester to ensure it is completed and submitted by your recommender. You will be able to see once it is submitted back, however, you will not be able to view the completed form. It will only be viewable by your instructor, program coordinator and the SSCP Program. The recommendation form should not be filled out by the same person completing the Clinical Practice Evaluation form.  

• Written statement of professional goals and philosophy of education 

• EDSS 300 Confidential Clinical Practice Evaluation – candidates will enter the name and email address of their EDSS 300 Demonstration Teaching into MyCED at the end of the semester to send the EDSS 300 confidential Clinical Practice Evaluation. Be sure to continue checking MyCED to ensure it is completed by your demonstration teacher and submitted back.  The recommendation form should not be filled out by the same person completing the Clinical Practice Evaluation form.  

• Unofficial transcripts from EVERY college and university attended so that an evaluation can be completed of your GPA. 

• A Valid CTC Clearance from the Commission on Teacher Credentialing (documented by a web print out including the document number and expiration date) 

• Subject matter competence verification (copy of passing CSET results, Subject Waiver Letter, or proof of completion of subject matter preparation program or transcripts verifying degree in an EXACT Single Subject area.) 

• Proof of current tuberculosis clearance (within last 4 years) 

• Candidate Interview Report (meets oral interview requirement, will be submitted by your Subject Area Coordinator) 

• EDSS 300 Instructor Assessment (will be submitted by your instructor)