32 Teacher Education Preliminary Credential + MA Program Policy Handbook Revised December 16, 2014 The best social justice program a nation can offer its children is a Our Vision great education. A free and just democratic nation must have a wellThe best social justice program a nation can offer its children is a great educated, personally responsible and responsive citizenry who are education. A free and just democratic nation must have a well-educated, givenpersonally every opportunity theircitizenry purposewho in life, including responsible to andfulfill responsive are given every opportunity raising healthy families that make up and contribute to the to fulfill their purpose in life, including raising healthy families that make up and community. opportunity in the home andinultimately contributeThis to the community.begins This opportunity begins the home and includes the classroom, workplace and largerand society. ultimately includes thethe classroom, the workplace larger society. To provide such an education, we need teachers deeply committed to academic To provide suchequity, an education, we who needwork teachers deeply committed to and excellence, and integrity; diligently to develop the skills academic excellence, equity, and integrity; who work diligently to attitudes necessary to teach every child as though they were teaching their own; develop skills and necessary to teachother every child asand policy whothe collaborate withattitudes the parents of their students, educators though they and were teaching their own; who resources collaborate makers; who use technology and other as a with meansthe to maximize achievement and opportunities. parents of their students, other educators and policy makers; and who The integrityand andother character of great as teachers prompts them to hold themselves use technology resources a means to maximize accountable to join alongside others to do the hard work it takes to make this achievement andand opportunities. vision a reality for all the students assigned to their classrooms. These are and the teachers we of at CGU to prepare for our schools. The integrity character greatseek teachers prompts them to hold themselves accountable and to join alongside others to do the hard work it takes to make this vision a reality for all the students assigned to their classrooms. These are the teachers we at CGU seek to prepare for our schools. Introduction to this Policy Handbook This handbook outlines several policies and practices for CGU’s Preliminary Credential + MA Program. Candidates are expected to be aware of and adhere to the policies outlined in this Teacher Education Policy Handbook as well as CGU-­‐wide policies outlined elsewhere. Candidates are expected to review this Policy Handbook immediately upon being admitted into CGU’s Preliminary Credential + MA Program in order to understand the Program’s expectations and requirements. They are also expected to revisit it any time it has been revised. When the Policy Handbook is revised, current Candidates will be notified via email regarding where they can find a copy of the new/revised Handbook. Candidates can find cohort-­‐specific information (i.e., important dates, forms, etc.) in their Cohort Guide. If a Candidate wishes to be exempt from a policy or wishes to propose an alternate practice, he/she may submit a letter of appeal. This letter should be directed to Teacher Education’s Leadership Team and submitted to Teacher Education’s Director. All supporting materials should accompany the appeal letter. The Candidate’s request will be reviewed by the Leadership Team. If the Candidate does not receive a response from the Leadership Team within two weeks of submitting the request, he/she should recontact Teacher Education’s Director. Expectations and Requirements are also found in the Cohort Guide Candidates are expected to be aware of and adhere to the expectations and requirements outlined in their Cohort Guide. Policy Handbook. Teacher Education’s Preliminary Credential + MA Program Table of Contents page 4 Table of Contents Our Philosophy ............................................................................................................................... 6 Effective teachers dispel the myth that certain students “can’t learn”................................ 6 Theoretical/academic and clinical/practical in symbiotic relationship ............................... 7 Teacher Education’s Credential Programs...................................................................................... 8 Preliminary Credentials ...................................................................................................... 8 Rigor & Pace of CGU’s Preliminary Program ....................................................... 9 Clear Credentials Offered CGU’s Induction Program ........................................................ 9 Structure of CGU’s Preliminary Credential + MA Program ........................................................ 10 Coursework ....................................................................................................................... 10 Requirements not tied to a Course .................................................................................... 10 Credentialing Requirements Not Tied To Coursework ................................................................ 11 Requirements that NEED to be met prior to starting the Pre-Teaching Experience in Phase I ............................................................................................................................... 11 Requirements that NEED or SHOULD be met prior to the start of Phase II Fall (and that need to be met prior to filing) ........................................................................................... 11 Requirements that NEED to be met prior to the start of Phase II Spring (and that need to be met prior to filing) ........................................................................................................ 13 Requirements that NEED to be met prior to filing for Preliminary Credential ................ 13 California TPAs – Requirements for General Education Candidates ............................... 14 Chart of Prerequisites for each Phase ............................................................................... 15 Pathways to Earning Multiple Preliminary Credentials................................................................ 17 General Education Single-Subject Candidate wanting to earn another Single Subject Credential .......................................................................................................................... 17 General Education Single-Subject Candidates wanting to earn a Multiple-Subject Credential .......................................................................................................................... 17 General Education Multiple-Subject Candidates wanting to earn a Single-Subject Credential .......................................................................................................................... 17 Mild/Moderate Education Specialists wanting to earn a Moderate/Severe Credential .... 17 Moderate/Severe Education Specialists wanting to earn a Mild/Moderate Credential .... 18 General Education Candidates wanting to earn an Education Specialist Credential ........ 18 Education Specialists Candidates wanting to earn a General Education Credential ........ 18 Attendance, Participation & Grading Policies .............................................................................. 20 Attendance Policy ............................................................................................................. 20 Participation Policy ........................................................................................................... 21 Grading for a Clinical Course ........................................................................................... 23 Grading for an Academic Course ..................................................................................... 24 Policy Handbook. Teacher Education’s Preliminary Credential + MA Program Table of Contents page 5 Retaking a Class................................................................................................................ 25 Mid-Term Progress Report ............................................................................................... 25 Incompletes ....................................................................................................................... 25 CGU’s Policies Regarding Academic Standing ............................................................... 25 Glossary of Acronyms & Key Terms ........................................................................................... 26 Policy Handbook. Teacher Education’s Preliminary Credential + MA Program Our Philosophy page 6 Our Philosophy Effective teachers dispel the myth that certain students “can’t learn” We prepare a special kind of teacher: one who fosters academic success in all students while “fasttracking” the achievement of students who struggle. We know it is a myth that certain children (because they are poor, students of color, students with disabilities, or non-native speakers of English) “can’t learn.” Indeed, on any given campus one can find star teachers who cultivate success and breed optimism with even the most disenfranchised populations. These are the teachers CGU prepares for our K-12 classrooms. We promote an empowering message: effective teachers can and do transform lives. They do so by holding themselves accountable and by striving for social justice. They act upon the belief that it is their job to foster the academic success of every child on their class roster. Their sense of accountability leads them to do the hard work necessary to know their content; to develop an understanding of their students in order to enhance curriculum relevance; to purposely plan their instruction with explicit learning objectives and assessments in mind; to utilize strategies known to cultivate academic success; and to form collaborative partnerships with families and other educators to build the ladders needed for all students to reach the highest academic standards. Such star teachers point an “accountable finger” towards their own chests instead of a “blaming finger” at the myriad of external factors that swirl about. They don’t fall into the trap of believing: “He’s too poor…There’s too much going on at home…She (or her family or her culture…) doesn’t value education…He doesn’t know enough English…She just doesn’t have what it takes…He is ‘kinda dumb.’” 1 Instead, effective teachers embrace the belief that the adults involved in our educational systems can indeed interrupt cycles of academic failure. These are the teachers CGU prepares for our K-12 classrooms. To be clear, effective teachers acknowledge variables like poverty and language fluency are challenges, but they also know they are not barriers that legitimize a student’s failure or that justify teachers lowering their expectations or their own commitment. Instead they realize such variables can and need to be addressed via well-informed, explicit, and purposeful instruction. These are the teachers CGU prepares for our K-12 classrooms. We empower our Candidates with the knowledge that students can and will learn when under the guidance of effective teachers. Having internalized this message, our teachers are intensely motivated to master the strategies and techniques known to bring about academic success. That is, they understand that developing one’s craft is a means to upholding their responsibility to their 1 See Jeffrey Howard of Boston’s Efficacy Institute for more on how are schools are constructed for three groups of students: the “very smart” (VS), the “sorta smart” (SS), and the “kinda dumb” (KD). In this construct, the VS students get the rigorous curriculum; the SS students get the standard curriculum, and the KD students receive the dummied down curriculum. Some (namely Rist, 1970) argue this kind of sorting begins during the second week of kindergarten and is most damaging to those pegged as “sorta smart” or “kinda dumb” because the curriculum they receive in their “tracked” classrooms limits their ability to access what Howard calls “get smart instruction.” In such a system, Howard argues, there is not much “value added” instruction in schools. After thirteen years of schooling, the original designations are largely unchanged: The “sorta smart” students are still often SS, the “kinda dumb” students are still often KD. This process creates an ugly self-fulfilling prophecy that stratifies our society into “haves” and “have-nots.” Policy Handbook. Teacher Education’s Preliminary Credential + MA Program Our Philosophy page 7 students and to promoting social justice. These are the teachers CGU prepares for our K-12 classrooms. Every assignment and class is designed to develop the skills, strategies, and attitudes known to interrupt cycles of academic failure. We believe our Candidates do not have the luxury to indulge in activities that do not directly and effectively cultivate their ability to reach students. As such, all that we do is guided by our mission (see cover). Theoretical/academic and clinical/practical in symbiotic relationship We believe the best way to prepare a highly effective teacher is for the teacher candidate to simultaneously grapple with the academic/theoretical and the practical/clinical. Work in schools needs to be informed by academic study and research and, likewise, discussions at the university need to be deepened via the real-world context of schools. To help bridge the clinical/practical and the academic/theoretical, our classes are taught by seasoned K-12 veterans, many of whom have taken time out of the K-12 arena to pursue doctoral work in our School of Educational Studies or to participate in research projects. Policy Handbook. CGU’s Preliminary Credential + MA Program Teacher Education’s Credential Programs page 8 Teacher Education’s Credential Programs In California, becoming a fully credentialed teacher is a two-step process: first individuals must earn a Preliminary Credential; then, within five years, they “clear” the Preliminary Credential via an “induction program.” At CGU, people can earn a Preliminary Credential and/or a Clear Credential. CGU’s Preliminary Program aims to usher an individual into the profession; it provides the teacher candidate with the opportunity to develop beginning mastery of teaching (per the TPEs). Our Induction Program that leads to a Clear Credential provides the new teacher with further opportunity to develop advanced professional practices. Along with the Preliminary Credential and Clear Credential, CGU offers a Certificate/Added Authorization in Autism and provides support for those wanting to earn a BCLAD (Bilingual Crosscultural, Language, and Academic Development) authorization. These credentials, authorizations and certificates are briefly discussed below. Preliminary Credentials General Education Preliminary Credentials offered at CGU: • Multiple-Subject/Elementary Credential (for those wanting to teach all subjects in selfcontained Grades K-6) • Single-Subject Math (for those who want to teach Math in middle school or high school) • Single-Subject Science (for those who want to teach Science in middle school or high school) • Single-Subject Social Studies (for those who want to each Social Studies/History in middle school or high school) • Single-Subject English (for those who want to teach English/Language Arts in middle school or high school) • Single-Subject Spanish (for those who want to teach Spanish in middle school or high school) Education Specialist Preliminary Credentials offered through CGU: • Mild/Moderate (for those who want to specialize in teaching those who have mild and/or moderate disabilities) • Moderate/Severe (for those who want to specialize in teaching those who have moderate and/or severe disabilities). The CLAD certificate requirements are embedded into the coursework for all of CGU’s Preliminary Credentials and, hence, our Preliminary Credential Candidates are considered ELL competent. All the classes, work and activities associated with earning a Preliminary Credential at CGU are aligned to the California Teacher Performance Expectations (TPEs) and are designed to help the Candidate understand and embody the scope and practices of effective teachers. Policy Handbook. CGU’s Preliminary Credential + MA Program Teacher Education’s Credential Programs page 9 Most CGU Candidates earn their Preliminary Credential in conjunction with a Master of Arts degree. There are a number of program admission requirements, including but not limited to needing a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited undergraduate program. Parties can contact the Teacher Education Office (TeacherEducation@cgu.edu or 909/621-8076) to learn about the admission requirements for the Preliminary Credential + MA Program and/or to discuss how one might “package” their program so they could earn multiple Preliminary Credentials. Rigor & Pace of CGU’s Preliminary Program Candidates typically graduate from CGU with a Preliminary Teaching Credential and a Master’s of Arts in Education in just 14-19 months. Given this timeline, CGU provides an expedited path to Preliminary Credentialing. Our program is fast-paced and rigorous. As such, the Program isn’t well suited for everybody. It is best for those who have prior experience working with youth, have strong content knowledge, are highly committed, are able to focus on the Program, have strong academic skills, and have well-developed interpersonal and communication skills. Clear Credentials Offered CGU’s Induction Program CGU’s Induction Program allows teachers to earn the following Clear Credentials: • Multiple-Subject Clear Credential • Single-Subject Clear Credential • Education Specialist, mild/moderate, Clear Credential • Education Specialist, moderate/severe, Clear Credential. There are a number of program admission requirements, including but not limited to needing a valid Preliminary Credential. Parties can contact the Teacher Education Office (TeacherEducation@cgu.edu or 909/621-8076) to learn about the admission requirements for the Induction Program. Policy Handbook. CGU’s Preliminary Credential + MA Program The Structure of CGU’s Preliminary Credential + MA Program page 10 Structure of CGU’s Preliminary Credential + MA Program CGU’s Preliminary Credential + MA Program is divided into three phases: • Phase I: The Pre-Teaching Phase • Phase II: The Internship/Residency Phase • Phase III: The Post-Teaching Phase. Please see the Cohort Guide for specific dates for each Phase. Keeping track of the dates associated with Teacher Education classes and activities is extremely important as our program is participatory in nature. One cannot pass the classes or earn the credential/degree if one is not consistently present, prepared and on time. As such, time management and organization are key. Each Phase includes a number of courses and other requirements not associated with a course. Coursework Each Phase involves courses. The Cohort Guide provides a chart with a visual overview of the courses for each Phase of the Program. Syllabi outline the prerequisites for each course. Requirements not tied to a Course Along with classes, each Phase has a number of mandatory requirements not tied to a course or course grade. In some instances, a Candidate may not be able to proceed to the next Phase of the Program if a requirement has been missed or isn’t satisfactorily met. As such, Candidates must be highly cognizant of dates and/or deadlines associated with these requirements and manage their time effectively. Candidates can obtain information about these requirements in their Cohort Guide and after attending a meeting with the Credential Analyst. Some of these requirements, however, are listed in the next section of this Handbook. If at any point in time a Candidate does not understand what he/she needs to do in order to meet the requirements of the Program, he/she is expected to make an appointment with his/her Program Coordinator and/or Credential Analyst to seek clarity. Policy Handbook. CGU’s Preliminary Credential + MA Program Credential Requirements – A Sampling page 11 Credentialing Requirements Not Tied To Coursework There are different requirements for each Preliminary Credential. As such, each of our Candidates need to attend a meeting at the beginning of our program (e.g., a “Credential Workshop” typically hosted by CGU’s Credential Analyst) to learn the requirements of his/her specific credential program. Different checklists are given at different points in time. • Each Candidate will be given an individualized “credential checklist” that outlines all of his/her specific requirements to be internship eligible. (Candidates seeking either an Internship or Residency must be internship eligible.) This checklist is a guide to help the Candidate understand what requirements need to be met to be internship eligible. • In the spring of Phase II, Candidates will receive a new checklist that outlines the requirements to file for his/her Preliminary Credential. Candidates who are unclear about the requirements of their program are urged to make an appointment with his/her Program Coordinator and/or CGU’s Credential Analyst. (For example, if a Candidate is unclear regarding what CSET he/she should take, he/she should seek immediately clarity.) A number of requirements are not “tied to” a course but, nonetheless, are required to be met prior to one being able to file for his/her Preliminary Credential. Accordingly, if a Candidate has not completed these requirements, it is possible for him/her to earn an MA in Education but not a teaching credential. Requirements that NEED to be met prior to starting the Pre-Teaching Experience in Phase I • • TB Clearance. Candidates need to show proof that they are free of TB. Test results must be less than two years old. The cost associated with gaining this clearance is the responsibility of the Candidate. If a Candidate cannot show proof of TB Clearance, he/she will not be able to begin the pre-teaching experience. FBI/DOJ Clearance (i.e., LiveScan Clearance). The Certificate of Clearance is good for 5 years. Candidates will not need to do this step if they have a valid permit (i.e., a substitute permit) and the permit is valid during the time of Phase I’s Pre-Teaching Experience. The cost associated with gaining this clearance is the responsibility of the Candidate. If a Candidate cannot obtain this clearance, he/she cannot begin the preteaching experience. Requirements that NEED or SHOULD be met prior to the start of Phase II Fall (and that need to be met prior to filing) • Official BA Transcripts. Candidates must submit official undergraduate transcripts as soon as possible. Candidates will not be considered “intern eligible” (and, hence, cannot start an Internship or Residency placement) without submitting these documents. Also, please be aware that CGU will allow people to start the Program without submitting official BA transcripts but will stop registration if the student does not submit official transcripts within being at CGU for a semester (i.e., Candidates who start the Program in Policy Handbook. CGU’s Preliminary Credential + MA Program Credential Requirements – A Sampling • • • 2 page 12 Spring would need to submit official BA transcripts prior to being allowed to register for the Summer term. Candidates who start the Program in Summer would need to submit official BA transcripts prior to being allowed to register for the Fall term). The cost associated with obtaining official transcripts is the responsibility of the Candidate. CBEST. Information about this required test can be found at http://www.cbest.nesinc.com/. It is important that the Candidate pass the CBEST as soon as possible (ideally before or at least by June of Phase I). Candidates cannot advance to Phase II without passing the CBEST. Candidates who have not yet passed CBEST at the time of admission must make an appointment with their Credentialing Coordinator to create a plan for passing the exam. Study guides, other resources and tutoring will be offered for Candidates based on their specific need area to ensure passage of the exam. CSET.2 Information about this required test can be found at http://www.cset.nesinc.com/. It is important that Candidates take the appropriate exam for his/her specific credential. Questions about what exam a Candidate should take should be directed to Teacher Education’s Credential Analyst. It is important that the Candidate pass the CSET as soon as possible (ideally before or at least by June of Phase I). Not passing the CSET by Phase II has a number of consequences: o Candidates cannot start an Internship or a Residency placement without passing the CSET. o If a Candidate has not passed the CSET by the start of Phase II, the Candidate must enroll in and attend a mandatory CSET preparation course. The cost of this course is the responsibility of the Candidate. In some instances but not all CGU may offer a preparation course. If CGU is offering a preparation course for the relevant test, the Candidate must take (and pay for) the preparation course at CGU. o Candidates will not be allowed to enroll in Program courses in the spring term of Phase II if they have not yet passed the CSET. US Constitution Course/Test. In order to be “internship eligible,” Candidates must prove that they have a basic understanding of the US Constitution. This understanding can be documented in one of two ways: o Via a Course. The Candidate could have taken a course that covers the US Constitution. The course could have been taken at the undergraduate institution or at a community college. The Candidate must receive a grade of “C” or better for the course to count. (If a Candidate has completed his/her undergraduate work at a California State University, he/she automatically fulfills the requirement.) o Via an Exam. If a Candidate has not taken such a course, he/she can take an exam given by Teacher Education. The exam is open-book. There are five questions and the Candidate must answer three of the five questions. The Candidate must write at least 1½ pages per question. Candidates cannot start either an Internship or Residency without having passed this US Constitution requirement. Some Candidates are exempt from this test. Teacher Education’s Credential Analyst can provide information on who qualifies for a CSET waiver. Policy Handbook. CGU’s Preliminary Credential + MA Program Credential Requirements – A Sampling • • • • page 13 New TB Clearance for Residency/Internship. Depending upon the partnering district, the Candidate may be asked to provide new TB Clearance. The cost associated with this clearance is the responsibility of the Candidate. New FBI/DOJ Clearance (i.e., LiveScan Clearance) for Residency/Internship. Depending upon the partnering district, the Candidate may be asked to provide new FBI/DOJ Clearance (i.e., LiveScan Clearance). The cost associated with this clearance is the responsibility of the Candidate. Submission of TPA Task 1 (General Education Candidates Only). Passing of Phase I Courses. Candidates will not be considered “intern eligible” (and, hence, cannot start an Internship or Residency placement) without having passing grades in all Phase I Courses. Please note: A student cannot start an Internship or Residency if one has an I/Incomplete in a Phase I course. o Internship Requirement: A candidate needs to have earned a B+ or better in the Pre-Teaching Experience in order to be eligible for an Internship. Requirements that NEED to be met prior to the start of Phase II Spring (and that need to be met prior to filing) • • • Passage of CSET Submission of TPA Task 2 (General Education Candidates Only) Passing of all Phase II Fall Courses. A “U” or an “I” is not a passing grade. Requirements that NEED to be met prior to the start of Phase III Summer Post Teaching Phase (and that need to be met prior to filing) • Passing of all Phase II Spring Courses. A “U” or an “I” is not a passing grade. Requirements that NEED to be met prior to filing for Preliminary Credential • • • Workshops. There are a number of workshops that Candidates must attend. Information on these workshops can be found in the Cohort Guide. CPR. All Candidates must submit proof of having passed a child/infant/adult CPR course. (Note: The CTC will not accept on-line CPR courses.) If a Candidate is issued a CPR card at any time while he/she is teaching in the Program, that card may be used, even if it has expired by the time he/she applies for the Preliminary Credential. The following websites can help one find local (non on-line) CPR classes: www.redcross.org, www.sgvarc.org, www.americanheart.org, and www.inlandvalleyredcross.org. Hours of Observation. All Candidates are required to do Hours of Observation before they file for their credential. This is a requirement of the Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC). Details regarding these Hours of Observation can be found in the Cohort Guide. It should be noted that the Candidate is responsible for setting up his/her own observation opportunities (using the guidelines provided) and that it is likely that he/she will need to complete these observations when his/her residency/internship site is on vacation Policy Handbook. CGU’s Preliminary Credential + MA Program Credential Requirements – A Sampling • • page 14 RICA. All Multiple Subject/Elementary and Education Specialist Candidates must pass the RICA (Reading Instruction Competence Assessment) before filing for their Preliminary Credential. Minimum Grade Point Average: A minimum overall/cumulative GPA of 3.0 in CGU’s Teacher Education Program is required to apply for a Preliminary Credential and/or a MA in Education. California TPAs – Requirements for General Education Candidates Senate Bill 2042 (1998) and Senate Bill 1209 (2006) require all (General Education) Multipleand Single-Subject Credential Candidates attending California preliminary teacher preparation programs to pass a Teaching Performance Assessment (TPA). This assessment is designed to give Candidates the opportunity to develop, refine, and demonstrate their teaching knowledge, skills, and abilities during their teacher preparation program. Claremont Graduate University has selected to utilize the CalTPA. The CalTPA is aligned with the state-adopted academic content standards for students, as well as with state content frameworks, the California Standards for the Teaching Profession and the Teaching Performance Expectations (TPEs). The CalTPA incorporates four performance tasks that increase in complexity but not necessarily in difficulty. These tasks are intended to be completed as Candidates progress through their teacher preparation program. General Education Candidates are expected to submit different TPAs in various Phases. (See the Cohort Guide for specifics.) In some instances, not submitting or passing a particular TPA will preclude one from advancing to the next Phase of the Program. CGU cannot file for a General Education Candidate’s Preliminary Credential until the Candidate has a passing score on each of the four TPAs. Below is a chart that lists many of these requirements and prerequisites. Policy Handbook. CGU’s Preliminary Credential + MA Program Credential Requirements – A Sampling page 15 Chart of Prerequisites for each Phase Phase I PreTeaching TB Clearance Phase II Fall: Internship/Residency Official BA Transcripts Phase II Spring Internship/Residency Passage of CSET Phase III: Post Teaching FBI/DOJ Clearance (i.e., LiveScan Clearance) CBEST Submission of TPA Task 2 (General Education Candidates Only). CSET – Not Required but highly recommended! Candidates are not eligible for an Internship or Residency WITHOUT passage of CSET. US Constitution Course/Test (Possibly/Maybe needed) New TB Clearance for Residency/Internship (Possibly/Maybe needed) New FBI/DOJ Clearance (i.e., LiveScan Clearance) Submission of TPA Task 1 (General Education Candidates Only) Regarding Phase II Academic Classes: Candidates cannot begin Phase II if they have a “U” or an “I” in any Phase I course Regarding Phase II Clinical Classes: A Candidate is not Internship Eligible and Candidates cannot begin Phase II Spring if they have a “U” or an “I” in any of the courses associated with Phase II Fall. Candidates cannot enroll in TLPIV if it is believed that they will require additional mentoring/coaching the following year. Submission of TPA Task 3 (General Education Only) Candidates cannot begin TLPIV if they have a “U” or an “I” in any of the courses associated with Phase II Spring. Policy Handbook. CGU’s Preliminary Credential + MA Program Credential Requirements – A Sampling cannot go into a Residency or Internship until he/she has passing grades in all Phase I courses. Incompletes and GPs and Unsatisfactory are not passing grades. To be eligible for an Internship a Candidate must earn a B+ or higher in the clinical course (pre-teaching) page 16 Policy Handbook. CGU’s Preliminary Credential + MA Program Pathways to Earning Multiple Credentials page 17 Pathways to Earning Multiple Preliminary Credentials There are different pathways for Candidates to earn multiple Preliminary Credentials. General Education Single-Subject Candidate wanting to earn another Single Subject Credential Single-Subject Candidates can earn an additional Single-Subject Credential by passing the additional CSET and taking the subject-specific methods course. As such, if a math Candidate wants to also earn a science credential, he/she needs to pass the CSET in science and take and pass the science methods course. Note: General Education Candidates will be allowed to take the Methods Course (and a 1-unit Independent Study course) as one of their “MA electives” in Phase III if (and only if) they have passed the CSET prior to the start of the Single-Subject Methods course. Questions? Contact the Department’s Credential Analyst. General Education Single-Subject Candidates wanting to earn a Multiple-Subject Credential Single-subject Candidates wanting to earn a Multiple-Subject Credential need to pass the multiple-subject CSET, take Multiple-Subject Methods (currently taught in Phase I as a 3-unit course), and pass the RICA Exam. Note: General Education Candidates will be allowed to take the Methods Course (and a 1-unit Independent Study course) as one of their “MA electives” in Phase III if (and only if) they have passed the CSET prior to the start of the Multiple-Subject Methods course. Questions? Contact the Department’s Credential Analyst. General Education Multiple-Subject Candidates wanting to earn a Single-Subject Credential Multiple-Subject Candidates wanting to earn a Single-Subject Credential need to pass the discipline-specific CSET and take the appropriate Methods course (currently taught in Phase I as a 3-unit course). Note: General Education Candidates will be allowed to take the Methods Course (and a 1-unit Independent Study course) as one of their “MA electives” in Phase III if (and only if) they have passed the CSET prior to the start of the Single-Subject Methods course. Questions? Contact the Department’s Credential Analyst. Mild/Moderate Education Specialists wanting to earn a Moderate/Severe Credential Mild/Moderate Education Specialists wanting to earn a moderate/severe credential need to take the following courses for an additional 6 units: • ED366 Communication and Health Care Issues of Students with Moderate/Severe Disabilities (2 units) • ED309-SPS Teaching Learning Process (2 units) • ED309A-SPS Advisory for interns or ED309C-SPS for student teaching (2 units) Policy Handbook. CGU’s Preliminary Credential + MA Program Pathways to Earning Multiple Credentials page 18 Moderate/Severe Education Specialists wanting to earn a Mild/Moderate Credential Moderate/Severe Education Specialists wanting to earn a moderate/severe credential need to take the following courses for an additional 6 units: • ED396: Case Management and Effective Collaborative Practices in Special Education for Students with Mild to Moderate Disabilities (2 units) • • ED309-SPM Teaching Learning Process (2 units) ED309A-SPM Advisory for interns or ED309C-SPM for student teaching (2 units) General Education Candidates wanting to earn an Education Specialist Credential General Education teachers with a Multiple-Subject/Elementary Credential wanting to earn a mild/moderate or moderate/severe Education Specialist Credential need to submit a new/complete application. If admitted, these alumni take the following courses for a total of 28 units: • Phase I (6 units) o ED301SP Teaching Learning Process I (4 units) o ED301A-SP Pre Teaching Experience (2 units) • Phase II (Fall) (6 units) o ED303SP Teaching Learning Process II (2 units) o ED303A-SP Advisory (2 units) o ED396 Case Management (Mild/Moderate) OR ED366: Health Mobility Issues (2 units) • Phase II (Spring) (6 units) o ED305SP Teaching Learning Process III (2 units) o ED305A-SP Advisory (2 units) o ED338-1 Part 1 Advanced Behavior (2 units) • Phase III (10 units) o ED338-2 Part 2 Advanced Behavior (2 units) o ED309 Teaching Learning Process IV (4 units) o ED339 Evidence-Based Practices for Student with Disabilities (4 units) In addition to the courses listed above, General Education teachers with a Single-Subject Credential wanting to earn a mild/moderate or moderate/severe Education Specialist Credential must also… • Take ED343 multiple subject/ SPED Methods in Phase I (3 units). These additional credits make the program 31 units, not 28. • Pass the RICA Education Specialists Candidates wanting to earn a General Education Credential Education Specialists wanting to earn a Preliminary General Education Credential need to take additional coursework. The typical requirement involves the following three courses for a total of 6 units: • ED309-SPG-1: Teaching Learning Process General Education Section 1 (2 units) Policy Handbook. CGU’s Preliminary Credential + MA Program Pathways to Earning Multiple Credentials • • page 19 ED309-SPG-2 Teaching Learning Process General Education Section 2 (2 units) ED309A-SPG Advisory for interns or ED309C-SPM for student teaching (2 units): For Education Specialists who want to earn a Single-Subject Credential, the program is 9 units because they must additionally take: • Subject-specific methods course (3 units) Additionally, all Education Specialists must pass the subject specific CSET for the general education credential they are earning and pass the Teaching Performance Assessments 1-4. Policy Handbook. CGU’s Preliminary Credential + MA Program Attendance, Participation & Grading Policies page 20 Attendance, Participation & Grading Policies *Attendance and active participation in all Program classes, activities and events is critically important. Candidates who are absent, chronically tardy, and/or do not actively participate will not pass their Teacher Education courses and, hence, will not complete CGU’s Teacher Education Program. Attendance Policy All classes in the Program utilize the following Attendance & Tardy Policy: • The Program is participatory in nature. Being present and on time is vitally important. Candidates are expected to attend all Program classes/events/workshops/etc. (for the entire period) and to be on time. The same expectations hold for activities/events at clinical settings. • Being absent and/or late will adversely impact a Candidate’s grades. Being absent and/or tardy jeopardizes one’s passing grade in a class and jeopardizes one’s standing in the program. o If a Candidate misses 10% of a class, his/her grade is dropped a full grade (i.e., from an A to a B). o If a Candidate misses 20% of a class, his/her grade is dropped two full grades (i.e., from an A to a C). o If a Candidate misses 25% or more of a class, he/she automatically receives a “U” for the class. • If a Candidate needs to be absent, he/she should (if possible) notify his/her instructor, Master Teacher, and/or Faculty Advisor in advance. If advance contact is not possible, the Candidate should “check in” with the instructor and/or Faculty Advisor soon after the incurred absence. Master Teachers and school sites should be notified immediately when the Candidate is absent. Communication is vital. • Every absence from an academic class session requires a make-up assignment. With this said, Teacher Education Leadership and Faculty acknowledge that make-up assignments aren’t comparable to the missed activities and, as such, a make-up assignment cannot accurately be thought of as totally “making up” the absence (and, as such, there is a grade penalty even though the Candidate does a make-up assignment). Unless a different due date is given by the instructor in writing, make-up assignments are due seven calendar days from the incurred absence. Not submitting a make-up assignment or submitting one late will constitute an even lower course grade and could even constitute a “U” in the course. • If a Candidate is absent, it is his/her responsibility to find out from a peer what happened during the absence. A claim of “I didn’t know about that because I was absent” isn’t acceptable. • While is important for Candidates to secure employment, interviews should be conducted during “free time” (i.e., not when one is supposed to be in class or at a clinical setting). If this is not at all possible, the Candidate needs to notify the instructor and/or Master Teacher. Too many absences (even if they are for job interviews) will jeopardize the Candidate’s course grade and standing in the program. Policy Handbook. CGU’s Preliminary Credential + MA Program Attendance, Participation & Grading Policies page 21 Given the importance of attendance and active participation, time management is a critically important skill. Candidates are highly recommended to be cognizant of Program dates (see the Cohort Guide). Candidates struggling with time management are encouraged to contact their Faculty Advisor, Teacher Education’s General Education Coordinator, and/or Teacher Education’s Special Education Coordinator immediately. Participation Policy Equally important as being physically present is being appropriately engaged. The Program’s classes are based on collaborative engagement. As such, active engagement is a course requirement. In order to be actively engaged, one must be prepared for class. This entails having carefully read, annotated, and thought about the complete assignment before class starts. Furthermore, it means bringing the related text and needed materials to every class session. (In Teacher Education classes, Candidates will be engaged in closely examining the texts we read and the language that they use. As such, if a Candidate does have his/her text, then he/she isn’t prepared for class, even if the Candidate has read the assignment. Naturally, this admonition applies to downloaded texts and other related materials, such as student work samples, lesson plans, unit plans/lesson plan books, standards, etc.) More broadly speaking, engagement is also about how one actually behaves while in a class: Candidates are expected to ask questions, be curious, act collaborative, be respectful. Candidates are more than welcome to have a different interpretation of a text or situation or subject than a classmate or Faculty – but Candidates need to share their perspectives in a productive and collegial/professional manner. Candidates who are reluctant speakers or who are shy are encouraged to talk to their Faculty or, as a secondary measure, to contact CGU’s General Education Coordinator or Special Education Coordinator. We recognize that active engagement can “look” different for different people. However, teachers (and teacher candidates) need to have well developed verbal skills and, hence, being insufficiently verbal or communicative is a problem and could be grounds for not earning a passing grade in a Teacher Education class. Not being appropriately engaged in a class will negatively impact one’s grade and could be rationale enough for a Candidate receiving a “U” in a class. The Program’s classes use the following “Participation and Engagement Rubric” to help assess a Candidate’s level of participation. Candidates are expected to have “strong” ratings. For every “Needs Development” after one, the Candidate’s final grade in a course is lowered (i.e., from an A to an A-). If a Candidate has an “Unsatisfactory,” he/she receives a “U” for the class. Participation & Engagement Rubric Strong Listening Actively and respectfully listens to peers and instructors; fully engages in Needs Development Sometimes displays lack of interest in comments of others or activates at hand. Unsatisfactory Consistently projects lack of interest or disrespect for others. Actions are often Policy Handbook. CGU’s Preliminary Credential + MA Program Attendance, Participation & Grading Policies page 22 activities at hand. interpreted as being rude and/or dismissive and/or hostile. Is not engaged. Preparation Arrives fully prepared with all assignments completed, and notes on reading, observations, questions. Always has needed texts or materials. Sometimes arrives unprepared or with only superficial preparation. Consistently exhibits little evidence of having read or thought about assigned material or activities. Repeatedly has not brought needed texts or materials. Often is unable to sufficiently engage in the activities at hand. Quality of contributions Comments are relevant and reflect understanding of: assigned reading; previous remarks of other students; and insights about assigned material. Contributions insightfully draw a connection between the academic/theoretical and the practical/clinical. Contributions make insightful connection between the subject at hand and other scholarship, research, materials introduced previously in the Program. Comments are sometimes irrelevant or indicate lack of attention to previous remarks of other students. Some connection is drawn between the academic/theoretical and the practical/clinical. Some connection made between the subject at hand and other scholarship, research, materials introduced previously in the Program. Comments are often irrelevant or reflect a lack of attention to previous remarks of other students. Consistently there is insufficient connection drawn between the academic/theoretical and the practical/clinical. Consistently there is insufficient connection between the subject at hand and other scholarship, research, materials introduced previously in the Program. Impact on class Comments frequently helps move Comments sometimes advance the Consistently comments do not Policy Handbook. CGU’s Preliminary Credential + MA Program Attendance, Participation & Grading Policies Frequency of participation page 23 conversation forward and contributes to a productive learning environment. conversation, but sometimes do little to help move it forward or to foster a productive learning environment. advance the conversation or are actively harmful to it. Comments are often a detriment to a productive learning environment. Could include being insufficiently verbal or communicative. Actively participates at appropriate times Sometimes participates but at other times is "tuned out" or insufficiently participatory. Seldom participates and/or is generally not engaged and/or participatory. Grading for a Clinical Course The Program’s clinical experiences are courses. One’s grade in a clinical experience is reflective of a number of issues, including but not limited to the Candidate’s • development per the TPEs; • professionalism (including his/her professional disposition, judgment, and attitudes); • “coachability” and self-reflection; • attendance; • participation and engagement; • quality and timeliness of work. *In this program, a passing grade for a class with a clinical component is a B- or better. Receiving anything lower than a B- constitutes the Candidate receiving a “U” (Unsatisfactory) on his/her transcript. This may or may not be a higher standard than other programs at CGU. *Please note: Although the minimum grade for passing a class with a clinical component is a B-, a Candidate must earn a B+ or better in his/her Pre-Teaching Experience in order to be eligible for an Internship. In other words, a prerequisite for an Internship is having earned a B+ or better in the Pre-Teaching Experience. If a Candidate earns a B or B- in the Pre-Teaching Experience, he/she is eligible for a Residency (assuming all the other requirements are met). If a Candidate wants to be eligible for an Internship but earned a B or B- in the PreTeaching Experience, he/she has the option of retaking the Pre-Teaching Experience with the hopes of earning a higher grade. In this instance, the Candidate must pay for the retaken class and accepts the risk of earning a lower grade as the new grade “trumps” the original grade. Note: If the lower grade is a failing grade, the new failing grade “trumps” the original passing grade. As noted elsewhere, there are consequences for failing a class with a clinical component. This may or may not be a higher standard than other programs at CGU. Policy Handbook. CGU’s Preliminary Credential + MA Program Attendance, Participation & Grading Policies page 24 As noted earlier, a Candidate will receive a “U” if he/she is deemed to be unprofessional during a clinical experience and/or is deemed to be harmful to students’ learning and/or wellbeing. If a Candidate’s skills are thought to insufficiently promote student learning or a culture/environment of learning, the Candidate is deemed to be harmful to student learning and wellbeing and a “U” will be issued. A Candidate can be removed from a clinical setting mid-term. In all instances, the Candidate’s removal from a clinical setting can be initiated by various parties, including the Master Teacher, school personnel, or CGU. Being removed mid-term is associated with the Candidate getting a “U” in the related class. There are times when a Candidate is not removed from a clinical setting mid-term but is not invited back to the school/clinical site for a future term. In this instance, the Candidate will receive a “U” in the related class. If a Candidate receives a “U” in a class with a clinical component, he/she is dismissed from the Teacher Education Program. If one is dismissed from Teacher Education, he/she can apply to an MA program in the School of Educational Studies that is not associated with earning a California teaching credential; if admitted, select units from the Teacher Education would be able to apply to one’s new MA Program. Grading for an Academic Course One’s grade in an academic class is reflective of a number of issues, including but not limited to the Candidate’s • development per the TPEs; • professionalism (including his/her professional disposition, judgment, and attitudes); • self-reflection; • attendance; • participation and engagement; • quality and timeliness of work. In this program, a passing grade for an academic class is a C or better. Receiving anything lower than a C constitutes the Candidate receiving a “U” (Unsatisfactory) on his/her transcript. This may or may not be a higher standard than other programs at CGU. If a Candidate receives a “U” in an academic class, he/she has the opportunity to retake the class once. (Retaking the class mandates that the Candidate pays for the class again.) If the class is not passed on this second attempt, the Candidate is dismissed from the Teacher Education Program. If one is dismissed from Teacher Education, he/she can apply to an MA program in the School of Educational Studies that is not associated with earning a California teaching credential; if admitted, select units from the Teacher Education would be able to apply to one’s new MA Program Policy Handbook. CGU’s Preliminary Credential + MA Program Attendance, Participation & Grading Policies page 25 In many instances, not passing a course will grossly delay/extend a Candidate’s Program. This is so for two reasons: 1) Many of the Program’s classes are sequential in nature and hence have prerequisites and 2) Many of the Program’s classes are offered only once a year and, hence, the Candidate has to wait to have the opportunity to retake the class. In other instances, a Candidate is not given the opportunity to retake a failed class and, hence, the Candidate is dismissed from the Program altogether. Specifics regarding the Program’s grading policies and how they relate to dismissal can be found in another section of this Handbook (see “Attendance, Participation and Grading Policies”). Retaking a Class If a Candidate has to or wants to retake a class, the Candidate needs to register and pay for the class. If a Candidate retakes a clinically-based class, he/she accepts the risk of earning a lower grade as the new grade “trumps” the original grade. Please note: If the lower grade is a failing grade, the new failing grade “trumps” the original passing grade. As noted elsewhere, there are consequences for failing a class with a clinical component. This may or may not be a higher standard than other programs at CGU.œœ Mid-Term Progress Report Faculty are encouraged but not required to provide their Candidates, particularly those in jeopardy of failing a class, with a mid-term progress report. This report can be given at any point in the term. If uncertain as to his/her (grade) standing, a Candidate is encouraged to talk to his/her Faculty and ask for a Mid-Term Progress Report. If the Candidate’s discussions with Faculty does not provide the Candidate with the clarity he/she needs, the Candidate is encouraged to talk to Teacher Education’s General Education Coordinator or Special Education Coordinator. Incompletes There are times when a Candidate is unable to complete assigned work on time because of mitigating circumstances (i.e., bereavement, illness, life crisis, etc.). In such situations, it is in the purview of the Faculty to approve an “Incomplete” as a course grade. If this should happen, the Candidate completes an Incomplete Form, including a list of outstanding coursework and a proposed timeline for completion, and presents this to his/her Faculty Advisor. Faculty can approve or deny this request. (Note: If the Candidate fails to complete the work according to the established time-line, it is in the purview of the Faculty to issue a “U” for the course grade.) CGU’s Policies Regarding Academic Standing A minimum overall GPA of 3.0 in CGU’s Teacher Education Program is required to apply for a Preliminary Credential or a MA in Education. This may or may not be a higher standard than other programs at CGU. Additionally, CGU has policies regarding the number of Incompletes a student can have. Please consult CGU’s website for these policies. Having too many Incompletes can put one on Academic Probation. Policy Handbook. CGU’s Preliminary Credential + MA Program Glossary of Acronyms & Key Terms page 26 Glossary of Acronyms & Key Terms Like many professions, Teacher Education can be filled with jargon. Here is a glossary of some of the most common terms. CGU Claremont Graduate University SES School of Educational Studies TEP Teacher Education Program SPED A quick way to abbreviate Special Education TPA Teacher Performance Assessment. There are four TPA Tasks that must be passed by general education Candidates prior to filing for a California teaching credential. TPE Teacher Performance Expectations. These are the criteria upon which teachers and teacher Candidates are evaluated in the state of California. Sakai This is the web-based platform used by the Claremont Colleges. It is similar to “Blackboard.” TEP Candidates should routinely check their cohort’s Sakai tab for information. If the Candidate has trouble accessing Sakai, it is his/her responsibility to contact CGU for assistance. ENP Ethnographic Narrative Project Action Plan This is an anchor project for TEP. Candidates are asked to reflect upon the TPEs and, in light of the TPEs, to reflect upon their strengths and weaknesses. Candidates are asked to create an “Action Plan” to capitalize upon their strengths and to shore up their weaknesses. Candidates write an Action Plan in the Fall and one in the Spring. SSP Site Support Provider. All interns are expected to have a districtprovided SSP. The SSP should hold the same credential type as the intern, be available and willing to meet with the intern on a regular basis, and be available/willing to check in on a regular basis with the intern’s CGU Faculty Advisor. If an intern is not assigned an SSP or if the SSP does not meet with the inter, the intern needs to notify TEP Leadership immediately. Faculty Advisor During Phase II: The Internship/Residency Phase, the Candidate is assigned a mentor who provides on-site coaching to the Candidate; works with the Candidate’s Master Teacher or SSP; and helps to teach the Candidate’s classes at CGU. Policy Handbook. CGU’s Preliminary Credential + MA Program Glossary of Acronyms & Key Terms page 27 Master Teacher Master Teachers are the district-employed teachers who partner with CGU. They work with all TEP Candidates in the PreTeaching Experience of Phase I and residents in Phase II. Intern Candidates who find paid employment and work at a school on an internship credential during Phase II: The Internship/Residency Phase are called interns. They are supported by CGU Faculty Advisors and SSPs. Residents Candidates who are working under the tutelage of a CGU Master Teacher during Phase II: The Internship/Residency Phase are called residents. They are supported by CGU Faculty Advisors and CGU Master Teachers. LiveScan Clearance Before Candidates work at school sites, they need to have a FBI/Department of Justice Certificate of Clearance. This certificate is often done through a company called LiveScan. Cohort TEP utilizes a cohort structure where a group of students move through the program together as a group/cohort. The cohort structure helps the Candidate develop a peer-based support network. CBEST California Basic Skills Test. See http://www.cbest.nesinc.com/. Pass ASAP. CSET California Subject Examination for Teachers. See http://www.cset.nesinc.com/. Pass ASAP. RICA Reading Instruction Competence Test. See http://www.rica.nesinc.com. Multiple Subject and Education Specialists need to pass SIPP Summary Individual Program Plan A SIPP is created when a Candidate has an “I” on his/her record. IEP Individualized Educational Plan. IEP stands for “individual education plan”, which is part of the special education laws of the IDEA 97 (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Amendments of 1997) laws or education educational benefit laws. IDEA allows for additional services and protections for disabled children not offered to other children such as accommodations, modifications, and special education services to enable the child to be successful in school. “I” or Incomplete An instructor has the prerogative to give a student an Incomplete or “I” if additional time is needed to submit course assignments or to demonstrate needed competencies. Anytime an “I” grade is issued, the instructor must complete an “Incomplete Form” that articulates a timeline. If the timeline is not adhered, the student Policy Handbook. CGU’s Preliminary Credential + MA Program Glossary of Acronyms & Key Terms page 28 runs the risk of receiving an Unsatisfactory or a lower course grade. There are CGU policies regarding the number of Incompletes a student may have and policies regarding how long a student has to clean an incomplete. “U” or Unsatisfactory A course grade of a “U” means that the student has failed the course. Preliminary Credential California has a two-tier credential structure. A five-year Preliminary Credential is the first credential issued after an individual meets the basic requirements (through a program like CGU’s TEP…TEP Candidates are working towards their Preliminary Credential). A Clear Credentialed is issued when all credential requirements have been completed. BTSA California has a two-tier credential structure. A five-year Preliminary Credential is the first credential issued after an individual meets basic credential requirements (through a program like CGU’s TEP…TEP Candidates are working towards their Preliminary Credential). A Clear Credential is issued when all credential requirements have been completed. BTSA stands for Beginning Teacher Support and Assessment. Many districts have a BTSA Program that allows teachers with a Preliminary Credential to earn a Clear Credential. See http://www.btsa.ca.gov/ Clear Credential California has a two-tier credential structure. A person first earns a Preliminary Credential. Once the Preliminary Credential is earned, the person is a teacher. The teacher is then given a five year window to “clear” his/her Preliminary Credential in an Induction Program. One earns a “Clear Credential” from an Induction Program. General Education Teacher A General Education teacher is a teacher who has been specifically prepared to work primarily with students who do not have disabilities. Education Specialist An Education Specialist is a teacher who has been specifically prepared to work primarily with students who have disabilities.