Single Subject / Multiple
Subject Credential / CBEST / CSET - Updated Fall 2006
Single
Subject Instruction Credential:
(Primarily for Secondary
Schools)
A teacher authorized
for Single Subject instruction may be assigned to teach this subject at any
grade level - pre-school through classes for adults. In practice, most
teachers with Single Subject authorization teach in junior or senior high
schools, grades 7-12.
A candidate lacking
this major background may validate competency by passing an examination in a
specified subject matter category. No minor is required.
Multiple-Subject Instruction Credential:
(Liberal Studies / Elementary
School Teaching)
A teacher authorized
for Multiple Subject instruction may be assigned to teach in any
self-contained, multiple subject classroom - pre-school through classes for
adults. In practice, most teachers with Multiple Subject authorization
teach in Early Childhood and Elementary Education, pre-school through grade
six.
Completion of the
courses recommended below will partially satisfy requirements for the
Liberal Studies elementary school teaching option offered at the indicated
CSU's and UCR. The courses are part of a curriculum that can be
started at a community college and completed at the CSU or UCR. The
entire curriculum is designed for individuals who seek the pre-professional
subject matter preparation for elementary school teaching consistent with
the standards established by the California Commission on Teacher
Credentialing.
According to
California law, any major can be selected to partially satisfy elementary
school teacher preparation requirements. A Liberal Studies major
however, is recommended because it provides the best preparation for future
elementary school teachers. At most universities, the Liberal Studies
major incorporates professional and subject matter content included in the
California Teaching Standards for elementary school instruction.
With
the recent enactment of the No Child Left Behind federal regulations, school
districts are now requiring a passing score on the California Subject
Examination for Teachers (CSET) for all new teachers hired. It is
recommended that students take the CSET after transfer, per the advice of
university department or credential advisors. The CSET is administered
by the National Evaluation System, Inc. It is a five-hour test
consisting of three separate subtests, each containing both multiple-choice
and essay questions. Subtest I measures knowledge in reading, language
and literature, history and social science; Subtest II covers science and
mathematics; and Subtest III includes physical education, human development;
visual and performing arts. Once a subtest has been passed, it does not have
to be taken again, as long as the score is used toward certification within
five years of the testing date. For further information on the CSET,
visit the CSET website at
www.cset.nesinc.com.
Students who wish to
choose an academic major other than Liberal Studies in order to prepare for
elementary school teaching should schedule an appointment with their
counselor.
Students who choose
a liberal arts major in order to benefit from a broad interdisciplinary
liberal arts education and do not wish to pursue elementary school teaching
should see a Cerritos College counselor for advisement. Requirements
may vary from those listed below.
An Associate in Arts
Degree in Liberal Studies is not available at Cerritos College.
Students may however, declare Liberal Arts & Science-General, as a major.
It is recommended
that students seeking a teaching credential take the CBEST (California Basic
Educational Skills Test) the semester before transferring to a university.
The CBEST is an entrance requirement for most university credential
programs. The CBEST verifies proficiency in reading, mathematics, and writing.
Passing the CBEST is a requirement for obtaining a teaching credential
issued by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing and is required
prior to student teaching. A test fee is required. For more
information, log onto
www.cbest.nesinc.com
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