Non-Coursework Requirements

 

In addition to coursework there are other Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC) requirements that need to be met in order to complete the credential program. These requirements include:

 

• Early Field Experience
  Early field experience is completed prior to admission or during your first term in the program. It consists of 40 hours completed in a public school setting reflecting the credential being sought.
  
  
• Certificate of Clearance, Negative TB test, valid CPR certification and immunizations
  These requirements need to be met within the first session and prior to doing any coursework that requires observation or fieldwork in a K-12 setting. Please see your program handbook for more information about these requirements. Some Pre-K settings require immunizations. Please check with your campus clinical coordinator to see if this applies to you.
  
  
• US Constitution Requirement
  Candidates must meet this requirement prior to completing any clinical practice. Please see your program handbook for more information.
  
  
• Subject Matter Competency
  You must verify subject matter competency by completing a subject matter preparation program or by providing verification of passing scores on the appropriate subject matter exam (CSET) prior to applying for clinical practice, with the exception of candidates in the early childhood special education program. This requirement does not apply to the Early Childhood Special Education program.
  
  
• Reading Instruction Competency (RICA) Exam
  Candidates in the multiple subject and education specialist (special education)  programs (with the exception of early childhood special education) must take and pass the RICA exam before filing for your credential. The exam tests your ability to teach reading and should be taken immediately after completion of EDMU 520 and EDMU 521. Brandman offers workshops each session to support you in preparing to take the exam.
  
  
• California Teaching Performance Assessment (CalTPA)
  Candidates in the multiple and single subject credential programs must complete Teaching Performance Assessment developed by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing and administered by Pearson. The TPA consisted of 2 Cycles and is completed during student teaching. The performance assessment demonstrates your ability to meet Teacher Performance Expectations (TPEs).
  • Cycle 1- focuses on getting to know your students’ assets and needs, and using that information for instructional planning.
  • Cycle 2 -focuses on assessing during instruction, student learning, and using multiple assessment outcomes to plan for and promote learning for all students.
    
    
• Exit Portfolio
  Candidates in the Education Specialist credential programs must complete an exit portfolio at the end of their program. The E-portfolio includes artifacts from coursework and student teaching that demonstrate your competencies in  the TPEs. You provide reflections where you discuss your mastery of the TPEs, key insights gained from the program related to the TPEs, as well as your strengths and areas for growth. You should begin your portfolio in your first course and add to it throughout your program. The portfolio is reviewed by faculty and evaluated based on a rubric. Please see the portfolio handbook for step by step directions.