FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
A. The Application
1.
How do I determine my academic eligibility?
The Office for Student Services will ultimately determine your academic eligibility for admission to the credential program. In order for us to accurately compute your grade point average and facilitate prompt action on your academic standing, you must submit official transcripts by the established deadlines. Remember, you must submit an official transcript for each college or university attended (except Cal State L.A.). Failure to submit transcripts in a timely manner will delay the processing of your application for admission and subsequent acceptance into the credential program.
2.What if my GPA is below the level required for program admission?
You may file a Special Action petition by the fourth week of the quarter prior to the quarter you apply to the Charter College of Education. For example, if you are applying for Fall quarter and need to meet the application deadline by
June 15 (spring quarter), you would need to submit a completed Special Action petition by the fourth week of Winter quarter to be considered. The minimum requirement for Special Action consideration is a 2.5 GPA earned on the last 90 units, and we recommend passage of the CBEST.
3.For which quarter am I applying for admission?
You are applying for admission for the quarter you are planning to enroll in EDCI300/EDSP300. For example, if you are planning to enroll in EDCI300/EDSP300 during the Fall, you need to apply by June 15. Remember, the Charter College of Education admits Multiple Subject and Single Subject applicants to the credential program only three times per year.
4When I turn in my application packet, will someone be available to review my packet at counter in the Office for Student Services?
No. The application packets are processed in the order received. You will receive correspondence regarding the status of your application after you have submitted all materials required in Step 2 (2.1 through 2.10). It is the student’s responsibility to submit all materials to our office by the deadline date.
B. Transcripts
1.Can the Office for Student Services request my transcripts?
No. You are responsible for requesting a complete set of official transcripts (excluding Cal State L.A.) The University’s Admissions Office keeps your official transcript that was submitted with your University application.
2.Should I ask my college or university to send my transcript to me or to the Office for Student Services?
You may ask your college or university to forward an official transcript to you or to the Office for Student Services, King Hall D2078. Remember, should you receive your official transcripts, do not open them. A transcript is official only if it is sealed and bears the seal of the college or university. Colleges and universities will only respond to written requests for transcripts. A sample form is included in this packet for your use/convenience.
3.What if I attended a college or university in a country other than the United States?(A list of foreign evaluation agencies is available in Student Services.)
You must contact one of the foreign transcript evaluation agencies for a complete translation and detailed evaluation of the foreign transcripts. The official evaluation must then be submitted to the Charter College of Education Office for Student Services. Please be aware that a bachelor’s degree at some foreign colleges or universities is not equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in the United States.
C. Certificate of Clearance
1.What is the fee for the Certificate of Clearance?
Using Livescan form – Total cost is approximately $80 ($27.50 payable to the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing plus livescan agency fee). You can obtain Livescan instructions in the Office for Student Services, KH D2078.
2.Where do I send the Certificate of Clearance application forms?
California Commission on Teacher Credentialing
1900 Capitol Avenue
Box 944270
Sacramento, CA 94244-2700
3.What if I have been cleared through my school district?
You must have verification that you have been cleared by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing to receive credit for this requirement. Provide a copy of your Certificate of Clearance, emergency permit, pre-intern, waiver, or previous credential.
4.What if I am a teacher's aide?
You must apply for the Certificate of Clearance. Generally, the fingerprints taken when you were hired as an aide were not forwarded to the Commission on Teacher Credentialing for clearance.
5.When can I expect to receive my Certificate of Clearance?
Allow approximately two months for the processing and forwarding of your Certificate of Clearance; the Certificate will be mailed to you from Sacramento. Please be sure to provide a copy to the Office for Student Services during EDCI300/EDSP300.
6.How do I verify my application for the Certificate of Clearance to Student Services Office?
Provide a copy of the canceled check, money order, or a postal receipt of certified mailing.
7.How should I fill out the Agency and Address section on the back of the fingerprint card?
Leave it blank.
D. TB Skin Test or Chest X-Ray – Must be within one year.
1.What if I have taken the TB test through my school district?
Provide a copy of the test results issued by your school district.
2.Where can I obtain a TB test or Chest X-Ray?
If you are currently a Cal State L.A. student, you may obtain a TB skin test or chest X-ray at the campus Health Center for a small fee or visit your private doctor.
E. Program Planning- If this is not completed by the student, he or she will automatically receive “no credit” in EDCI 300 or EDSP 300.
1.How do I contact an advisor for program planning?
Multiple Subject and Single Subject candidates: Advisement hours for faculty in the Division of Curriculum and Instruction are posted in the Division Office, KH C2097 and the Office for Student Services, KH D2078. Advisement is usually conducted on a walk-in basis only, 10 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Monday - Thursday, and until 4:30 p.m. on Fridays.
Single Subject credential candidates who will meet subject matter competency through the completion of coursework must also meet with the credential adviser for the selected discipline. (A list of subject area advisers is posted in the Office for Student Services...you may need to call for an appointment with the subject area department offices.)
Special Education candidates: Students must attend a group advisement meeting where they will be assigned an individual program adviser. The division office is located in KH C1064; hours of operation are Monday - Thursday, 8 a.m. –
6 p.m., and on Saturdays 8 a.m. -12 noon.
2.Will the faculty member who does my program plan be my adviser throughout my credential program?
Usually, unless you choose another adviser or are assigned a new adviser by the Division Chair.
3.What will I receive from the program plan meeting?
You will receive a copy of your written program plan and answers to your questions.
4.How do I verify that I have completed program planning?
Your original program plan is sent to the Office for Student Services, reviewed by a second faculty advisor, and placed in your file. Notification will be sent to you if a problem is detected.
5.What is an approved subject matter program?
Single subject credential candidates can demonstrate subject matter competency either by:
- passage of the appropriate subject-matter examination(s) as specified by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing * (PRAXIS and/or SSAT/CSET examination(s)).
- completion of a Commission approved subject-matter program.
* Not available to students seeking a Single Subject credential in Physical Education.
Education Specialist (except Early Childhood Special Education) candidates must complete an approved multiple subject preparation program at Cal State L.A. or the Multiple Subject Assessment Test (MSAT) or California Subject Examination for Teachers (CSET) to verify completion of this requirement. If you completed an approved multiple subject preparation program as an undergraduate student on another campus, you must submit written verification of completion (an original letter from the individual at that campus who is authorized by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing to sign waiver verifications).
Students in Early Childhood Special Education are not required to take CSET or
MSAT, however they must have an undergraduate degree in Child Development
or equivalent (see advisor to determine equivalent) and experience with children
under 5 years of age.
Multiple Subject candidates must meet subject matter competency by examination through CSET/MSAT.
Note: Verification of subject matter competence is a prerequisite for directed teaching in all teaching credential programs.
F. CBEST
1.Where do I register for the CBEST?
CBEST information bulletins are available in the Office for Student Services, King Hall D2078, or Curriculum & Instruction KH C2097. Information bulletins provide test registration information. You may also register online at http://www.cbest.nesinc.com
2.How often is the CBEST offered?
The CBEST is typically offered six times per year. Check the CBEST information bulletin for details.
G. Speech Proficiency
1.How do I register for the COMM 151: Speech Prof Assess for Teachers?
You may register for COMM 151 through STAR or GET (please check the Schedule of Classes for course offerings). Be sure to register for both the lecture and the activity sections of the course. Visit the department office, located in MUS 104 or call (323) 343-4200 for a required permit to enroll.
H. Writing Proficiency Examination
1.What if I have taken a writing proficiency exam at a campus other than a CSU campus?
You should file a petition with evidence for exemption from this requirement in the Office of Curriculum and Assessment, KH D2070. To avoid a delay in your acceptance to the credential program, plan to satisfy this requirement during your first quarter of enrollment.
2.How do I register for UNIV 400 (WPE/GWAR)?
You must pay the fee for the exam at the same time you pay registration fees, then enroll for UNIV 400 through STAR (Student Telephone Assisted Registration) or GET (Golden Eagle Territory).
3.Can I waive the writing proficiency examination?
If you are a graduate student and you scored 41 or better on the CBEST writing exam, xerox a copy of your original CBEST scores and show a staff member of the Office for Student Services both documents for verification.
I. When will I hear about the status of my credential program application?
Approximately six to eight weeks after the application deadline, the Office for Student Services will send a letter regarding the status of your application. It is the student’s responsibility to verify acceptance to the University and to follow all deadlines regarding payment of registration fees and enrollment in classes.
J. Must I complete a professional portfolio?
Yes, each candidate seeking a teaching credential is required to complete a professional portfolio. The introduction to teaching course (i.e., EDCI 300 or EDSP 300) will focus on developing the portfolio, work should continue as you progress through subsequent course work and directed teaching experiences.
K. How is my GPA for the last 90 units calculated?
Our office takes your most current grades and goes backward to obtain your last 90 quarter units and/or last 60 semester points. When going backwards to obtain your last 90 units, we take the entire quarter/semester of grades and units. For example:
|
Quarters
|
Units
|
Points
|
|
Fall ’01
|
12
|
36
|
|
Spring ’01
|
15
|
30
|
|
Winter ’01
|
14
|
38.5
|
|
Fall ’00
|
18
|
50.2
|
|
Spring ’00
|
18
|
54
|
|
Fall ’99
|
15
|
47.5
|
|
Totals
|
92
|
256.2
|
256.2 divided by 92 = 2.78 GPA
Note:
All semester system junior colleges and universities must be converted to quarter system by taking the total units and points and multiplying by 1.5.
(Example: 54 semester units (x 1.5) = 81 quarter units.)
For example:
|
Units |
Points |
| CSULA(g) |
8 |
28 |
| CSULA(xe) |
4 |
16 |
| ELAC |
81 |
228 |
| Totals |
93 |
264 |
(54 sem units X 1.5 = 81; 152 sem grade points X 1.5 = 228)
264 divided by 93 = 2.83 GPA
Student Worksheet:
Note: Must convert to quarter units and points first!
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Total Points _________ divided by Total Units _________ = _______ (gpa)
(must be at least 90 quarter units)
Clinical Rehabilitative Services Credential: Orientation and Mobility (for visual impairments and blindness)
Credentials offered by the Communications Disorders Department, College of Health and Human Services:
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
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