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There are two sets of requirements that teachers
must meet to be certified to teach middle school in California
after June 30, 2006. One set of regulations, driven by Federal
legislation (NCLB), requires that every student be taught by a “highly
qualified teacher.” The other set of regulations is being
driven by State certification rules.
Federal Regulations
The process to meet Federal regulations (NCLB)
is fairly clear:
A teacher who is new to the profession (i.e. received a credential
on or after July 1, 2002 or enrolled in an approved intern program
after July 1, 2002) may become NCLB compliant with one of the following:
- Exam (i.e. pass Math CSET Parts I
and II)
- Coursework (i.e. approved subject
matter program, major, coursework equivalent to a major, or a
graduate degree in the subject area)
- Advanced Certification (i.e. National Board Certification
in subject area)
A teacher who is not new to the profession (i.e.
received a credential before July 1, 2002 or enrolled in an approved
intern program for less than 3 years before July 1, 2002) may become
NCLB compliant with one of the following:
- Exam (i.e. pass Math CSET Parts
I and II)
- Coursework (i.e. approved subject
matter program, major, coursework equivalent to a major, or graduate
degree in subject area)
- Advanced Certification (i.e. National
Board Certification in subject area)
- HOUSSE Certification in core area
State Certification Rules
In January 2005, California announced updated
certification regulations for middle school teachers. The Supplementary
Authorization (30 quarter units of college level mathematics) will
continue to be issued, and may be added to an existing credential.
It permits the holder to teach mathematics typically included in
curriculum guidelines for grades 9 and below (i.e. Geometry). The
Subject Matter Authorization (48 quarter units of college level
mathematics) may be added to an existing credential and it also
permits the holder to teach mathematics typically included in curriculum
guidelines for grades 9 and below (i.e. Geometry). The Subject
Matter Authorization is considered “coursework equivalent
to a major”.
The decision whether an individual needs to
hold a Supplementary or Subject Matter Authorization is an employment
issue, and the
California Commission on Teacher Credentialing makes it clear
that
this should be addressed by local employing agencies (i.e. School
Districts). In other words, CCTC issues teaching certificates
only, and is being careful NOT to get involved in NCLB compliance
issues.
Where does MCPT Fit?
All core coursework for MCPT may be applied
towards authorizations to teach middle school mathematics or to
satisfy NCLB compliance requirements. The eight-course MCPT Program
is the ONLY comprehensive Supplementary Authorization Program approved
by CCTC for a Supplementary Authorization. The twelve-course MCPT
program is considered coursework equivalent to a major in for the
teaching of middle school mathematics.
Additional Information
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