Lillybeth Sasis

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Teaching Middle School Introductory Subject
Matter Authorizations

• Lillybeth Sasis
• Assistant DirectorCenter for Careers in Teaching

http//www.fullerton.edu/cct
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What Does It Take To Become A Middle School
Teacher?

• Bachelors Degree
• Teaching Credential

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What does a teacher need to know?

• Subject matter (GE, Major)
• How to teach (Pedagogy) Credential Program

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Subject Matter Competency

• All teachers need to prove that they know their
  stuff, in their subject area(s)

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What Kind of Teaching Credential is Required?

• Multiple Subject?
• Single Subject?

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Complicated Pathways

• More complicated because there are several
  pathways
• No Child Left Behind and its effects on subject
  matter competency

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No Child Left Behind

• The federal No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) of
  2001 contains specific teacher requirements that
  must be met by all public school teachers who
  teach core academic subjects.
• All teachers must meet the Highly Qualified
  Teacher (HQT) requirement.

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No Child Left Behind

• Highly Qualified Teacher (HQT)
• Bachelors degree
• Certified to teach in California (Credential)
• Establish subject matter competence

Middle/High SchoolExam or Degree in Subject
taught
ElementaryExam Only - CSET
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How is Subject Matter Competency Established for
Middle/High School Teachers?

• California
• State-Approved Subject Matter Preparation Program
  (SMPP)
• SMPP considered equivalent to a degree
• CSET Exam Single Subject

• Definition of the Federal Government
• Bachelors Degree equivalent to the subject
  identified on the credential is sufficientOR
• Exam

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Routes for a Middle School Teacher

• Easiest Route
• Single Subject Credential
• SMPP or CSET

• More Complicated Routes
• Multiple Subject Credential Add Introductory
  Subject Matter Authorization which requires 32
  units
• Multiple Subject Credential Add Single Subject
  Credential Authorization which requires CSET and
  Secondary Education Methods Course.

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Introductory Subject Matter Authorization (ISMA)

• Offered as of January 2005
• 32-units meeting certain requirements
• Considered the equivalent of a degree in the
  subject and meets NCLB

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Example English

• 32-units in English with the content areas of
  grammar or language structure, advanced
  composition, speech, drama or theatre, and
  literature

Check out the CCT website for more
information!!!http//www.fullerton.edu/cct
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Visit the CCT Web Site!!!!

• http//www.fullerton.edu/cct

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Teaching is
A work of heart!