Education

www.cpp.edu/~education/

Jann Pataray-Ching, Chair

FERP/PRTB Faculty

Ruth Ahn
Shahnaz Lotfipour
Nancy Prince-Cohen
Janeen Volsey

Participating Faculty

Lara Killick, Adapted Physical Education
Kimberly Miller, Agriculture
Dewey Hall, English
Laurie Riggs, Mathematics
Janine Riveire, Music
Lara Killick, Physical Education
Michael Slaughter, Social Sciences
Paul Beardsley, Sciences
Amalia Llombart, Spanish

The Education Department at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona is committed to the pursuit of excellence in education and to the search for new knowledge about the teaching and learning process. The university, through the Department of Education, accepts the responsibility for the preparation of future P-12 educators, and strives to provide equal educational opportunities for all qualified candidates who wish to become teachers, administrators, and educational leaders.

Vision

We will be the model for developing socially just educators who provide quality instruction, embrace local and global challenges, inspire innovation, and work collaboratively to improve school and community outcomes. 

Mission Statement

We empower transformative educators who advocate for justice and equity for all learners.

Core Values

• Equity, Racial, & Social Justice: 
  We believe in the anti-racist work of educators, to critically analyze systemic inequities within schools and communities, examining our own beliefs and biases. We boldly advocate for intentional pedagogies that include voices and lived experiences of those who have been historically disenfranchised. 

• Academic Excellence: 
  We promote academic excellence and intellectual curiosity through students’ critical engagement with an evidence-based culture and our faculty’s teaching, scholarship and service.

• Student Success: 
  We model student-centered pedagogy and services that engage, challenge and support students; build on community cultural wealth, students’ strengths and funds of knowledge; and enhance personal well-being to ensure their professional success. 

• Experiential Learning: 
  We are committed to an integrative, polytechnic approach to equitable education through experiential, applied, collaborative learning, innovation and inquiry. We empower educational leaders to challenge the boundaries of knowledge by fostering reflective and critical thinking, creativity, informed risk-taking and continuous learning.

• Inclusiveness: 
  We believe that all means all students: Inclusive education is a social justice issue. The diversity of our backgrounds, funds of knowledge, identities, cultures, languages, literacies and abilities is an asset that enhances our TK-12, university, and greater communities. 

• Social and Environmental Responsibility: 
  As global citizens, we engage with community partners and stakeholders fostering reciprocal relationships and collective action to advance social justice, ethical citizenship, and environmental sustainability for future generations.

General Information

All programs for candidates seeking educator credentials are approved and monitored by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC). Since credential programs described in this publication are subject to change, candidates are urged to seek current information concerning new credential requirements and deadlines from appropriate advisors in the Education Department. Information concerning teacher-preparation programs at Cal Poly Pomona may be obtained from the department website and Credential Services Office.

Teacher Education is central to the mission of the CSU and a priority at both the system and campus levels. Cal Poly Pomona embraces the preparation of teachers as a responsibility shared by all. Thus, the preparation of educators at Cal Poly Pomona is a university-wide function.  Faculty members from each subject area specialization in discipline-related colleges provide the connection between the subject matter content knowledge and the art and science of teaching.

Cal Poly Pomona’s credential programs are fully accredited by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. Programs that are offered lead to the following credentials and areas of specialization:

1. Basic or Initial Teaching Credential Programs:  

• Multiple Subject (elementary education)
• Single Subject (secondary education)
  •  Agricultural Education/Agriculture Specialist
  •  Art
  •  English
  •  History/Social Science
  •  Mathematics (including Foundational Mathematics)
  •  Music
  •  Physical Education/Adapted PE
  •  Science: Biology, Chemistry, Geoscience, Physics, Foundational Science
  •  World Languages: Spanish
• Preliminary Education Specialist (special education) Mild to Moderate Support Needs
• Preliminary Education Specialist (special education) Extensive Support Needs
• Agriculture Specialist

Note(s): The Teacher Intern pathway is available in all basic credentials listed above. The Bilingual Authorization for Spanish or Asian (Mandarin/Cantonese) languages may be added concurrently or after completing any of the basic credentials listed above. See section of Advanced Credentials and Added Authorizations.

2. Advanced Credential and Added Authorization Programs: 

• Adapted Physical Education Added Authorization
• Administrative Services Preliminary Credential Tier I and Tier II
• Bilingual Authorization in Spanish and Asian (Mandarin Chinese) languages

Advising and Orientation Sessions

Educator candidates should initiate contacts and appointments for appropriate program advising early in their undergraduate program.  Since it is possible to begin the credential program in the undergraduate years, it is recommended that contact be made with the Credential Service Office by the end of the sophomore year.  Students may petition up to 9 units of credential course work completed while an undergraduate student to count towards credential and graduate credit.

Credential information and requirements may be obtained at the Credential Services Website. Orientation sessions are held during each academic semester. Detailed information on session dates and locations is available online. Academic advisors are also assigned to individuals seeking a credential upon application to the program. Advice regarding the academic major is available in the academic discipline department appropriate to the credential be sought.

State and CSU credential regulations require students to verify subject matter content knowledge for the credential sought via a variety of options. Subject matter competence is required of all students prior to program admission.

Cal Poly Pomona has approved subject matter authorization programs in each the following areas for teacher candidates planning to enter the Single Subject Credential Program:

The Education Department offers orientation sessions for each of the basic credential programs. Attendance at or completion of the online orientation session is required for admission to a program. Detailed information on orientation dates and locations is available from the Credential Services Office and online.

Requirements for Teaching Credentials

The California State requirements for earning a Preliminary Multiple Subject, Preliminary Single Subject Credential, or Preliminary Education Specialist Credential include:

1. A baccalaureate (or higher) degree, in any major other than professional education, from an accredited institution.
2. Verification of basic skills requirement.
3. Satisfactory completion of at least 2 semester or 3 quarter units of work on the provisions and principles of the Constitution of the United States or successfully passing the appropriate U.S. Constitution examination.
4. Satisfactory completion of an approved program of professional preparation, including Clinical Practice.
5. Demonstration of subject matter competence in the initial credential area, achieved through (a) completion of an approved subject-matter preparation program with no grade lower than a C with an overall GPA of 2.75 approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing, (b) passing the appropriate sections of the CSET, or (c) a combination of both.
6. Multiple Subject and Education Specialist Credential candidates must pass the Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA) before being recommended for a Preliminary Credential.
7. Satisfactory completion of a course requirement in health issues in schools.
8. Possess a current CPR card including CPR for adults, children, and infants.
9. Satisfactory completion of training in the needs and methods of providing educational opportunities to individuals with exceptional needs. EDU 5302  meets this requirement.
10. Evidence of computer competence.
11. Completion of state mandated CalTPA (Teaching Performance Assessment).

Candidates may be recommended for a preliminary credential upon completion of requirements 1-11.

Admission through Program Completion Procedures for Basic Credential Programs

Applications are required at various points in the program as candidates transition through each phase of the program. The applications are required to ensure that all standards of performance are met at the various stages of the program. The process for obtaining a teaching credential includes the following steps:

1. Application and admission to Cal Poly Pomona (CSU application)
2. Application and admission to the specific educator preparation program
3. Application and admission to Clinical Practice (Clinical Practice or intern application) for Multiple Subject, Single Subject, and Education Specialist candidates.
4. Application for the credential.

STEP 1: APPLICATION AND ADMISSION TO CAL POLY POMONA

Preliminary Credential Program Application. Admission into the credential program is a two-step process; university admission and program admission. Post-baccalaureate students should refer to the Program Admission Checklist and Integrated Teacher Education Program (ITEP) students should refer to the ITEP Program Admission Checklist. You may contact the Credential Services Office for your intended program with questions related to these program admission requirements at (909) 869-4400.

STEP 2: REQUIREMENTS FOR ADMISSION TO THE BASIC CREDENTIAL PROGRAMS

The program admissions process is a holistic process that includes required data, application forms, tests, writing samples, and at least one interview. A selection committee takes into account all candidate data.  The committee is composed of department representatives who make recommendations regarding application to the program.  Complete admissions information and forms are available online. Criteria for program admission is subject to change by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing and the California State University Office of the Chancellor. The most current information at the time of this publication is available on the website provided above.

Credential program admission requirements include:

PRELIMINARY CREDENTIAL APPLICATION CHECKLIST

Admission into the credential program is a two-step process; university admission and program admission. Please use the checklists above and the information on the Program Admission website as a guide. You may contact the Credential Services Office for your intended program with questions related to these program admission requirements at (909) 869-4400.

*Credentialed teachers returning for an additional credential: submit all items except 4,5 7 & 8

1. Application to Cal Poly Pomona ($70 fee)
2. Application to the Credential Program ($25 fee)
3. Certificate of Clearance
4. Basic Skills Requirement:     
   • CBEST passing scores
     OR
   • Verification of state approved options for meeting the basic skills requirement
5. Subject Matter Competence:
   • Passing scores for CSET (all sections)
     OR
   • Subject Matter Preparation Program Verification
     OR
   • A combination of coursework and examination options that meet or exceed the domains of the subject matter requirements. Such mixing of options may only be done by candidates enrolled in a Commission-approved preparation program that allows for this option. 
     ​OR
   • Successful completion of an academic major in the subject they will teach.
     • Multiple Subject: Liberal Studies or an interdisciplinary major that includes coursework in the content areas identified in subdivision (b) of California Ed. Code section 44282
     • Single Subject: The major must be in one of the subjects named in California Ed. Code section 44257(a): Agriculture, Art, Business, Dance, English, World Language, Health Science, Home Economics, Industrial and Technology Education, Mathematics, Music, Physical Education, Science, Social Science, Theater.
     • Education Specialist: The major must align with one of the acceptable majors for the Multiple or Single Subject credentials (above).
6. Complete program orientation (online or virtual)
7. TB Clearance
8. US Constitution (CSU graduates already have this) or plan to complete
9. Field Experience Verification
10. Statement of Purpose
11. Statement of Exceptional Admission (if you are missing any items or if your overall GPA is below 2.5 or last 60 semester units below 2.75)
12. The names and contact information for individuals who can provide Academic and Experience with Youth recommendations on your behalf (from a professional who has directly observed your work for a minimum of 20 hours in a TK-12 setting).
13. Student Program Plan

The official method of communication is through your Cal Poly Pomona email. You will be contacted via CPP email to schedule your entrance interview within two weeks of the application deadline. You will also be contacted via CPP email to schedule a program plan meeting with a faculty advisor. You must submit your plan to the Credential Services Office and have your program plan approved to register for courses. 

STEP 3: ADMISSION TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

1. Application for Clinical Practice: Submit to the Credential Analyst by the deadline. Application deadlines are posted on the Clinical Practice website.  Candidates seeking supervision on an Intern Credential must have previously completed the Intern Elibility request, have an appropriate offer of employment, and have been accepted as a teacher intern.  All candidates must attend a mandatory, credential specific orientation.
2. Completion of all courses prior to beginning Clinical Practice. If the applicant is concurrently pursuing the Bilingual Authorization, all Bilingual Authorization emphasis courses must also be completed prior to the beginning of Clinical Practice. Candidates for the Bilingual Authorization must meet the Spanish or Chinese language competency requirement prior to Clinical Practice enrollment.
3. Verification of an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher in all professional education courses and 2.75 minimum GPA in all subject matter courses. A grade lower than a “C” will require that the candidate repeat the course and earn at least a B grade. Only grades of credit/no credit are assigned for Clinical Practice.
4. Verification of the completion of all conditions and/or prerequisites identified at the time of program admission.
5. Verification the candidate is in good standing with the program. See statement of Concern.
6. Current T.B. test with negative results (results are valid for four years) or chest x-ray.
7. Valid Certificate of Clearance registered on CTC website.

    Clinical Practice Policies

• STUDENTS ARE NOT PERMITTED TO ARRANGE THEIR OWN PLACEMENTS
  It is the responsibility of the Cal Poly Pomona Office of Clinical Practice to find suitable placement for ALL teacher students in Clinical Practice. Students may not, at any time, approach school staff or district offices attempting to make arrangements for their own placement. 

• STUDENTS ARE NOT PERMITTED TO ARRANGE THEIR OWN PLACEMENTS
  It is the responsibility of the Cal Poly Pomona Office of Clinical Practice to find suitable placement for ALL teacher students in Clinical Practice. Students may not, at any time, approach school staff or district offices attempting to make arrangements for their own placement. 

• STUDENT WITHDRAWAL AFTER PLACEMENT IS REQUESTED 
  A student who withdraws their Clinical Practice Application after placement has been requested will be ineligible to re-apply for the term of withdrawal. Student is required to complete and submit the Clinical Practice Withdrawal Form to the office of Clinical Practice.

• STUDENT WHO IS A “NO SHOW” FOR CLINICAL PRACTICE 
  Barring unusual circumstances, a student who chooses not to report to his or her Clinical Practice assignment without advance notice to the school site and the Office of Clinical Practice will be ineligible to re-apply for the term of withdrawal and the following term. “No Show” students may not withdraw again under any circumstances or they will be permanently separated from the program.

• STUDENT WHO WITHDRAWS FOR A SECOND OCCURRENCE 
  If a student chooses to withdraw from Clinical Practice a second time for a subsequent term, the student may be separated from the program and may not re-apply.

STEP 4: APPLICATION FOR THE CREDENTIAL

In the final stage of Clinical Practice candidates receive an email from the Credential Services Office with instructions on how to apply for the credential. When the application is submitted, the program Credential Analyst completes an evaluation of the candidate’s coursework and verifies that all other requirements have been met. The Credential Recommendation form and instructions can be found online.

Statement of Concern

The Education Department uses a Statement of Concern process to address significant issues related to student conduct, integrity, and/or persistent unsatisfactory performance in courses and Clinical Practice that may prevent the student from successfully completing the credential program. The process includes

• A report to the Program Coordinator and Department Chair indicating issue(s) of concern that may prevent the candidate from successfully completing the credential program.
• A meeting with the student, faculty/staff that initiated the report, the Program Coordinator and/or Department Chair and/or referral to the Office of Student Conduct and Integrity, if appropriate. The meeting is an opportunity for the student to explain what happened from the student’s perspective.  The meeting is educational, not adversarial, and all parties are expected to be honest and forthcoming during the process
• A decision to dismiss the report or issue a Statement of Concern.

Performance issues in courses are handled by the instructor of record for the course in consultation with the Program Coordinator and/or Department Chair.  Significant performance concerns in Clinical Practice are handled by the University Supervisor, the Program Coordinator, and/or the Department Chair. Reasons for concern include, but are not limited to:

• Violations of the university Student Conduct Code
• Violations of university or department policies
• Violations of district or school policies
• Excessive absenteeism and/or tardiness
• Inability to appropriately relate to and work with students, families, peers, staff, faculty and/or administrators
• Inappropriate use of technology.

The Department Statement of Concern, written by the Program Coordinator, includes the following:

•  A description of the area(s) of concern that may prevent a candidate from advancing, successfully completing the credential program, and/ or being recommended for a credential.
• An action plan that provides guidelines for the candidate to address the identified area(s) of concern with deadline(s) for completion to remain in good standing
• Consequences and/or resulting consequences, if the action guidelines are not met.
• The signatures of the parties.

A copy of the Statement of Concern is placed in the student’s records file and the candidate may submit a rebuttal to the statement and/or appeal to the Education Department Appeals and Reinstatement Committee.

Any action plan deliverables are submitted to the Program Coordinator who, after consultation and careful consideration with the Department Chair, makes a determination of the student’s status and any consequences and/or follow-up, which may include removal from Clinical Practice or being exited from the program.  

• A student who receives a Statement of Concern at any point during the program will be on probationary standing until the term(s) of the action plan are resolved.
• A student who receives two Statements of Concern at any point during the program will be subject to removal from the program and will not be eligible to reapply for admission or be recommended for a credential.

Appeals

Students may appeal Statement of Concerns, withdrawal, removal from the program and/or recommendation decisions to the Education Department Appeals and Reinstatement Committee. The student must submit their appeal request with relevant verification and documentation to the Department Chair who forwards it to the Committee. A good faith effort to settle a dispute at the department level must be made before a formal grievance can be filed. Even after filing, efforts to resolve the dispute by informal means should continue. Please consult with the Department Chair as a first step in resolving any dispute. The next step is to appeal to the Office of Graduate Studies. 

Students removed from a course/Clinical Practice, may submit a grade appeal/grievance to the Office of Graduate Studies.

Withdraw

Students who are withdrawing from all classes in a semester should fill out a Leave of Absence form. This is a separate process, and the form is available from the Registrar’s Office. 

Interns who need to withdraw from Clinical Practice or apply for a leave of absence must terminate their employment with the hiring school district/charter. 

Advanced Credential and Added Authorization Programs

Advanced credentials and added authorizations require a basic or initial credential to supplement the basic knowledge, skills, and dispositions of a teacher.  No added authorizations or advanced programs stand alone as a teaching credential.

Master’s Programs

The university offers a Master of Arts in Education degree. Within that degree are multiple options to meet the needs of educators who seek to (1) develop into highly competent teacher leaders in an area of specialization, (2) become a school administrator with a focus on improving student learning, and/or (3) prepare to teach, research, and consult with business and industry.

Admission to the Program

Applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and have a valid teaching credential or have been admitted to a credential program at this university.

International Students - Graduates of foreign universities are exempt from credential requirements as a prerequisite for pursuit of a graduate degree, however, they must show equivalent preparation and experiences. International students are required to take the TOEFL examination as a condition of admission.

Undergraduate Students - Candidates completing a baccalaureate degree from this university and planning to continue in graduate study must apply for admission to the Master of Arts in Education program during the final semester of the senior year to be considered for programs that do not require a teaching credential. Consult the Office of Admissions for application process.

Combined Credential/Master’s Students - Students in a credential program who have already been admitted to the university as a post-baccalaureate student, are eligible to take MA courses while earning a teaching credential. Students must obtain a Roadmap from the coordinator of the Master’s option. Once credential students reach clinical practice, they may file a petition to Change/Add Graduate Degree Objective to request admission into a master’s degree program in lieu of reapplying to the university. Candidates seeking admission to a graduate degree program by petition are subject to the same requirements as applicants applying directly for graduate admission.

Note(s): All M.A. candidates must complete a preliminary roadmap for a formal degree program in consultation with the Program Option Coordinator in the first semester of admission.

General Program Requirements

1. A minimum of 31-semester units of acceptable graduate level work must be completed in the program and must be at the 5000 to 6000 level (graduate). Petitions must have the approval of the Program Option Coordinator, Graduate Coordinator, Department Chair, and the Dean. Methods courses in the credential program and clinical practice units may not be applied to the master’s degree.
2. No more than 9 units of acceptable graduate credit may be transferred into the MA degree program including transfers from another graduate institution, and courses taken through the College of the Extended University. No coursework older than 7 years may be applied to the MA degree unless approved by the Graduate Coordinator according to university policy.
3. A grade point average of 3.0 (B) or better must be maintained in all graduate courses to satisfy the requirements for the Master of Arts in Education degree.
4. Completion of all requirements for a teaching credential, or equivalent, is required prior to the granting of the degree of Master of Arts in Education. Certain exceptions can be made at the discretion of the Graduate Coordinator.
5. Advancement to Candidacy must be applied for and granted prior to embarking on the culminating experience (thesis, project or comprehensive examination). The comprehensive examination option is only available to candidates enrolled in the Special Education option.
6. A thesis, project, or comprehensive examination must be satisfactorily completed as a culminating requirement.
7. Candidates must abide by University policies regarding continuous enrollment and leave of absences.

Curriculum

The Master of Arts in Education is purposefully designed to be a flexible program requiring a minimum of 31 units, organized into the four elements:

1. Subplan/Option Required Core (12-18 units) - These courses are selected by the candidate and advisor to meet the candidate’s academic needs, based upon previous preparation and the requirements of employment. Courses selected are structured around the MA program subplan/options described below.

2. Subplan/Option Electives (up to 12 units) - These courses may come from approved upper- division and graduate from offerings in education or other appropriate disciplines to complement the rest of the student’s curriculum in consultation with the graduate coordinator and program advisor.

3. Research Methods (up to 6 units) - A series of research courses designed to prepare candidates for conducting research, developing projects, and applying research to the improvement of teaching and learning. Research methods courses are selected by candidates and advisors to best prepare candidates to successfully complete a culminating experience.

4. Culminating Experience (up to 6) - All master’s candidates must successfully complete a culminating experience to demonstrate competency in the chosen specialization at the expert level.

Each candidate works with the Program Option Coordinator in the first semester to develop a curriculum contract that meets the candidate’s professional goals. This contract constitutes the candidate’s curriculum to complete the degree. All contracts must be approved by the candidate’s program option coordinator, graduate coordinator, the department chair, the dean, and the university graduate studies analyst. A change to the contract requires filing an academic petition for approval.

Program Subplans/Options within the Master’s Degree

All candidates must complete requirements described above.  The program options provide the framework for the areas for the option core and option electives that define the candidate’s curriculum contract.

Master of Arts in Education with Subplans/Options in:

• Curriculum and Instruction
• Educational Leadership
• Special Education

Programs

• Adapted Physical Education Added Authorization: 20 units
• Agriculture Specialist Credential: 24 units
• Bilingual Authorization: 6 units
• Intern Credential Program: 36-45 units
• Multiple Subject Credential: 42 units
• Preliminary Education Specialist Credential, Extensive Support Needs: 45 units
• Preliminary Education Specialist Credential, Mild to Moderate Support Needs: 45 units
• Single Subject Credential: 36 units

• Education, M.A. - Curriculum and Instruction Subplan/Option: 31 units
• Education, M.A. - Special Education Subplan/Option: 31 units

Courses

• EMM 5300 - Graphic Design and Animation in Multimedia (2)
• EMM 5300L - Graphic Design and Animation in Multimedia Laboratory (1)
• EMM 5400 - Instructional Design for eLearning (2)
• EMM 5400L - Instructional Design for eLearning Laboratory (1)
• EMM 5430 - Applied Instructional Design for Corporate Settings (2)
• EMM 5430L - Applied Instructional Design for Corporate Settings Laboratory (1)
• EMM 5500 - Intermediate Educational Website Development (2)
• EMM 5500L - Intermediate Educational Website Development Laboratory (1)
• EMM 5510 - Advanced Educational Web-Programming (2)
• EMM 5510L - Advanced Educational Web-Programming Laboratory (1)
• EMM 5600 - Design and Production of Educational Multimedia (2)
• EMM 5600L - Design and Production of Educational Multimedia Laboratory (1)
• EMM 5900 - Project Management for Instructional Design (2)
• EMM 5900L - Project Management for Instructional Design Laboratory (1)
• EMM 5990 - Special Topics for Graduate Students (1-3)
• EMM 5990A - Special Topics for Graduate Students Activity (1-3)
• EMM 5990L - Special Topics for Graduate Students Laboratory (1-3)
• EMM 6910 - Directed Research (1-3)
• EMM 6920 - Independent Research (1-3)
• EMM 6990 - Master’s Degree Continuation (0)

• ERA 5000 - Special Study for Graduate Students (1-3)
• ERA 5900 - Introduction to Graduate Studies (3)
• ERA 5990 - Special Topics for Graduate Students (1-3)
• ERA 5990A - Special Topics for Graduate Students Activity (1-3)
• ERA 5990L - Special Topics for Graduate Students Laboratory (1-3)
• ERA 6910 - Directed Research (1-3)
• ERA 6920 - Independent Research (1-3)
• ERA 6930 - Evaluating, Understanding, and Using Research Methodology (4)
• ERA 6950 - Master’s Degree Project (1-6)
• ERA 6960 - Master’s Degree Thesis (1-6)
• ERA 6970 - Comprehensive Exam (3)
• ERA 6990 - Master’s Degree Continuation (0)