Secondary Teaching

Thank you for inquiring about the Math Department's policies regarding subject matter competence for the Single Subject Teaching Credential in mathematics and foundational-level mathematics. Please read this document with care so that you may determine whether or not we can assist you. Please note that the CSUN Mathematics Department approves subject matter competence only for students who earned a degree in mathematics from CSUN. To obtain a Single Subject Credential to teach secondary school mathematics, you must complete a state-approved program of collegiate study in mathematics or earn a passing score on the mathematics version of the CSET. * If you are interested in the Department's state-approved programs, please see Section A * If you already hold a bachelor's degree in mathematics (from CSUN) that is different from those described in Section A, please see Section B * If you plan to take the CSET, see Section C * If you already have a valid teaching credential and are interested in a Subject Matter or Supplementary Authorization, please see Section D * If you already have a multiple subject credential and are interested in a single subject credential, please see Section E If you have questions about overall credential procedures, please visit the Credential Office in EA 103 or call (818) 677-2733 or visit us online

If You Are Interested in CSUN'S State-Approved Programs in Mathematics

The CSUN Mathematics Department offers three options in the mathematics major for students who intend to teach secondary school mathematics. These three programs are approved by the State of California, which means that if you complete one of them satisfactorily, you will have established subject matter competence in mathematics. The programs are: 1. Option II, Secondary Teaching of the Mathematics Major 2. Four-Year Integrated Mathematics Teacher Credential Program (FYI): begins in the freshman year and allows a student to complete the math major and preliminary single subject credential simultaneously in four years. 3. Junior-Year Integrated Mathematics Teacher Credential Program (JYI): begins after a student has completed all lower division math core and general education courses. This option allows a student to complete the math major and preliminary single subject credential simultaneously. In order to establish subject matter competence, you must complete the Secondary Teaching Option, FYI, or JYI with no grade below a C in any course required for the math major (including lower division core courses) and an overall GPA in the same courses of at least 2.6. If you complete a state-approved program, you may qualify for a second bachelor's degree, in mathematics. Please read the information about getting a second bachelor's degree

If You Have a Degree in Mathematics (from CSUN) Different From Those Described in Section A

If you already have a degree in mathematics from CSUN, subject matter competence may be granted for student teaching at CSUN provided the following conditions are satisfied: * No grade below a C in any course required for the math major (including lower division core courses) and an overall GPA in the same courses of at least 2.6. * At least one upper-division mathematics course in each of the following three areas of mathematics taught in secondary schools: algebra, foundations of geometry, and statistics If you have not taken the three required upper division courses, see an advisor before enrolling.

If You Plan to Take the CSET

If you pass all three subtests of the California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET): Mathematics, you have established subject matter competence for a Single Subject Teaching Credential in Mathematics. This will be verified by the Credential Office and you do not need to see an advisor in the Mathematics Department. If you pass Subtest I (algebra/number theory) and Subtest II (geometry/probability and statistics) of the CSET, you have established subject-matter competence for a Foundational-Level Mathematics Teaching Credential. Again, you do not need to see an advisor in the Mathematics Department. The Single Subject Teaching Credential in Foundational-Level Mathematics authorizes the holder to teach general mathematics, algebra, geometry, probability and statistics, and consumer mathematics in grades twelve and below, including preschool, and in classes organized primarily for adults. The teaching of Advanced Placement (AP) courses and other mathematics courses are not authorized by this credential. Information about the CSET can be found at The Los Angeles County Office of Education and the Ventura County Superintendent of Schools have offered tutoring sessions for the CSET in mathematics, you can see LACOE or VCOE. Other CSET preparation workshops may be found online.

If You Hold a Valid Teaching Credential and Would Like an Introductory Subject Matter or Supplementary Authorization in Mathematics

INTRODUCTORY SUBJECT MATTER AUTHORIZATION IN MATHEMATICS (compliant with No Child Left Behind)

The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (NCLB) requires that teachers hired to teach in Title I schools on or after July 1, 2002, and all teachers by July 1, 2006, be “highly qualified” or NCLB compliant in mathematics. Effective January 1, 2005, additions to Title 5 Sections 80089.3 and 80089.4 allowed the Commission to issue Introductory Subject Matter Authorizations as an option to meet this requirement. An Introductory Subject Matter Authorization authorizes the holder to teach the subject matter content typically included in curriculum guidelines and textbooks approved for study in grades 9 and below. This allows an employer to assign a teacher with an Introductory Subject Matter Authorization to teach a class in which the curriculum is for grades 9 and below but the students in the class may be in grades K-12. An Introductory Subject Matter Authorization in mathematics may be added to the following credentials: Single Subject Teaching Credential, Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, Standard Elementary Teaching Credential, Standard Secondary Teaching Credential, and Special Secondary Teaching Credential (in academic subjects only). To qualify, individuals must satisfy all of the following requirements: 1. posses a valid prerequisite teaching credential 2. complete one of the following a. 32 semester units (48 quarter units) of non-remedial course work in mathematics, including a minimum of three semester or four quarter units of course work in each of the following content areas: algebra, advanced algebra, geometry, probability or statistics, and development of the real number system or introduction to mathematics. The balance of the units may be in any non-remedial mathematics course. OR b. a degree major from a regionally-accredited college or university in a subject directly related to the subject to be listed on the credential. 3. submit a completed application form 41-4 http://www.ctc.ca.gov/credentials/leaflets/414.pdf and current processing fee. Unacceptable course work includes: To qualify, individuals must satisfy all of the following requirements: a. course work that is not applicable toward a bachelor's degree or higher degree (remedial) b. professional development or continuing education units c. in-service training or workshops d. education and education methodology course work unless a letter is provided by the chair of the subject area department stating that the course is equivalent to one offered by that department e. course work from a department other than the subject matter authorization being sought unless a letter is provided from the chair of the subject area department stating that the course is equivalent to one offered by that department.

For Single Subject, Standard Secondary, and Special Secondary Teaching Credentials http://www.ctc.ca.gov/credentials/leaflets/cl603.pdf Holders of Single Subject, Standard Secondary, or Special Secondary Teaching Credentials may have Introductory Mathematics added to their credential as a supplementary authorization by verifying completion of the following requirements. Supplementary authorizations cannot be issued in any subject that falls within the statutory single subject category of an applicant’s Single Subject Teaching Credential. Applicants must satisfy one of the following requirements: 1. Official transcripts showing the completion of either 20 semester units (or 10 upper-division semester units) of non-remedial course work in mathematics, completed at a regionally accredited community college, college, or university • 20 semester units are required if a combination of upper- and lower-division units are completed • at least one course must be taken in each of the following areas: college algebra, geometry, and development of the real number system or introduction to mathematics; or three courses in calculus or other mathematics courses for which intermediate algebra and geometry are prerequisites listed after that subject. The balance of the 10 or 20 units may be in any mathematics course. • a grade of “C” or higher is required in every course used to meet this requirement • education and education methodology classes and courses outside the subject area requested will not be counted unless the applicant can get a letter from the chair of the subject area department stating that the course is equivalent to one offered by that department • non-remedial courses are those which are applicable to a bachelor’s degree or a higher degree at a regionally accredited college or university 2. A collegiate major from a regionally-accredited college or university in a subject directly related to the subject to be listed This authorizes the holder to teach only the mathematics content typically included in curriculum guidelines and textbooks for study in grades 9 and below to students in preschool, kindergarten, grades 1–12, or in classes organized primarily for adults. For detailed information, including instructions for converting supplementary authorizations to subject matter authorizations, please refer to the Subject Matter Authorization Guideline Book, available on the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing’s website.

If You Hold a Valid Multiple Subject Credential and Would Like a Single Subject Credential in Mathematics

ADDED AUTHORIZATION (compliant with No Child Left Behind

Holders of a valid Multiple Subject Credential wishing to obtain a Single Subject Credential in mathematics must: I. Demonstrate Subject Matter Competence 1. Pass the CSET math exam (parts I and II for foundational-level and I-III for regular) OR 2. Complete a state-approved subject matter program II. Complete a 3-semester-unit course in mathematics methodology directly related to teaching in a departmental setting (CSUN's SED 525MA/L) For further information please contact: natalie.howe@csun.edu