Designated Subjects Teaching Credential & Designated Subjects
Supervision/Coordination Credential Program

Findings on Standards:

After an in depth review of the program supporting documentation, and completion of interviews with candidates, graduates, faculty, employers, university supervisors and advisory committee members the team determined that the program standards are fully met.

The Designated Subjects Teaching Credential Program and the Designated Subjects Supervision/Coordination Credential Program in the College of Education at California State University San Bernardino are exemplary models offering comprehensive preparation for candidates to teach and supervise a wide variety of vocational occupational programs. Because scholars, as candidates are referred to in this program, are usually employed in their vocational subject areas prior to entering the credential program, there is urgency on their part and that of the employing school districts, county offices and Regional Occupational Programs to begin preparation for clear credential course completion. The state has reduced the time regulations for completion and is studying further revision of the program regulations. Scholars state that they learn so much valuable information from the very first class through to the last. To quote several current students, "Every prospective teacher in any program should have to take the initial class in this program. It is the best information on teaching preparation available." The scholars, not only can discuss the education standards related to this program, but they demonstrate application in a professional manner. Reflection is clearly understood and practiced throughout the program. The program is founded on the basic premise of competency-based education that follows the standards of the teaching profession. Instructors are able to indicate the standards that scholars are able to exemplify and thus scholars are able to do the same for their students. The Designated Subjects Credential Programs have been designed to develop skills in defining what scholars should be able to do as the result of instruction, developing effective evaluation instruments, and mastery of specified competencies.

The programs include knowledge and skills that a mature adult who has been successful in business, industry, trade or occupation must have in order to help his/her students learn how to achieve similar success. The faculty in the Designated Subjects Credential Programs, in consort with the College of Education Adult/Vocational Teacher Education Advisory Committee, has developed an extensive list of basic instructional competencies for each course.

The program is committed to hands-on learning in small class size settings, thereby giving each scholar individual attention to assure success. All scholars must demonstrate competency in all standards or be removed from the program.

Strengths

Scholars are most appreciative of this program, its coordinator and the professors who provide the high quality preparation for the Designated Subjects Credential and the Designated Subjects Supervision/Coordination Credential.

The Coordinator has installed a very user-friendly WEB site and has also included all necessary and current information regarding the programs on the Internet. Students can access information not available for other programs to facilitate their admissions and all other services.

One of the major strengths of this program is the Designated Subjects Advisory Committee. This committee represents all of the CSUSB service area. This committee has been in existence for many years and has added a quality dimension to this program, which is impossible to quantify. When necessary, members of this committee have worked with the coordinator to meet with key professionals in the College of Education to solve problems which occur for scholars. The cooperation resulting from actions taken by CASE is viewed as strengths by this program. The Designated Subjects Advisory Committee has continually taken an active role in ongoing recommendations for revision of syllabi, materials, technology and offerings to insure quality for both the teaching credential and the supervision credential.

Local employers and advisors provide incentives for credential completers. This encourages students to begin the program within a year of entering employment.

The curriculum and education activities are relevant and current.

Note was made that these programs involve the most cutting edge technology -- not only taught and modeled but also practiced by scholars.

The fact that the local school districts are involved in the field supervision activities and projects of the candidates is a strength providing assistance to the student and validation to the programs.

The constant follow-up system is a strength to be noted. There is evidence that the information garnered from this process is used to make changes and improvements in the programs.

Only the best qualified candidates are retained in the program. There is an ongoing advisement system which assists in the retention of the qualified candidates and removal of the unqualified candidates.

Concerns

There are no concerns at this review.

Professional Comments

There are no comments or recommendation for these outstanding, enviable programs.

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