Credential alternative could save time

The time it takes for CSUS students to become teachers may decrease significantly if planned future changes to the teacher credentialing program are implemented.

Part of a new plan that will be proposed to the Commission on Teacher Credentialing will include alternative programs that allow students to partially combine undergraduate and credentialing classes, shortening their total residency time.

Currently, a student preparing to become a teacher must earn their baccalaureate degree and a teaching credential from two separate programs. Earning the "four year", or "bachelors degree" usually takes most students longer than the traditional four years and the credential program can take another two to three semesters. This is still a shorter time than many other school's programs.

The new plan, referred to as the "early decider program" by Jan Cross, the coordinator of teacher preparation programs, is designed to help incoming freshmen and transferring juniors who know for certain that they plan to become teachers. Those students could earn their degree and credential in about four to four-and-one-half years starting as freshmen, or about five semesters if they transfer in as juniors.

Harrold Murai, professor of education, is working on the project while on a sabbatical leave from CSUS. Murai, who has worked with CSU Monterey Bay on similar class program alternatives, said the new program would offer a number of ways for students to cut back on their time in school.

Among these would be more Friday, evening, and distance classes, less expensive summer instruction where more units could be taken, and integrated classes that combine relevant subjects together.

Murai said that is possible now for students to earn both a degree and credential in about four years with good academic advising, but that most students don't because they're unclear about current policies and may not receive adequate counseling.

"It would be nice if we have a program that's very clear," said Murai.

The current credentialing program has already started some faculty in observing children's classroom behavior to help understand what student teachers will be going through and prepare them better said Cross.

"What our hope is, is that they'll have a lot of opportunity in their undergraduate studies to connect with the process of teaching," said Cross. "We want to keep the enthusiasm going."

The alternatives will not replace the existing separate two programs but will offer other options for students to earn both a degree and credential in less time in a combined program.

Some of the proposed changes to the program will be seen in CSUS curriculum next fall, although they will still be conducted on an experimental basis.

"It will be on a pilot basis for sure," said Diane Cordero de Noriega, the dean of the College of Education.