SDCOE's Administrator Credentialing Programs Receive High Marks in Accreditation Report

The San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE) administrative credentialing programs for educational leaders received accreditation from the state commission that affirmed both the programs' strong design and impact on administrator development.

The California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) report highlighted the job-embedded learning, responsive support, and alignment to leadership standards. 

SDCOE's Preliminary Administrative Service Credential (PASC) program and Clear Administrative Services Credential (CASC) program each take two years and provide educators with high-quality instruction, leading-edge research, and support throughout the beginning of their administrator journey.

The PASC program is the entry point into school and leadership and allows educators to serve in a variety of administrative roles, which may include principal, assistant principal, program manager, coordinator, and others depending on the school district.

Candidates issued their initial PASC must also complete a two-year induction program to earn a Clear Administrative Services Credential.

SDCOE's programs undergo a regular, comprehensive review cycle to ensure alignment with state standards and candidate outcomes. The review looks at elements such as program design, coaching structures, candidate support, and alignment to the California Professional Standards for Educational Leaders.

"It was heartwarming and reaffirming to read the feedback from the CTC, which highlighted our program’s strong design and impact on administrator development," said Dr. Shawntanet Jara, PASC program director at SDCOE. "The report highlighted learning from day-to-day school contexts, responsive support, and alignment to leadership standards."

PASC focuses on foundational leadership development and equity-centered practices. The CASC program continues that development and growth through the support of successful and experienced school leaders in SDCOE's Learning and Leadership Services division. These executive leadership coaches provide strategies and supports through research-based coaching practices that help new administrators meet the complex needs of their school community. 

The CTC also stated that both SDCOE credentialing programs are passionately committed to developing socially conscious leaders who are equipped to provide effective leadership needed to produce high-performing schools.

"The report noted that SDCOE has an above average retention rate with more than 93% of graduates remaining in the field for five years, demonstrating the strength of the program and our commitment to providing support for leaders beyond their program completion," said Alex Cortes, CASC program director for SDCOE. "This directly advances our Strategic Plan by creating long-term impact and sustained support for leaders who directly support improved student outcomes and transformational learning experiences across school communities."