Glossary

An accredited institution is a college or university that has been deemed to meet the standards of one of the regional accrediting bodies such as WASC (Western Association of Schools and Colleges).

American College Testing (ACT) is a set of college admissions tests used by some colleges/universities as part of the admission requirements.

AASE In Special Education- Programs to earn additional authorizations. The individual is authorized to provide special education services within the specific subject area listed on the AASE.

An AASE may be issued in six specific subject areas:

Autism Spectrum Disorders

Deaf-Blind

Emotional Disturbance

Orthopedic Impairment

Other Health Impairment

Traumatic Brain Injury

Administrative Services Credential-The authorization provides services in developing, coordinating and assessing instructional programs including student support services; recruiting, evaluating and supervising personnel; providing discipline to students and employees; and managing fiscal services.

The Designated Subjects Adult Education Credential credential authorizes teaching in general and academic subjects in courses organized primarily for adults.  

Subjects include areas in:

• Personal development
• Career technical education
• Academic subjects such as:
• English as a Second Language 
• Elementary and Secondary Basic Skills
• English
• Fine Arts
• Mathematics
• Languages other than English

Advanced Placement - A cooperative educational program between high school students and institutions of higher education that offers high school students the opportunity to complete college-level courses and earn college credit for them. College credit is earned by achieving a satisfactory score on an AP exam, usually a three or better. In addition, many college admission officials favor students who have completed AP coursework and have taken the exams.

Approved Institutions-The Commission on Teacher Credentialing (Commission) accredits institutions and approves programs that meet its adopted standards of quality and effectiveness.  These programs span across all credential areas and include subject matter programs, educator preparation programs and educator induction programs.  Prospective candidates may enroll in Commission-approved institutions that offer approved programs to earn a credential or authorization to serve in California's public schools.

The authorization(s) listed on a credential, certificate, permit, or waiver describe the authority of an individual to serve in a particular subject or subject area(s), and in a setting and at a grade level also listed on the document. The authorization statement provides the specifics for the authorization.

Basic Skills Requirement (BSR) is intended to show basic proficiency in reading, writing, and mathematics. There are several methods to meet BSR.

Business Services departments support a school district in areas such as:

• Budget development and monitoring
• Accounting services
• Retirement reporting
• Auditing
• Payroll processing
• Risk management services consisting of large self-insurance pools in the areas of workers' compensation, property, liability, and employee benefits
• Deferred compensation programs for school district employees
• Charter schools

The Administrator Performance Assessment (APA) - California Administrator Performance Assessment (CalAPA) measures new administrators’ mastery of:

• Analyzing Data to Inform School Improvement and Promote Equity
• Facilitating Communities of Practice
• Supporting Teacher Growth

California Teaching Performance Assessment - This assessment of teaching performance is designed to measure the candidate's knowledge, skills and ability with relation to California's Teaching Performance Expectations (TPEs). All teacher candidates must complete the TPA to earn a Preliminary credential. TPA is embedded in your coursework.

A statewide program designed to provide direct instructional services for migrant students in grades K-12.

The Designated Subjects Career Technical Education credential authorizes the holder to teach in the subject or subjects named on the credential in grades twelve and below and in classes organized primarily for adults, in career technical, trade or vocational courses.  Integrates core academic knowledge with technical and occupational knowledge to provide students with a pathway to postsecondary education and careers.

Available subjects, also known as industry sectors, are as follows:

• Agriculture and Natural Resources 
• Arts, Media, and Entertainment
• Building and Construction Trades
• Business and Finance
• Education, Child Development, and Family Services
• Energy, Environment, and Utilities
• Engineering and Architecture
• Fashion and Interior Design
• Health Science and Medical Technology
• Hospitality, Tourism, and Recreation
• Information and Communication Technologies
• Manufacturing and Product Development
• Marketing, Sales, and Service
• Public Services
• Transportation

The California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST) is designed to assess basic mathematics, reading and writing skills required to meet the basic skills requirements for credentialing purposes. 

There are also Basic Skills Requirement Alternative options available that meet this requirement.

The California Department of Education (CDE) and the State Superintendent of Public Instruction are responsible for enforcing education law and regulations; and for continuing to reform and improve public elementary school programs, secondary school programs, adult education, some preschool programs, and child care programs.

A charter school is a publicly funded school that is exempt from most provisions of the Education Code and provides instruction in grades K-12. A charter school is usually created or organized by a group of teachers, parents and community leaders or a community-based organization, and it is usually sponsored by an existing local public school board or county board of education.

Classified staff are employees who are in a position not requiring certification from the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC). These include:

• paraprofessionals/instructional aides
• office/clerical staff
• custodians
• bus drivers
• business managers
• health services staff
• plant and equipment maintenance staff
• food service staff
• after-school staff
• security
• noon duty supervisors

The California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) is an agency in the Executive Branch of California State Government. It was created in 1970 by the Ryan Act and is the oldest of the autonomous state standards boards in the nation. The major purpose of the agency is to serve as a state standards board for educator preparation for the public schools of California, the licensing and credentialing of professional educators in the State, the enforcement of professional practices of educators, and the discipline of credential holders in the State of California. 

The term "Clear" or "Level II" credential signifies that all education and program requirements for the credential have been met. Clear or Level II credentials are not held for professional growth requirements. Effective January 1, 2007, all clear and level II credentials must be renewed online.

Credentialed staff are required by the state to hold some type of California credentials, including most administrators, school counselors, school psychologist, school social worker, child welfare and attendance, and full-time, part-time, substitute, and temporary teachers.

The California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET) is a group of tests used to assess mastery of subject matter content by K-12 teachers.

Examples of CSET subject-matter competency exams:

• Multiple Subjects
• Math
• English
• Physical Education
• Health Science
• Social Science

*You can also meet the basic skills requirement (BSR) through the

Multiple Subject CSET plus Writing Skills Examination

A basic teaching credential that authorizes an individual to teach Adult Education,Career Technical Education, Supervision and Coordination or Special Subjects. Designated Subjects Teaching Credential Requirements

Early childhood education is formal and informal educational programs that guide the growth and development of children throughout their preschool years (birth to age five).

Education Job Opportunity Information Network (EDJOIN)-Education careers network for teaching, non-teaching, classified, and management positions.

The Education Specialist Instruction Credential authorizes the holder to conduct Educational Assessments related to student’s access to the academic core curriculum and progress towards meeting instructional academic goals, provide instruction, and Special Education Support to individuals in seven areas of specialization:

Mild/Moderate Disabilities

Moderate/Severe Disabilities

Deaf and Hard of Hearing

Visual Impairments

Physical and Health Impairments

Early Childhood Special Education

Language and Academic Development.

Educator preparation programs include initial teacher preparation, induction and all programs preparing an individual for a services credential.  For California prepared educators, completing a CCTC-approved educator preparation program is required to earn a credential or authorization.

ELD is designed to promote the effective and efficient learning and development of listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills of the English Learner student.

English Learner Authorization-The credential holder is authorized to serve English learners specifically in providing instruction for English Language Development (ELD) and Specially Designed Academic Instruction Delivered in English (SDAIE).  Credential holders with a Bilingual Authorization are also authorized to teach English learners.

Multilingual students or English Learners (ELs) are students whose primary language is not English, and who have not yet attained full proficiency in English.

Instructional services are designed to meet the language support needs of the EL students.      

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid is a form completed by current and prospective college students in the United States to determine their eligibility for student financial aid.

Foreign Transcript Evaluation-Individuals who have completed college or university course work at an institution in a country other than the United States must obtain a complete evaluation of foreign transcripts, degrees[1], and other relevant documents prior to applying to the Commission for a California credential, permit, or certificate.

An advanced degree that concentrates on a specific field of study after a bachelor’s degree.

Most types of grants, unlike loans, are sources of financial aid that generally do not have to be repaid. Grants can come from the federal government, your state government, your college or career school, or a private or nonprofit organization.

A teacher of record who holds a District or University Intern Credential but who is still completing preparation for the preliminary teaching credential. These are teachers who are working as an official classroom teacher while at the same time completing their credential coursework in the evenings and/or weekends.

Level I and Level II Credentials were issued based on a two-tier structure of completing credential requirements used for the Education Specialist Instruction Teaching Credentials and have now transitioned Preliminary and Clear credentials. The last date to enroll in a Level II program was December 31, 2014. The last date to complete a Level II program was January 31, 2019.

A digital fingerprinting process that replaces traditional ink fingerprinting in states where it's available. An applicant's fingerprints are securely transmitted to a government agency, which performs a criminal history background check using an Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS).  

Note: It is important to only use the specific Live Scan form provided to you by the potential employer, licensee or provider.

A loan is money you borrow and must pay back with interest. For student loans, this typically means that repayment begins after the end of your studies, though specific arrangements may be made with the agency that manages each loan.

An experienced educator who guides and supports a credential program candidate or new teacher.

Multiple subject credentials authorizes teaching multiple subjects to elementary level students. Subject matter includes, but not limited to:

• Language studies
• Literature
• Mathematics
• Science
• Social Science
• History
• Humanities
• Arts
• Physical Education 
• Human development

Nationally accredited schools are generally for-profit and offer vocational, career, or technical programs. These schools generally accept credits from other nationally accredited schools and from regionally accredited schools.

Indicates the credential holder earned the credential via an out-of-country preparation pathway. The out-of-country credential holder must meet California requirements to attain a credential. Or, the candidate will need to complete CA requirements for a clear CA credential.

Indicates the credential holder earned the credential via an out-of-state preparation pathway. The out-of-state credential holder may be able to transfer their professional level out-of-state credential as long as they meet CA requirements. Or, the candidate will need to complete CA requirements for a clear CA credential.

Staff members who provide instructional support, including those who: (1) provide one-on-one tutoring (2) assist with classroom management, such as organizing instructional and other materials, (3) provide instructional assistance on a computer, (4) conduct parental involvement activities, (5) provide support in a library or media center, (6) act as a translator, or (7) provide instructional support services under the direct supervision of a teacher. 

Common job titles include: teaching assistants, teacher aides, bilingual aides, pupil service aides, and library aides.

California Department of Education

Public Employee Retirement System. (CalPERS-California PERS) offers a defined benefit plan where retirement benefits are based on a formula, rather than contributions and earnings to a savings plan. Retirement benefits are calculated based on a member's years of service credit, age at retirement, and final compensation (average salary for a defined period of employment). PERS is the retirement system includes some public college/university positions as well as Classified positions such as the examples below : 

• Administrative staff
• Technical and support staff
• Bus drivers
• Custodial staff
• Paraprofessionals

A Preliminary or Level I Credential is a teaching or service credential that is valid for five years. The preliminary/level I credential cannot be renewed. Preliminary/Level I credentials require the holder to complete additional specific requirements based on the preparation pathway and documentation submitted with the initial application for certification. Additional academic requirements must be completed to qualify for and upgrade to the Clear or Level II credential.

Preschool is an optional age and developmentally appropriate program designed to facilitate the transition to elementary school for 3 and 4 year-olds.

A school supported by a private organization or private individuals rather than by the government. Students’ education is paid by families or through school scholarships.

Schools that educate students at no charge, and are funded and maintained by taxation. Include primary and secondary schools.

Pupil Personnel Services Credential-A services credential authorizing and individual to function in the following areas in the California public schools: School Psychology, School Counseling, School Social Work and Child Welfare and Attendance

Regional accreditation agencies oversee institutions that place a focus on academics that are state-owned or non-profit colleges or universities. Units are transferable to other regionally accredited institutions.

There are six regional accrediting agencies for higher education institutions in the U.S. These agencies oversee institutions within their particular clusters of states.

• Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) 
• Higher Learning Commission (HLC) 
• Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) 
• New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)
• Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU) 
• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools

The Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA) consists of three subtests that, together, permit a broad and deep assessment of the candidate's knowledge about effective reading instruction in the five RICA domains and the candidate's ability to apply that knowledge.

Residency programs are for college graduates and are inspired by the medical school approach to training doctors. Candidates teach at least one-half time alongside a teacher of record, who is designated as the experienced mentor teacher, for at least one full school year while engaging in initial preparation coursework. They also often offer grant-based and financial support during the program. 

The Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) is administered by the national College Board and widely used throughout the country as a college entrance examination. National and state averages of scores from the SAT I Reasoning Test (formerly called the Scholastic Aptitude Test) are published annually. In California, the University of California system uses an index of SAT I and SAT II (math, English, and a third subject that a student chooses) test scores plus a student’s grade point average for admission to its campuses for freshmen. The SAT I is also required for some students seeking admission to the California State University System.

A form of financial aid awarded to students to further education. Scholarships are awarded based upon various criteria, such as academic merit, diversity and inclusion, athletic skill, and financial need.

 The School Nurse Credential is a services credential authorizing the holder to provide services to ensure the health and development of students.

A single subject teaching credential authorizes teaching a specific subject in a departmentalized K-12 classroom, typically at the middle or secondary (high school) level.

Specific subject examples include:

• Agriculture
• Art
• Biological Sciences 
• Business
• Chemistry 
• Dance
• English
• Mathematics
• Music
• Physical Education

The Designated Subjects Special Subjects credential authorizes teaching in specific subjects in grades K-12 inclusive, and in classes organized primarily for adults.  Subjects include areas in:

• Aviation Flight Instruction
• Aviation Ground Instruction
• Basic Military Drill
• Driver Education and Training
• Limited Driver Training
• Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC)

SDAIE refers to instructional techniques designed to increase the level of understanding of the English language within the content area of the class. The specially designed content instruction in subject matter, such as math or social science, is presented in English to English learners in classes which are restricted to instruction in the subject area and grade level of the prerequisite credential or permit (as applicable).

Education Code, §44253.2

The California State Teachers’ Retirement System (CalSTRS) is a retirement fund for Certificated (requiring a credential, certificate or permit) employees and education agencies (such as school districts and county offices of education) contribute to STRS.

A Subject Matter Authorization authorizes the holder to teach the specific subject in grades preschool, K-12, and classes organized primarily for adults. Subject matter authorization requires the credentialed teacher to have either a degree major, a specific number of units in the subject or a subject directly related to the subject to be listed on the credential, or through subject-matter competence exams (CSET).

The Designated Subjects Supervision and Coordination credential authorizes the holder to supervise, coordinate, or administrate in Designated Subjects courses, such as CTE or Adult Education.

Teacher Induction provides a two-year, individualized, job-embedded system of mentoring, support and professional learning that begins in the teacher’s first year of teaching.

Teacher Librarian Services Credentials  authorize the holder to maintain the operation of school and district libraries, instructing students in handling library materials, supervise classified personnel assigned to school library duties, and coordinating school library programs.

Transitional Kindergarten (TK) is part of the K-12 public school system and is the first year of a two-year kindergarten program that uses a modified kindergarten curriculum that is age and developmentally appropriate.

The Teaching Performance Expectations (TPEs) comprise the body of knowledge, skills, and abilities that beginning general education teachers have the opportunity to learn in approved teacher preparation programs in California.Beginning teachers demonstrate their knowledge of the TPEs by successfully completing coursework, engaging in clinical practice, and passing a Teaching Performance Assessment (TPA) based on the TPEs.