Embedded Files
Preconditions March 2019
(1) Accreditation and Academic Credit
The program(s) must be operated by (a) Institutions of higher education: A college or university that (i) is fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges or another of the six regional accrediting associations, and (ii) grants baccalaureate academic credit or post baccalaureate academic credit, or both. An institution approved to offer educator preparation in California must notify the Commission within 30 days if its regional accreditation status changes. (b) School districts or other non-regionally accredited entities: The Superintendent or CEO of the district or entity shall submit verification of the governing board’s approval of sponsorship of the program. (1) Accreditation and Academic Credit
(a). Dominican University of California is fully accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC) to offer both baccalaureate academic credit and post baccalaureate academic credit. Dominican has been credentialing teachers for California schools since 1924.
WASC Accreditation Letter (2018-19AY)(b). Dominican University of California offers two options (student teaching and internships) within three credential programs.
(2) Enrollment and Completion
Once a candidate is accepted and enrolls in an educator preparation program, the approved program sponsor must offer the approved program, meeting the adopted standards, until the candidate: i. completes the program; ii. withdraws from the program; iii. is dropped from the program based on established criteria; or iv. is admitted to another approved program to complete the requirements, with minimal disruption, for the authorization. (2) Enrollment and Completion
In the event the program closes, a teach out plan, which includes individual transition plans for each candidate as well as a plan for candidates and graduates to access their student records would need to be developed.
i-iv. Unit Head Assurance Statement
i-iv. Unit Head Assurance Statement
Unit Head Statement Assurance (GP2).v2.docxTransition Plans
Transition Plans
Sample Transition Plans
Sample Transition Plans
Students can access and view their overall credential requirements progress through Taskstream.
(3) Responsibility and Authority
To be granted continuing accreditation by the Committee on Accreditation, the entity shall provide the following information: (a) Identify the position within the organizational structure that is responsible for ongoing oversight of all educator preparation programs offered by the entity (including educator preparation programs offered by an extension division, if any). (b) Provide a description of the reporting relationship between the position described in (a) and the individual(s) who coordinate each educator preparation program offered by the entity. If a reporting relationship is indirect, describe the levels of authority and responsibility for each educator preparation program. Include an organizational chart for the institution as well as the division(s) within the institution responsible for the oversight of educator preparation programs; include any parent organization, outside organization(s), or partner(s) who will be involved in the oversight of the educator preparation unit and/or responsible for any aspect of program delivery. (c) Provide policies to ensure that duties regarding credential recommendations are provided solely by persons who are current employees of the Commission approved institution. (3) Responsibility and Authority
The responsibility and authority for these credential programs lies with the Dean, School of Liberal Arts and Education, Dr. Laura Stivers. She supervises the chair/directors of all credential programs.
(a). Unit Head
(a). Unit Head
Dean, School of Liberal Arts and Education
Department Chair/Single Subject Program Director
(b). Education Organization Chart
(b). Education Organization Chart
(c). Credential Recommendation
(c). Credential Recommendation
Credential Analyst
Responsible for a broad range of credentialing functions that include processing applications for California teaching credentials. She also serves as a resource on matters regarding state and University credential regulations.Prior to recommending a candidate for a preliminary teaching credential, a credential analyst ensures that each candidate has completed and provided evidence of all the following:
Possession of a baccalaureate or higher degree other than in professional education from a regionally accredited institution .
Passage of the basic skills requirement.
Completion of an accredited professional preparation program.
Completion of the subject matter requirement.
Demonstration of knowledge of the principles and provisions of the Constitution of the United States.
Passage of the California Teaching Performance Assessment (CalTPA).
Passage of the Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA) [for multiple subject and education specialist candidates only].
(4) Lawful Practices
Lawful Practices. To be granted continuing accreditation by the Committee on Accreditation, a program of professional preparation must be proposed and operated by an entity that makes all personnel decisions without unlawful discrimination. These decisions include decisions regarding the admission, retention or graduation of students, and decisions regarding the employment, retention or promotion of employees. (4) Lawful Practices
Dominican University bases all of its employment, admission, retention, and graduation decisions on a policy of non-discrimination. Discrimination, Harrassment, Sexual Misconduct and Retaliation Prevention policy states:
"Dominican University of California (“University”) is firmly committed to creating a community in which all of its members are protected from discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct and retaliation and prohibits such behavior in all University operations. To ensure compliance with Title IX and other federal and state civil rights laws, the University has developed this policy to provide a supportive process for individuals who report discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct or retaliation and to ensure a fair process for individuals who are alleged to have discriminated, harassed, performed sexual misconduct, including sexual violence, or retaliated against a member of the campus community.
The University’s Title IX Coordinator has primary responsibility for coordinating efforts related to investigation, resolution, and implementation of corrective measures and monitoring to stop, remediate, and prevent discrimination, harassment, sexual misconduct or retaliation."
Further, Dominican is committed to its Diversity Declaration.
Non-Discrimination Related to Employment
Non-Discrimination Related to Employment
Non-Discrimination Related to Program Candidates
Non-Discrimination Related to Program Candidates
(5) Commission Assurances
Commission Assurances. To be granted continuing accreditation by the Committee on Accreditation, the program sponsor must: (a) assure that the sponsor will fulfill all of the applicable standards of program quality and effectiveness that have been adopted by the Commission, (b) assure that the approved program sponsor will cooperate in an evaluation of the program by an external team or a monitoring of the program by a Commission staff member, and (c) assure that the approved program sponsor will participate fully in the Commission’s accreditation system, including the timely submission of documents required for accreditation. (5) Commission Assurances
(6) Request for Data
To be granted continuing accreditation by the Committee on Accreditation, the entity must identify a qualified officer responsible for reporting and responding to all requests from the Commission for data including, but not limited to, program enrollments, program completers, examination results, including performance assessments, and state and federal reporting within the time limits specified by the Commission. Institutional contact information must be updated annually. (6) Request for Data
Dominican University of California responds to all requests from the Commission for data on its programs. Dr. Laura Stivers, Dean, School of Liberal Arts and Education, is the person responsible for reporting and responding to these requests.
Unit Head Statement Assurance (GP6).docxReporting & Responding Personnel
Reporting & Responding Personnel
Dr. Laura Stivers, Dean, School of Liberal Arts and Education
Dr. Elizabeth Truesdell, Department Chair/Single Subject Program Director
Dr. Rosemarie Michaels, Education Studies Program Director
Dr. Katherine Lewis, Multiple Subject Program Director
Dr. Jacquelyn Urbani, Special Education Program Director
Carolyn Shaw, Credential Analyst
Carol Tucker, Manager of Functional Data Processes
(7) Veracity in all Claims and Documentation Submitted
To be granted continuing accreditation by the Committee on Accreditation, the entity must positively affirm the veracity of all statements and documentation submitted to the Commission. (7) Veracity in all Claims and Documentation Submitted
Veracity Affirmation Letter.docx(8) Grievance Process
To be granted continuing accreditation by the Committee on Accreditation, the approved program sponsor must have a clearly delineated grievance process for candidates and applicants. The grievance process information must be accessible to all candidates and applicants and the institution must be prepared to provide documentation that candidates have been informed of the grievance process and that the process has been followed. (8) Grievance Process
If a candidate is dismissed from the program and wishes to appeal this decision, he/she is required to adhere to the following appeals process:
Submit a formal written statement of appeal to the Dean.
The Dean will consider any additional material presented by either the Program Director, Department Chair, or the candidate and then prepare a statement, with copies to the Program Director and candidate, regarding his/her assessment. If, in the judgment of the Dean the dismissal is inappropriate, the Dean will ask the Program Director and Department Chair to re-evaluate the dismissal decision. In every case, the burden of proof remains with the candidate.
If the Program Director determines there has been an error in the determination to dismiss, he/she will notify the Registrar’s Office of the decision if necessary.
If the candidate wishes to appeal the decision of the Dean of the School, he/she must file a formal written statement to the VPAA within 10 working days of the Dean’s decision. The complaint should contain reasons why the Dean’s decision should be reconsidered. The VPAA or his/her designee (typically the Dean of Students or the Associate Vice-President for Academic Affairs) will provide a formal written response within 10 working days of receiving the formal complaint. This decision is final.
Tuition refunds are only made in accordance with regular University policy.
(9) Faculty and Instructional Personnel Participation
All faculty and instructional personnel employed by colleges and universities who regularly teach one or more courses in an educator preparation program leading to a credential, shall actively participate in the public school system at least once every three academic years, appropriate to their credential area. Faculty who are not in the Department, School or College of Education are exempt from this requirement. Reference: Education Code Section 44227.5 (a) and (b). (9) Faculty and Instructional Personnel Participation
All Dominican faculty members who regularly teach courses related to instructional methods in any of Dominican's credential programs actively participate in public elementary or secondary schools. For example:
Colleen Arnold participates in supervision of both student teachers and interns in the special education and general education environments. For the last few years she has also participated in the Beginning Teacher Support and Assessment (BTSA) program as a support provider for multiple teachers. She is also currently partnering with local school and providing staff training in regards to writing IEP goals in connection with Common Core State Standards. She also advocates for the rights of children and families with special needs through her personal business, Arnold Advocacy. She will earn her Ed.D. from University of San Francisco in May 2019. She also consults with Cypress School, a nonpublic school specializing in working with students with autism and other neurological differences. She is the Vice President of the board of Matrix Parent Network and Resource Center, our local Parent Training Institute, whose mission includes empowerment and education of families of students with disabilities. She is also a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) specializing in working with students in the foster system that have individualized education plans (IEPs).
Dr. Rebecca Birch actively participates in schools for student teacher supervision and to developing school/University relationships.
Kathleen Ferrando serves as a University Supervisor for Education Studies and Multiple Subject Student Teachers in Marin, San Francisco and Sonoma Counties, and currently serves as co-chair of the University Supervisor’s Meetings. Kathleen taught a variety of classes as an Adjunct and Visiting Professor.
Whitney Hoyt actively participates in schools for student teacher supervision.
Dr. Katherine Lewis supervises student teachers in the Multiple Subject program, maintains relationships with local elementary schools, and invites guest speakers (including principals, teachers, and Marin County Office of Education (MCOE) personnel) for Dominican's Education seminars. She also works with MCOE to facilitate the Education Career Academy for high school students interested in becoming teachers.
Kathleen McDougall serves as University Supervisor for Single Subject Student Teachers and/or Interns across multiple school settings. In addition she is a document reader with the North Coast Beginning Teachers Program. She has participated at Youniversity at Davidson and she has a website that is used by several Marin County teachers to help their students develop their academic language.
Dr. Rosemarie Michaels is the Director of the Lesson Study Program in both the Education Studies and Multiple Subject programs. She leads lesson studies at numerous school sites each semester and trains faculty to do the same. Rosemarie is also the primary consultant and leadership team member for "Marin’s Next Generation Collaborative for Science & Math." This is a collaboration between Marin County Office of Education, Dominican University of California’s Education Studies & Multiple Subject Teacher Preparation Programs, College of Marin, and Exploratorium’s Institute for Inquiry.
Candance Monroe-Speed is an instructional support provider at Martinez Junior High. She teaches 8th grade supported math and co-teaches 6th grade English.
Elena Potovsky teaches the Advanced Curriculum course in San Rafael.
Leslie Smith teaches the Teaching Math course and serves as a Resident Mentor and supervisor for student teachers in the Multiple Subject program.
Renee Stender teaches the Teaching Reading course in San Rafael. She served as a full-time elementary teacher for many years and is currently an Intervention Specialist at Manor Elementary, where she works with struggling readers. In addition, she serves as a mentor for beginning teachers with the Marin County BTSA Program.
Rebecca Stewart actively participates in schools for student teacher supervision.
Dr. Elizabeth Truesdell facilitates advisory board meetings with area educators and administrators, and maintains relationships with area secondary schools for student teacher and intern field placements. Dr. Truesdell also invites educational leaders, BTSA providers, and teachers to guest speak in courses.
Dr. Jacquelyn Urbani has collaborated with Marin County Office of Education (MCOE) and Lifehouse Agency to establish an inclusive preschool, Great Expectations, which serves children of all abilities. She also collaborated with MCOE to develop a website on positive behavior supports, which was shared across the state. With Youth in Arts of San Rafael, she has investigated the benefits of arts education for students with special needs. Sweetwater Spectrum of Sonoma requested her assistance in researching housing options for adults with autism.
(10) Communication and Information
To be granted continuing accreditation by the Committee on Accreditation, the approved program sponsor must provide easily accessible and accurate information to the public, prospective educators, and enrolled candidates about the requirements for admission and successful completion for all its educator preparation programs. (10) Communication and Information
Admission to Supervised Teaching
At the end of the semester prior to student teaching, the Professional Standards Committee (PSC) of your program and/or the Program Director will assess your preparation for student teaching. This decision is based upon you having:
Met the subject matter requirement for admission to student teaching by passing all CSETs or equivalencies.
Verification of Child Adolescent Development (CAD) approved course completion.
Successful performance in all courses.
Submitted other documents or requirements prescribed by your program.
If the PSC and/or Program Director finds that you are not prepared for successful student teaching, you will not be admitted into the student teaching portion of your program.
In the supervised teaching semester(s), the role of the candidate will change from an observer/participant to teacher. All candidates have a supervised teaching experience, either through student teaching or intern placements, which involve regular observations by a university supervisor and participation in a concurrent seminar.
(11) Student Records Management, Access, and Security
To be granted continuing accreditation by the Committee on Accreditation, the sponsor must demonstrate that it will maintain and retain student records in accordance with the institution’s record retention policy. Institutions will provide verification that: (a) Candidates and graduates will have access to and be provided with transcripts and/or other documents for the purpose of verifying academic units and program completion. (b) All candidate records will be maintained at the main institutional site or central location (paper or digital copies). (c) Records will be kept securely in locked cabinets or on a secure server located in a room not accessible by the public. (11) Student Records Management, Access, and Security
a) Student Application Access
a) Student Application Access
Self-Service is an online service that lets Dominican faculty, staff and students carry out important tasks related to their role at the university in an online format. Services for students - including online registration, financial aid and bill payment, view course schedule, unofficial transcript, academic plan, and forms.
Dominican has authorized the National Student Clearinghouse to provide transcript ordering via the Web. Official and unofficial copies of a student’s transcript are available by request from the Registrar’s Office. Current students can also access their unofficial transcript online by logging into Self-Service.
Taskstream is a comprehensive assessment, folio, and data management system used by the Department of Education to assess student progress. Upon completion of program, students will have a portfolio of their cumulated collective works. This system streamline assessments and data collection, and offer more powerful reporting capabilities to the university. In addition, students will have access to their updated academic planner, credential checklist, submit documents, and view copy of their credential recommendation.
b) Student Record Storage Location
b) Student Record Storage Location
PowerCampus
PowerCampus
PowerCampus is the central system for the University that manages everything from Admissions to Alumni. The Information Technology Department is responsible for:
Providing the servers to support the system.
Insure security of the system.
Insure that backups are made of the database as well as maintenance tasks on the database.
Setup, maintenance and customization to the 'Self Service' web servers that provide web based access for faculty and students.
c) Security and Policy
c) Security and Policy
The University cherishes freedom of expression, the diversity of values and perspectives inherent in an academic institution, the right to acknowledgment, and the value of privacy for all members of the Dominican community.
Encryption
Encryption
All confidential data are stored in one of our core secure systems (PowerCampus). We have a system in place so that departments have the tools to encrypt files that contain confidential data and it can only be accessed by the appropriate people.
Backup Systems
Backup Systems
We backup all systems that store data every night to an online backup disk solution.
(12) Disclosure
Institutions must disclose information regarding any outside organizations that will be providing any direct educational services as all or part of the educator preparation programs sponsored by the institution and identify the type of services the outside organization will provide. (12) Disclosure
N/A
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