Early Completion Option

What is Early Completion Option (ECO)

Senate Bill 57 was designed to allow eligible individuals to complete a commission-approved professional induction program at a faster pace than the full two years generally required to complete all program requirements. The intent of the law is to serve experienced and exceptional candidates. In order for a commission-approved induction program to verify completion of the program for any candidate enrolled in the early completion option, the candidate must have demonstrated their knowledge, skills, abilities, and competencies required for the clear credential. 

Who is Eligible for ECO?

Qualified candidates must:

• Must hold a valid California Preliminary Multiple Subject, Single Subject, or Education Specialist teaching credential

• Must be employed in the Fremont Unified School District or with a private school employer

• Must have a minimum of 3 years prior teaching experience as the teacher of record within their teaching authorization from the last 10 years within the United States

• Substituting, intern experience, and preschool do not count towards years of experience for Early Completion Option

• Must be highly-qualified and exceptional as deemed by the FUSD Teacher Induction Program 

What are the Criteria for Acceptance?

1.   Submission of at least two (2) exceptional/exceeds standards teacher performance evaluations from administrators. One evaluation must have been conducted within the last two years. Other evaluations must be from within the past 10 years.  The evaluations must be rigorous and address the following areas:  

✔ Teaching strategies that motivate all students to engage in learning  

✔ The ability to establish and maintain high standards for student behavior  

✔ A demonstration of deep knowledge of the subject matter taught as defined by the CA Content Standards and use of appropriate instructional strategies that  promote student understanding  

✔ An ability to evaluate and assess student achievement  

✔ An ability to communicate effectively by presenting ideas and instruction clearly and meaningfully to all students

2.    EL Authorization (Emergency, Clear, or embedded are acceptable)

3.    Recommendation from current site principal based on observations and evidence of CSTP Standard Two (Creating and  Maintaining Effective Environments for Student Learning) and submitted directly to Dr. Rocha in Federal & State Programs

4.    Final eligibility subject to approval of Induction Director

What is the Process to Qualify for ECO?

When a teacher is hired who meets the above criteria, he/she is eligible to be considered for the Early Completion Option. Candidates are informed of the criteria and process for participating in the ECO as part of the Teacher Induction Program Orientation. The Teacher Induction Program Handbook outlines the Early Completion Option eligibility and criteria.  Interested candidates should contact the Induction Specialist who verifies qualifications/eligibility and provides the candidate with an application for the Early Completion Option.   

The candidate submits the application packet including: 

• Two prior, rigorous and exceptional  performance evaluations (one within the last two years) from administrators. This would be the “Teacher Final Evaluation Form” if the applicant’s prior years of experience are in FUSD.  Please see page 4 for a sample of this form.  

• Classroom Visitation Record - Page 3 - This should be completed by your administrator and submitted directly to Dr. Rocha in Fed & State Programs

Complete application packets are due to the Induction Office no later than October 1 for candidates entering the program in the Fall Cycle, and February 28 for candidates entering in the Spring Cycle.

Who Evaluates the ECO Application Packet? 

The Induction Program Director reviews the completed application forms to make the ECO determination. The candidate will be notified in writing whether they qualify for the Early Completion Option by November 7 for fall submissions and March 7 for spring submissions.  If a candidate does not qualify for ECO, they will participate in the full two-year Induction Program. Candidates who qualify must sign the Early Completion Option MOU.  Candidates who are denied ECO may appeal the decision by filling out the ECO Appeal Form by November 15 for fall submissions or March 15 for spring submissions.  The Induction Advisory Board will review the appeal and make a final decision in writing within 60 days.   

What is the Appeal Process for ECO Denial?

Candidates who are denied ECO may appeal the decision by filling out the ECO Appeal Form by November 15 for fall submissions or March 15 for spring submissions.  The Induction Advisory Board will review the appeal and make a final decision in writing within 60 days.  

What are the Completion Requirements for ECO Candidates?

Clear Credential Requirements for SB 57 Early Completion Option candidates are as follows:  

• Participate for one school year in the Induction Program and sign ECO MOU

• Meet regularly with their Induction Mentor (minimum of one hour of Induction-related activity per week with or coordinated by Mentor)

• Submit monthly Collaborative Logs

• Complete all requirements of the Individual Learning Plans (ILPs), as communicated by an Induction Specialist. CSTP 2 cannot be one of the goals.

• Submit the ILP Verification Form (Mentor’s signature verifies the candidate’s completion of self-placements on the CSTP Continuum and completion of the ILP) and the Admin Signature Pages

• Complete all surveys as required by the Induction Program

• Maintain evidence to be used as verification of completion at time of Induction Debrief