This website is updated for the 2020 Preconditions review. It includes the feedback and updates that the CCTC recommended during the 2018 site visit, which are linked here.
2017:
CTC Feedback Document for Mills College Preconditions
Preconditions Addendum: Response to Precondition Feedback Final
2020:
CTC Feedback Document for Mills College Preconditions
Pursuant to Education Code Section 44227 (and 44265 where applicable for Education Specialist Program) each program of professional preparation that leads to a teaching or services credential shall adhere continually to the following requirements of California State Law or Commission Policy. Each institution must respond to the general preconditions as well as all other applicable program specific preconditions.
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.
Mills College is (i) accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission (WSCUC) and (ii) grants baccalaureate academic credit and post-baccalaureate credit.
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:
completes the program;
withdraws from the program;
is dropped from the program based on established criteria; or
is admitted to another approved program to complete the requirements, with minimal disruption, for the authorization.
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.
Once a candidate becomes a student of a Mills College educator preparation program, the student is immediately placed in the state-approved program and guided to complete a predetermined set of required courses that meet the state-approved standards.
The candidate is told of a recommended completion timeline for each program, and monitored by the academic advisor until program completion;
Withdrawal from a program is a decision determined between the candidate, their advisor, and the program director. The candidate will be carefully assessed and counseled prior to reaching the decision to withdraw;
Mills College has the following criteria for dropping a candidate from the credentialing program:
The candidate does not meet the minimum grade point average of 3.0 to continue in the program;
The candidate does not pass the required coursework or internship placement.
If the candidate opted to transfer to another state-approved program to complete the credentialing requirement, the college will release the candidate’s academic transcript upon request and the academic coordinator is available to answer questions and assist in a program transfer with minimal disruption.
In the event of college closure, the School of Education will continue supporting credential students and ‘teach out’ until they complete their program of study. New credential candidates will not be admitted to programs under closure circumstances. The Dean of the School of Education, Dr. Wendi Williams, will oversee the continuing operation of the programs. Required courses will continue to be taught by qualified instructors. Student internships and student teacher placements will continue to be supported by the field supervisors. All performance assessments will be guided and supported by the program directors. Candidates will continue to have access to their college records through the Mills College academic records department and through the School of Education via the academic coordinator. If the plan to teach out is not possible, the Dean of School of Education will ensure that the candidates are successfully admitted to nearby institutions with approved programs to complete the credential requirements.
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:
completes the program;
withdraws from the program;
is dropped from the program based on established criteria; or
is admitted to another approved program to complete the requirements, with minimal disruption, for the authorization.
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.
Once a candidate becomes a student of a Mills College educator preparation program, the student is immediately placed in the state-approved program and guided to complete a predetermined set of required courses that meet the state-approved standards.
The candidate is told of a recommended completion timeline for each program, and monitored by the academic advisor until program completion;
Withdrawal from a program is a decision determined between the candidate, their advisor, and the program director. The candidate will be carefully assessed and counseled prior to reaching the decision to withdraw;
Mills College has the following criteria for dropping a candidate from the credentialing program:
The candidate does not meet the minimum grade point average of 3.0 to continue in the program;
The candidate does not pass the required coursework or internship placement.
If the candidate opted to transfer to another state-approved program to complete the credentialing requirement, the college will release the candidate’s academic transcript upon request and the academic coordinator is available to answer questions and assist in a program transfer with minimal disruption.
In the event of college closure, the School of Education will continue supporting credential students and ‘teach out’ until they complete their program of study. New credential candidates will not be admitted to programs under closure circumstances. The Dean of the School of Education, Dr. Wendi Williams, will oversee the continuing operation of the programs. Required courses will continue to be taught by qualified instructors. Student internships and student teacher placements will continue to be supported by the field supervisors. All performance assessments will be guided and supported by the program directors. Candidates will continue to have access to their college records through the Mills College academic records department and through the School of Education via the academic coordinator. If the plan to teach out is not possible, the Dean of School of Education will ensure that the candidates are successfully admitted to nearby institutions with approved programs to complete the credential requirements.
Please see the assurance from Dean Wendi Williams here.
To be granted initial institutional accreditation or continuing accreditation by the Committee on Accreditation, the entity shall provide the following information:
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).
Provide a description of the reporting relationship between the position described in (a) and the individual(s) who coordinates 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 partners who will be involved in the oversight of the educator preparation unit and/or responsible for any aspect of program delivery.
Provide policies to ensure that duties regarding credential recommendations are provided solely by persons who are current employees of the Commission approved institution.
Final accountability for all educator preparation programs rests with the Dean of the School of Education. The Dean, Dr. Wendi Williams, is a tenured, full professor, who works closely with faculty leaders and college administration. She carefully coordinates program policies and administrative mechanisms within the School of Education and with the College at large. She provides leadership in securing full support of the academic departments on campus and the administration for all the credential programs.
See Chart 1 below.
Mills College Commission-approved credentialing programs are directed by tenured or tenure-track professors, or by contracted employees. The directors of the programs have the sole responsibility of recommending candidates for the credential of their respective programs. The duties regarding credential recommendations are provided solely by the Credential Analyst, a full time employee of the Mills College. The official job description of the Credential Analysis is included as evidence.
Credentialing Policy: It is the policy of the Mills College School of Education to assure that candidates who complete a credential program are assisted by the School of Education Credential Analyst in applying for a valid California Credential. The fundamental criteria for program completion are determined by specific programs. Candidates who successfully complete a credential program at Mills College will not be denied access to applications for credentials based on race, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, marital status or status as a covered veteran. Purpose: Credentialing is performed to assess and confirm the qualifications of candidates for teacher and administrator credentials. The Mills College Credential Analyst verifies and confirms that all requirements for credentials have been met before submitting applications.
Chart 1.
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.
Mills College non-discrimination policies require administrators to make equitable personnel decisions. Mills College admissions and employment policies are publicly stated and comply with affirmative action and equal opportunity policies. All personnel and admissions decisions are made without discrimination based on gender, race, ethnicity, disability or any other constitutionally or legally prohibited considerations. Furthermore, Mills College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, marital status, age, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or disability (in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, 1973 Rehabilitation Act Section 504, and implementing regulations) in its admission policies, scholarship and loan programs, or in the educational programs or activities which it operates. The non-discrimination policies for employees and candidates can be found here. Data on the diversity of the faculty and students at Mills can be found here.
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 all candidates participating in public school-based field activities hold a Certificate of Clearance from the Commission, (c) 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 (d) assure that the approved program sponsor will participate fully in the Commission’s accreditation system, including the timely submission of documents required for accreditation.
(a) Mills College provides assurance that the program will demonstrate and fulfill all applicable standards of program quality and effectiveness through the program document submitted to and approved by the Commission on Accreditation.
(b) Mills College assures that all candidates participating in public school-based field activities hold a Certificate of Clearance from the Commission prior to placement.
(c) Mills College cooperates with all evaluation monitoring by staying connected to the Commission and submitting all reports in a timely fashion.
(d) The Dean of the School of Education and the directors of all credentialing programs provide assurances of full cooperation with the Commission through timely response to all requests for information and submission of all reports in alignment with deadlines.
Please see the assurance from Dean Wendi Williams here.
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.
The Academic Coordinator and Credential Analyst, Kate Carlin, is identified as the qualified officer responsible for reporting and responding to all requests from the Commission. Furthermore, the Dean is responsible for updating the name and title of the qualified officer annually. Contact information on the Dean of Education will be updated annually with the Commission and can also be found here.
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.
Dr. Wendi Williams, Dean of the School of Education, Dr. Dana Wright, Director of the Administrative Services Credential, Dr. Tomás Galguera, Chair of the Teacher Preparation Program, Dr. Clifford Lee, Director of the Single Subject Credential, Dr. Wanda Watson, Director of the Multiple Subject Credential, and Dr. Jacquelyn Urbani, Director of the Early Childhood Special Education Credential affirm the veracity of statements and documentation submitted to the Commission.
Please see the assurance from Dean Wendi Williams here.
To be granted initial institutional accreditation or 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 the candidate has been informed of the grievance process and that the process has been followed.
Note: While the Commission does not dictate a specific process for candidates to grieve actions and decisions related to the admission, progress, and completion of their program, the Commission may find it necessary to comment on an institution’s grievance process if it appears to unfairly disadvantage the candidate. Examples include requiring the candidate to grieve to the very same individuals for whom the grievance is directed.
Upon enrollment, all credential candidates receive the Mills College Student Handbook for Undergraduates and Graduate Students. Students provide written documentation that they have received the Handbook, which outlines the procedures and process to be followed in the case of a grievance.
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).
Dr. Jacquelyn Urbani, Dr. Tomás Galguera, Dr. Wanda Watson, Dr. Clifford Lee, and Dr. Dana Wright are program directors and the faculty members who will meet this precondition. All other faculty are practitioners and as such are exempt. These directors and professors have a close working relationship with multiple schools in the Oakland Unified School District and throughout the Bay Area. They provide professional development to principals and teachers in the district, and provide ongoing support to schools regarding implementing school change and reform.
Mills College sponsors the Oakland Teacher Residency program that places math/science teachers in classrooms in Oakland and follows them for the first three years of their career. Other partnerships are the Education for Change Residency program, Mills Teacher Scholars program, Lesson Study in Oakland Unified, the Civic Engagement in the Digital Age program, and the Oakland Early Head Start and Head Start program. The directors of the educators preparation programs are involved in these partnerships.
A table has been created to clearly display a list of faculty members and the manner in which they currently participate in the public system.
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.
Mills College provides accurate and easily accessible information about its educator preparation programs, including the requirement for admission and successful program completion on its website and through face-to-face information sessions held multiple times throughout the year. Credential candidates can access information about and submit the documents required for their credentials through the learning management system Blackboard, which will transition to the learning management system Canvas this Summer 2020. Documents included on the Blackboard/Canvas pages are single subject and multiple subjects credential checklists and extracurricular expenses, as well as internal due dates for students to submit the credential requirements. Early Childhood Special Education credential candidates access this information through the program’s Google Site.
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.
(a) Mills College administrative policies include specific student document retention policy on maintaining and retaining students records.
(b) Once candidates receive their student ID numbers, they can access Mills Portal to obtain any information in their records, including but not limited to transcripts, program standing, classes, grades, financial information.
(c) All candidates’ records are maintained at the Mills Portal. Mills College has its own server and has secure measures in place to protect information under the college’s control. Technology privacy and terms of use is found here.
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.
Mills College School of Education does not use any outside organization to provide direct educational services with its educator preparation programs.
