MS & SS Intern

The following program-specific preconditions apply to the Mills College Multiple Subjects, Single Subject Humanities, and Single Subject Math & Science Intern Pathway that was approved at the May 7, 2020 COA Meeting.

Precondition 1: Bachelor's Degree Requirement

Candidates admitted to internship programs must hold baccalaureate degrees or higher from a regionally accredited institution of higher education. Reference: Education Code Sections 44325, 44326, 44453.

Intern Precondition 1 is met as follows:

Mills assures that all candidates admitted to internship programs hold baccalaureate degrees or higher from a regionally accredited institution of higher education. Proof that a candidate holds a baccalaureate degree is a requirement for admission to all Mills graduate programs. Students who apply to Mills while in the process of completing bachelor’s degrees are required to send official transcripts documenting completed and in-progress undergraduate courses. Immediately upon completion of bachelor’s degrees, candidates are instructed to send final transcripts to Mills to complete the admission application process. Official transcripts are mailed to Admissions, or official electronic transcripts sent from the institution of higher education to Admissions, to verify completion of this requirement, and are tracked through Slate. The link to Mills College Graduate Programs Admissions Requirements can be viewed here.

Precondition 2: Subject Matter Requirement

Each Multiple Subject intern admitted into the program has passed the Commission-approved subject matter examinations(s) for the subject area(s) in which the Intern is authorized to teach, and each Single Subject intern admitted into the program has passed the Commission-approved subject matter examination(s) or completed the subject matter program for the subject areas(s) in which the Intern is authorized to teach. Reference: Education Code Section 44325(c) (3).

Intern Precondition 2 is met as follows:

Mills College assures that each Multiple Subject intern admitted into the program has passed the Commission-approved subject matter examinations(s) for the subject area(s) in which the Intern is authorized to teach, and each Single Subject intern admitted into the program has passed the Commission-approved subject matter examination(s) or completed the subject matter program for the subject areas(s) in which the Intern is authorized to teach. Proof of CSET and CBEST passage is tracked through Slate during the admissions process. The credential analyst tracks submission of candidates’ documents to the secure learning management system Blackboard, which beginning this summer will transition to the learning management system Canvas. Students can view due internal dates for required documents as shown in the example here.

Precondition 3: Pre-Service Requirement

(a) Each Multiple and Single Subject Internship program must include a minimum of 120 clock hour (or the semester or quarter unit equivalent) pre-service component which includes foundational preparation in general pedagogy including classroom management and planning, reading/language arts, subject specific pedagogy, human development, and specific content regarding the teaching English Learners pursuant to California Code of Regulations §80033.

(b) Each Education Specialist Internship program includes a minimum of 120 clock hour (or the semester or quarter unit equivalent) pre-service component which includes foundational preparation in pedagogy including classroom management and planning, reading/language arts, specialty specific pedagogy, human development, and teaching English Learners.

Intern Precondition 3 is met as follows:

All candidates must take and pass all pre-service course work prior to becoming eligible for the intern credential. The preservice coursework consists of 168 clock hours in duration and includes foundational preparation in general pedagogy, including classroom management and planning, subject specific pedagogy, reading/language arts, human development and the teaching of English Learners. The linked courses comprise the pre-service coursework.

In addition, candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited university, meet the basic skills requirement, complete the subject matter requirement by passing all sections of the corresponding CSET, completing a Commission-approved subject matter preparation program, or hold a valid single subject or multiple subject credential, and complete the U.S. Constitution requirement. They submit supporting documents via Canvas.

The credential analyst reviews the course of study with students who would like to be considered to be eligible to be interns. Once they have completed the subject matter competency requirements and pre-service coursework, they then become eligible for intern positions. Only then are they provided with the documentation needed to become university interns. The requirements for intern readiness are indicated on the Single Subject and Multiple Subject Intern Credential Checklists.

Precondition 4: Professional Development Plan

The employing district has developed and implemented a Professional Development Plan for interns in consultation with a Commission-approved program of teacher preparation. The plan shall include all of the following:

(a) Provisions for an annual evaluation of the intern.

(b) A description of the courses to be completed by the intern, if any, and a plan for the completion of preservice or other clinical training, if any, including student teaching.

(c) Additional instruction during the first semester of service, for interns teaching in kindergarten or grades 1 to 6 inclusive, in child development and teaching methods, and special education programs for pupils with mild and moderate disabilities.

(d) Instruction, during the first year of service, for interns teaching children in bilingual classes in the culture and methods of teaching bilingual children, and instruction in the etiology and methods of teaching children with mild and moderate disabilities.

Intern Precondition 4 is met as follows:

Once a district offers a candidate employment as an intern, the candidate, district assigned coach, and Mills supervisor will have an initial goal setting and orientation meeting and complete an intern verification form that outlines the placement and professional development plan. The form captures the course of study interns are required to complete and a suggested timeline. This course sequence includes two courses taken in the first summer and fall that focus on child and adolescent development and teaching methods. Special and inclusive education methods are incorporated in the Curriculum and Instruction coursework as well as the Perspectives in Disability, Inclusion, and Assessment course. Interns take an English Language Development course during the summer and spring terms. The year-long Pedagogical Content Knowledge Lab will bridge coursework with the intern practicum by focusing on key areas of inquiry to support the professional development of interns. These include: classroom management, child and adolescent development, and teaching across interns’ respective content areas. Interns will be evaluated twice a year using the ELJJ Midterm and Final Evaluation forms that highlight their progress with meeting the California Teacher Performance Expectations. The document captures their development and offers space for qualitative feedback. Interns will undergo evaluation from the district assigned coach and Mills supervisor. Interns are to undergo biweekly documented observations focused on developing their pedagogical content knowledge. Furthermore, interns will meet weekly with their district assigned coach and Mills supervisor to co-plan and reflect on their practice on an ongoing basis.

Precondition 5: Supervision of Interns

(a) In all internship programs, the participating institutions in partnership with employing districts shall provide 144 hours of support and supervision annually and 45 hours of support and supervision specific to teaching English learners pursuant to California Code of Regulations §80033.

(b) University Intern Programs only: No intern's salary may be reduced by more than 1/8 of its total to pay for supervision, and the salary of the intern shall not be less than the minimum base salary paid to a regularly certificated person. If the intern salary is reduced, no more than eight interns may be advised by one district support person. Reference: Education Code Section 44462. Institutions will describe the procedures used in assigning supervisors and, where applicable, the system used to pay for supervision.

Intern Precondition 5 is met as follows:

All district hired interns will be assigned an intern employer district-based coach. Multiple and Single Subject Program Directors will also assign a Mills supervisor. The two mentors will collaborate to offer at least 144 hours of support and supervision annually and 45 hours of support and supervision specific to teaching English learners. This will take the form or collaborative planning, lesson observations, debriefs and reflections, and discussing student work. District coaches and supervisors will utilize the Mills observation feedback protocol to document intern progress and areas of growth. Intern candidates will use the weekly log to document support and supervision provided by the district coach and Mills supervisor. The intern field practicum experience will be coordinated and facilitated by Mills College Multiple and Single Subject faculty and program directors vis-a-vis the Pedagogical Content Knowledge Lab. Upon commencement of this course interns will undergo an orientation of expectations for their intern-based field experience, their roles and responsibilities, and the forms of support they will receive from program directors, district assigned coaches, and Mills supervisors. Roles, responsibilities, and requirements are outlined on the respective course syllabi and reviewed during orientation and initial class sessions. Additionally, interns will be further supported via four cycles of teacher-based inquiry into dilemmas of practice.

Precondition 6: Assignment and Authorization

To receive program approval, the participating institution authorizes the candidates in an internship program to assume the functions that are authorized by the regular standard credential. Reference: Education Code Section 44454. The institution stipulates that the interns' services meet the instructional or service needs of the participating district(s). Reference: Education Code Section 44458.

Intern Precondition 6 is met as follows:

Once a district makes an offer of employment to an intern qualified candidate in the program, the district, candidate, and program director complete an intern verification form. On this form (see page 2), the district authorizes that the intern assumes the functions that are authorized by the regular standard credential. The district stipulates that the interns’ services meet the instructional or service needs of the district.

Precondition 7: Participating Districts

Participating districts are public school districts or county offices of education. Submissions for approval must identify the specific districts involved and the specific credential(s) involved. Reference: Education Code Sections 44321 and 44452.

Intern Precondition 7 is met as follows:

Oakland Unified School District will be our participating district.

Precondition 8: Early Program Completion Option

(Does not apply to an Education Specialist intern program) Each intern program must make available to candidates who qualify for the option the opportunity to choose an early program completion option, culminating in a five year preliminary teaching credential. This option must be made available to interns who meet the following requirements:

(a) Pass a written assessment adopted by the commission that assesses knowledge of teaching foundations as well as all of the following:

• Human development as it relates to teaching and learning aligned with the state content and performance standards for K-12 students

• Techniques to address learning differences, including working with students with special needs

• Techniques to address working with English learners to provide access to the curriculum

• Reading instruction in accordance with state standards

• Assessment of student progress based on the state content and performance standards

• Classroom management techniques

• Methods of teaching the subject fields (b) Pass the teaching performance assessment. This assessment may be taken only one time by an intern participating in the early completion option.

(c) Pass the Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA) (Multiple Subject Credential only).

(d) Meet the requirements for teacher fitness. An intern who chooses the early completion option but is not successful in passing the assessment may complete his or her full internship program. (Reference: Education Code Section 44468).

Intern Precondition 8 is met as follows:

Candidates who seek the Early Completion Option must submit confirmation of passing a written assessment adopted by the Commission that assesses knowledge of teaching as described above and demonstrate subject matter competency (through subject matter examination or completion of a Commission-approved subject matter preparation program in order to be approved for the Early Completion Option. ECO candidates provide us with subject matter competency and BSR during admissions to the program through Slate. They provide evidence of passing APK to the placement coordinator once completed. Once they have all the prerequisites for an ECO, the placement coordinator sets them up with the intern agreement. When that document is signed, the program follows the same procedure for applying for an Intern credential identified under Pre-service Requirement (page 2 of this document).

Precondition 9: Length of Validity of the Intern Certificate

Each intern certificate will be valid for a period of two years. However, a certificate may be valid for three years if the intern is participating in a program leading to the attainment of a specialist credential to teach students, or for four years if the intern is participating in a district intern program leading to the attainment of both a multiple subject or a single subject teaching credential and a specialist credential to teach students with mild/moderate disabilities. Reference: Education Code Section 44325 (b).

Intern Precondition 9 is met as follows:

Page 2 of the intern verification form provides information pertaining to the length and validity of the intern certificate.

Precondition 10: Non-Displacement of Certificated Employees

The institution and participating districts must certify that interns do not displace certificated employees in participating districts.

Intern Precondition 10 is met as follows:

The approved 2018-21 bargaining contract between the Oakland Unified School District and the Oakland Education Association clearly stipulates that interns do not displace certificated employees (2.1.1.9).

Precondition 11: Justification of Internship Program

When an institution submits a program for initial or continuing accreditation, the institution must explain why the internship is being implemented. Programs that are developed to meet employment shortages must include a statement from the participating district(s) about the availability of qualified certificated persons holding the credential. The exclusive representative of certificated employees in the credential area (when applicable) is encouraged to submit a written statement to the Committee on Accreditation agreeing or disagreeing with the justification that is submitted.

Intern Precondition 11 is met as follows:

The Oakland Unified School District’s New Teacher Support & Development Induction and Intern Support Programs Guide that is Accredited by the CA Commission on Teacher Credentialing 2019-2020 states the rationale to meet employment shortages.

Precondition 12: Bilingual Language Proficiency

Each intern who is authorized to teach in bilingual classrooms has passed the language proficiency subtest of the Commission-approved assessment program leading to the Bilingual Cross-cultural Language and Academic Development Certificate. Reference: Education Code Section 44325 (c) (4).

Intern Precondition 12 is met as follows:

This is confirmed before the placement by the placement coordinator as a requirement for clinical experience and internships. See statement note at the top of page 2 of the Internship Agreement Form.

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