Below is a breakdown of every part needed to be completed to submit STEP 1 successfully.
1. Application CheckList and StEP 1 APPlication
Application checklist and STEP 1 forms are to be filled out completely and included as part of the full packet. They are linked below, directly from the AGED Department Website.
2. Basic Skills Requirement
The Basic Skills Requirement proves that you are capable of teaching in California. You must sign up for the CBEST (California Basic Educational Skills Test) and pass it before your STEP 2 deadline. Step 1 requires you to show that you have already taken the CBEST or to show proof that you have signed up to take it. The link to the official website is below. Additionally, this requirement can be fulfilled with with proof of a received ACT or SAT score of a certain score. If this may be an option for you, please inquire to the AGED Dept.
3. Verification of Early Field Experience
Early Field Experience consists of observing at a local high school as part of the AGED 330, 303, or 350 class. This occurs within the quarter you took/take that class and accumulates to 45 hours of observing. Your hard card for this requirement fulfills this requirement.
4. Subject Matter Competency
"All commission-approved subject matter program requirements listed on the Subject Matter Competency Verification document must be completed prior to beginning student teaching."
For this requirement, you must schedule a meeting with the Credential Advisor before you submit you STEP 1 application. If you are a Cal Poly undergraduate and you are an Agriculture Science major directed for teaching, your major course work will fulfill the majority of this requirement. If you are a different major at Cal Poly, you have two options. 1) take the additional classes the program requires to fulfill the requirement or 2) take CSET in Agriculture and pass. See a sample completed form below. If you were to take the CSET option, you must discuss it in your meeting with Dr. Swan, and show proof of passing the exam. Note: THIS IS DIRECTLY RELATED TO COURSEWORK ON NEXT TAB.
For this requirement, you must schedule a meeting with the Credential Advisor before you submit you STEP 1 application. If you are a Cal Poly undergraduate and you are an Agriculture Science major directed for teaching, your major course work will fulfill the majority of this requirement. If you are a different major at Cal Poly, you have two options. 1) take the additional classes the program requires to fulfill the requirement or 2) take CSET in Agriculture and pass. See a sample completed form below. If you were to take the CSET option, you must discuss it in your meeting with Dr. Swan, and show proof of passing the exam. Note: THIS IS DIRECTLY RELATED TO COURSEWORK ON NEXT TAB.
5. Transcripts
You must submit all unofficial transcripts of all universities or colleges you have attended that are not Cal Poly as part of your application for STEP 1. The credentialing office will notify you if you are required to submit official transcripts.
6. Speaking and Writing English Competencies
There is a form part of Item 1 that verifies your competency in reading and writing English. This must be completed when you turn in your Step 1 application. If you are a Cal Poly Graduate, you have already fulfilled these requirements as part of your curriculum and Writing Proficiency Exam. If you are an undergraduate student, this requirement is fulfilled by successful completion of GE Area 1 with a C or better, and the passing of the WPE or WPE C3 course.
7. CErtificate of Clearance
This process is required for "Admission to the University" to seek a credential or for STEP 1, whichever is first. This requirement is composed of two parts. 1) completed live scan 2) online application at www.ctc.ca.gov. Part 1, the live scan consists of fingerprinting the teacher candidates and can be completed at the University Police Department, or the County Government Office. In order to do this at UPD, you must pick up a copy of the "Request for LIVE SCAN" for at the Credentialing Office in B2-120. The cost for the live scan is about $80 dollars. Allow a week or so to get your fingerprints uploaded to the national data base, and complete part 2. The online application matches your fingerprints to your profile and clears you to visit, observe, and work at a public school. Below is the website to Part 2.
8. School of Education Standards and Conduct Performance
"Sign and date that you have read and received a copy of the of the School of Education's Vision and Mission Statements, Learning Outcomes, and Dispositions. This form is part of the documents listed under Item 1.
9. Informed Consent to participate in school of education research
Read and sign that you are or are not in agreement to participate in the Teacher Quality Program Research. This form is part of the documents listed under Item 1.
10. Interview
You must schedule a meeting with the department Credential Advisor (Dr. Ben Swan) prior to submitting your application. This meeting will serve a a check up for you, and a discussion over your "Subject Matter Competency" requirement that will help prepare your for later in your Credentialing Process.