Advanced Course of Study for the California Clear Credential (Multiple or Single Subject)
FAQ
Do I need to enroll in an Advanced Course of Study?
Teachers who received a Preliminary 2042 Credential must get a Clear Credential within 5 years of the preliminary credential issuance. If the issuance date on the preliminary credential was prior to August 30, 2004, the teacher has three options (listed on the back of the credential) for obtaining the clear credential. Teachers may complete an approved induction program such as Beginning Teacher Support and Assessment (BTSA), receive National Board Certification, or complete a CCTC approved Advanced Course of Study. For teachers whose preliminary credential was issued on or after August 30, 2004, an induction program is the required route to clearing the credential, unless the teacher's employer verifies that such a program is not available to the teacher. If an induction program is not available, the teacher may be eligible to complete the clear credential program by enrolling in an approved advanced course of study.
What else might an Advanced Course of Study be called?
An Advanced Course of Study Program might also be known as a 5th year program, even though it often takes place during a 6th year. It could also be considered a Clear Credential Program at some institutions.
What is an Advanced Course of Study?
An Advanced Course of Study Program is a university approved program of courses and field work that provides opportunities for beginning teachers to learn and demonstrate skills in the classroom. These skills build upon what teachers learned and demonstrated in their teacher preparation programs. Specifically, teachers learn to apply skills and knowledge in the areas of serving students with special needs and students who are learning English. They also learn to apply an advanced level of skills in the areas of health and technology use in the classroom.
How does Antioch's Advanced Course of Study differ from other options for clearing my credential?
Every approved program in the state is required to meet a set of standards developed by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. Each institution, however, has different ways of approaching the standards. Antioch's program is based on the belief that beginning teachers need support in their first years and that simply taking extra coursework is not sufficient to provide this support. Antioch's program includes a seminar strand that allows teachers to build collegial support and to reflect on their developing practice as a teacher. Most significantly, Antioch has built into the program a self-assessment and planning process which allows teachers to design their own ways of meeting the standards. Other programs are choosing a variety of emphases, such as advanced knowledge and skills in specific subject matter.
How do I apply for the clear credential Advanced Course of Study program at Antioch?
You can apply for the program in several ways. First, if you are interested in being enrolled in a Master's program as well as completing the courses for theclear credential, you may apply for the MAEx program. If you wish to take only the clear course, you should contact the program coordinator, Rich Loebl, at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or (805) 962-8179 ext. 115, who will help you register for the courses as a special status student.
When and where are the clear credential courses offered?
In fall and winter quarters, courses are held on Monday afternoons/evenings from 4:30-7:30. Each course is scheduled for between 3 to 6 sessions per quarter, so teachers can take several courses and still only meet on Mondays each week. Additional courses are required in the spring quarter, and classes meet on both Mondays and Tuesdays All classes are held at Antioch University at 801 Garden Street in downtown Santa Barbara.
How much does the Advanced Course of Study cost?
For teachers who enroll in the Master's program, the Advanced Course of Study courses are embedded into the program and do not cost extra. For teachers who are taking the courses as individal courses, not connected with a degree program, the fees are figured per unit based on special student status. The total number of units in the program is 10.
How long will it take me to complete Antioch's Advanced Course of Study and be recommended for the clear credential?
Whether completed as part of the Master's Degree program or independent of another program, the Advanced Course of Study program is designed to be completed within three quarters, typically beginning in each fall and being completed by the end of spring quarter.
Can I also get a Master's Degree while I am taking the Advanced Course of Study program?
Absolutely! If you are already in the Master's program in education at Antioch University, you can add the courses for the clear credential as part of your required and/or elective courses. If you received your credential from another institution, in or out of California, you are eligible for the MAEx program. This exciting master's degree program in Social Justice and Educational Leadership will help you achieve the qualities of leadership that you need to make a significant difference in your school and the lives of students. This program is designed with school reform and equity issues as its focus.
What courses do I need to take?
A one-unit seminar course, TEP622A-C Professional Inquiry and Collegial Observation, is the only true required course. In this course, teachers plan how they will meet the standards in each of the four state designated areas: English Learners, Special Students, and Health and Technology. Teachers who have inservice opportunities in their positions may find that they are already learning new skills in these areas that they can apply to the program standards. If teachers think the best way to meet the standards is to take other courses, a series of courses has been designed to learn new skills in these areas and apply them in the classroom. These courses include: TEP 617A Equity and Access for Special Populations, TEP617B Advanced Educational Technololgy, TEP631 Resilience Education in the School Community, and TEP531A Enhancing English Language through Literature. These course units will help meet the unit requirement for the Master's degree. Units may also assist teachers with salary schedule advancement.
Why would I want to take an Advanced Course of Study instead of completing an approved induction program?
In some districts, teachers have access to a BTSA or an induction program and will typically be able to clear the credential through participation in and completion of that program. Teachers who are employed in independent or charter schools may not be eligible for an induction program. The advanced course of study is ideal for such teachers, since they only have five years in which to clear the credential. In addition, induction programs do not offer degrees. For a teacher who is interested in a master's degree, and who does not have an induction program option, consideration should be given to clearing the credential at the same time as earning the degree.
Do I need to have a teaching job to enroll in the Advanced Course of Study?
The program, by nature, is designed to have teachers demonstrate skills in their classrooms. By state law, one must have a teaching position in order to participate in an advanced course of study to clear the credential. However, if a teacher received the credential prior to August 30, 2004, and is substitute teaching or an instructional aide, he or she can use any classroom to which there is access in order to complete the requirements of the program. If a teacher does not have access to any appropriate classroom, Antioch University faculty will assist him or her in finding a placement that will allow the teacher to complete assignments.
Year at a Glance:
These courses only reflect the clear credential program. There are an additional 6-8 units each quarter of master's courses that are available for those interested in the MA degree in Education.
| Fall | Winter |
Spring |
|
TEP 622A PICO (1) |
TEP 622B PICO (1) |
TEP 622C PICO (1) |
