Frequently asked questions:
1. What if I have majored in Math or Science at UCLA? Can I still become a credentialed Mandarin teacher in the public school system in California?
Yes, you can. In fact, you do not have to have a B.A. in Chinese to become a Mandarin teacher. Since there is currently a major shortage of science and math teachers in the public schools, an option you might consider is this: pass the CSET in your subject area (Math or Science, for example) and get teaching experience at a school while at the same working on your Mandarin Single Subject credential which you can add on at a later date.
2. What is the difference between a Single Subject Credential and a Multiple Subject Credential?
The teacher with a Multiple Subject Credential is authorized to teach many subjects (e.g. Math, Science, Mandarin) to one fixed group of students who stay in the same classroom throughout the day, most often found in elementary school settings. Individuals with this credential are usually employed in elementary schools, but may be assigned to teach in any self-contained classroom (preschool, K-12, adults).
A Single Subject Credential enables an individual to teach a specific academic subject (e.g. Mandarin, Science, Math, Art) most often in departmentalized classes such as typically found in most middle and high schools. In secondary schools students change classrooms and teachers as they change periods and subject matter. While most holders of this credential are usually employed in middle and high schools, you may be assigned to teach the subject(s) at any grade level (preschool, grades K-12, or adults).
3. What is the BCLAD?
The BCLAD stands for Bilingual, Cross-cultural, Language and Academic Development (BCLAD). The BCLAD certificate or credential authorizes a teacher to teach students in English and the target language – Mandarin. This can be completed by coursework or by exam. This option is for the Multiple Subject Credential holder (for those wishing to teach in elementary schools).
4. What is the CBEST? How can I register for the test? When is the test offered?
As a Mandarin candidate both credentials (the single and the multiple subject credentials) require that you pass the CBEST exam and the CSET exam in your subject matter area(s). The California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST) assesses basic knowledge of reading, math and English writing proficiency. Click here to register for the test.
Upcoming CBEST test dates include: December 1, 2007; February 9, 2008; April 12, 2008; and June 14, 2008.
5. What is the CSET? How can I register for the test?
As a Mandarin candidate both credentials (the single and the multiple subject credentials) require that you pass the CBEST exam and the CSET exam in your subject matter area(s). The California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET) evaluates specific knowledge of a certain field (e.g. Mathematics or Mandarin Chinese). The CSET Multiple Subject exam is comprised of three parts: Subtest I: reading, language and literature; history and social science; Subtest II: science; mathematics; and Subtest III: physical education; human development; visual and performing art.
The CSET Mandarin for foreign language teaching is comprised of general linguistics and linguistics, general literary and cultural texts and traditions, and language (listening, speaking, reading and writing). Besides Mandarin, the CSET single subject test areas generally include: Art, Business, English, Mathematics, Health Science, Home Economics, Music, Physical Education, Science, Social Sciences, and Industry and Technology Education. Click here to register for the test.
The next CSET test date for the CSET Mandarin: Languages Other Than English falls on: May 17, 2008.
CSET Multiple Subjects: January 12, 2008; March 15, 2008; May 17, 2008; July 19, 2008
CSET Math Single Subject: January 12, 2008; March 15, 2008; May 17, 2008; July 19, 2008
CSET Science Single Subject: January 12, 2008; March 15, 2008; May 17, 2008; July 19, 2008
6. What CBEST and CSET preparation workshops offered in the area?
The Teacher Preparation Advising Center and Impact Teach Program at Cal State Long Beach sponsors a three-hour workshop for each of the areas on the CBEST. These workshops are free of charge, but you need to register in advance by sending an email to cedinfo@csulb.edu. For more information on the workshops, please click here. The Department of Teacher Education at Azusa Pacific University offers two-day CBEST workshops. Click here for dates and times.
A number of other area institutions occasionally offer prep classes for passing the CBEST and CSET exams. Please click here for a list of institutions.
7. Which courses at UCLA satisfy the U.S. Constitution requirement?
Poli Sci 40 and History 13A. You can also meet the requirement by exam or coursework at another university. Please click here for additional information.
8. How do I obtain a certificate of clearance?
Before beginning student teaching individuals must obtain a certificate of clearance verifying that the individual has completed the Commission’s fingerprint and character identification process. Go to http://www.ctc.ca.gov/email/application/cert-of-clear.html and follow the step-by-step process.
9. Are there any courses at UCLA that may count towards a teaching credential program?
The Computers in Education Process course under the Education Minor at UCLA may transfer as might the TESL methodology focused courses (AL/TESL C210: Methodology for Second/Foreign Language Education). Contact each credentialing program separately to verify.
10. What teaching credential programs are offered in southern CA?
Some of the universities in southern California that offer single subject and multiple subject credentialing programs include:
Cal State Los Angeles
Cal State Long Beach
Cal State Northridge
Cal State Dominguez Hills
Cal State Fullerton
UCLA offers a two-year Teacher Education Preparation Program at the Masters level (no Mandarin BCLAD offered).
Loma Linda offers credentialing programs at the graduate level.
Loyola Marymount University offers a two-year M.A. program in Mandarin teacher credentialing.
USC offers credentialing programs at the graduate level.
For a full list of programs in California please click here.
Program Contacts (for Mandarin-related credentialing programs)
Dr. Ping Liu, California State University Long Beach, Professor & Coordinator of CSU Asian BCLAD Consortium, 562-985-9306 or pliu@csulb.edu.
Dr. Tim Xie, Cal State Long Beach - contact for additional information on Freeman Chinese Scholarships for Mandarin teacher candidates; (562) 985-5278 (phone); txie@csulb.edu.
Dr. Gay Yuen, Cal State Los Angeles, gyuen@calstatela.edu. Dr. Yuen is an expert in bilingual education and Mandarin teacher credentialing.
Dr. Evelyn Weisman, Cal State University Fullerton, Asian BCLAD Coordinator, eweisman@fullerton.edu.