The Department of Theatre, in cooperation with the Department of English and the School of Education, offers a credential program that prepares students to teach at the secondary level. Students interested in securing a teaching credential in Theatre, should consult the department credential adviser, Anamarie Garcia, at the beginning of their junior year.

The following information can be used as a "How To Get A Credential" guide. You will find information regarding the specific course requirements involved in the English / Theatre degree, the requirements for acceptance into the credential program, and helpful material concerning the California Basic Educational Skills ~ CBEST test. Getting a credential can be a useful way of putting your theatre degree into practice. Taking an active part in molding and shaping the lives of young minds can be a rewarding and positive experience. With a credential, you too, can make a difference!

English / Theatre

Subjects Commonly Taught

Engl 255 Introduction to Literature (3)

Engl 258 Major English Writers I (3)

or

Engl 259 Major English Writers II (3)

Engl 275 Major American Writers (3)

Engl 302 Introduction to Modern Grammar (3)

Engl 307 Advanced Exposition for Majors/Minors (3)

or

Engl 406 Advanced Expository Writing for Teachers (3)

Engl 416 Shakespeare: Selected Plays (3)

Engl 436 Major Critical Theories (3)

or

Engl 438 Critical Approaches to Literature (3)

Engl 495 Senior Seminar in Literature (3)

Commonly Taught

Select 2 of the following 11 courses (6) units

Engl 429 Literature for Adolescents

Engl 443 English Literature of the Middle Ages

Engl 449 The English Renaissance

Engl 452 The Early 17th Century

Engl 456 The Age of Enlightenment

Engl 458 Romantic Age

Engl 460 The Victorian Age

Engl 461 Modern British Literature

Engl 462 Contemporary British Literature

Engl 473 American Literature 1607 - 1860

Engl 474 American Literature 1860 - 1912

Engl 475 American Literature 1912 - 1945

Engl 476 Contemporary American Literature

Total * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 30 units

Breadth and Perspective Courses

Th 102 Theatre: Form and Content (3)

Th 103 Theatre: Process (2)

Th 142 Introduction to Theatre Performance (2)

Th 142A Introduction to Stage Voice and Movement (1)

Th 167 Makeup for the Performer (1)

Th 242 Basic Acting Technique (3)

Th 242A Basic Stage Voice and Movement (1)

Th 261 Fundamentals of Scenery and Props (2)

Th 262 Fundamentals of Costume Technology (2)

Th 263 Fundamental of Lighting and Sound (2)

Th 322A World Theatre and Drama I (3)

Th 322B World Theatre and Drama II (3)

Th 322C World Theatre and Drama III (3)

Th 381 Management Techniques for Theatre (1)

Th 444 Principles of Directing (3)

Th 445 Advanced Directing (3)

Select 1 course from the following (2 - 3) units

Th 342 Intermediate Stage Movement (2)

Th 343 Intermediate Stage Voice and Speech (3)

Th 348 Acting the Text (2)

Th 371 Creative Drama (3)

Total * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 37 - 38 units

Overall Total * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 67 - 68 units

Credential Program Admission

To secure admission, the candidate must submit an application packet containing:

t A Declaration of Intent to Pursue a Credential card and "InstitutionsAttended" sheet.

* * The Declaration of Intent will be used to establish your file. The Institutions Attended Sheet, will let the Credential Preparation office know when all transcripts have been filled.

t Recommendation from two people, outside of the candidates family who are knowledgeable about the candidate in a professional relationship.

** These can be teachers or administrators in the schools or university faculty.

t Original transcripts from all institutions attended are need to compute G.P.A.

** You must have a G.P.A. that falls within the top 50% of your major. This is usually between 2.5 - 2.9. After admission you must maintain an overall G.P.A. of 2.75 of all coursework taken after admission, as well as maintaining a 3.0 for all Education courses.

t You must take a T.B. (tuberculosis) test, and have results printed on a card available in the Credential Preparation Office.

t A Statement of Objectives describing reasons for desiring entry into the teaching profession.

t A permanent verification card showing passage of the CBEST or verification that it has been taken.

• Verification of completion of early field experience.

** The Credential Preparation Office has a list of acceptable experiences.

t Verification of attendance at one credential advisement meeting.

** The credential advisement meetings present a detailed explanation of the programs. Meeting are held Tuesdays at 1:30pm and Fridays at 10:00am. The meetings last approximately 2 hours.

t Deadline date for applications are November 30 for the Spring Semester, and April 30 for the Fall Semester.

The CBEST measures proficiencies in three general areas: reading, math, and writing. The test is based upon the theory that teachers should be able to use those same skills that are taught to students and that are essential to students both in the classroom and outside school. One score is provided for each of the three areas. Scores range from approximately 20 - 80 in each area.

CBEST examinees have a four hour test session to complete one, two, or all three sections of the test. You may divide your time among the three sections in any way you wish, in order to be sure that you have enough time to finish all sections. It is recommended that you budget your time approximately as follows: Reading Comprehension - 70 min. Math - 75 min. Essay Writing - 65 min. Use your final 30 min. to check your work.

Reading Comprehension Approximately 50 questions

Math Approximately 50 questions

Essay Writing Two Topics

All questions (except essays) are multiple choice - 5 answer choices. A total of 123 is necessary to pass, with a minimum of 37 on each section. Scoring on each section is from 20 - 80, as follows:

61 - 80 Superior

42 - 60 Average

37 - 41 Marginal Performance

20 - 36 Needs Improvement

1) When and where is the CBEST given? The CBEST is administered statewide 6 times a year. You can get dates and locations by contacting CBEST Program, National Evaluation Systems, Inc., PO Box 340880, Sacramento CA 95834 - 0880, Phone: 916-928-4001.

2) What materials should I take to the test? Be sure to take with you your admission ticket, some form of photo and signature I.D., several #2 soft lead pencils with good erasers, and a watch to help pace yourself during the exam. No calculators, slide rules, or other aids will be permitted.

3) When will I get my score report? Your test score will be mailed to you about 4 weeks after you take the CBEST. If you pass, you will also receive a Permanent Verification Card, and 2 transcript copies of this card to use as may be required. No additional transcripts will be provided to school districts or universities. You may, however, receive additional sets for a small fee.

4) Do I need to take all three parts of the test? You must pass all three parts. However, if you previously have passed any part of the exam at each time you register another time, you may then take only the sections you have not yet passed.

5) Do I have to pay again if I repeat the test? You must pay the test fee to take the CBEST .

6) Suppose I do terribly. May I cancel my CBEST score? Yes you may, but only if you notify the test supervisor before leaving the test center. However, since no one will know your score except you, there is no reason to cancel, and no refund will be given.

7) Should I guess on the test? Yes! Since there is no penalty for guessing, guess if you have to. Don't leave any of the answer spaces blank.

8) How do I get further information? For questions about CBEST policies, contact California Commission on Teacher Credentialing, P.O. Box 944270, Sacramento CA 94244 - 2700, Phone: 916-445-7254.

For late and emergency registration services, Phone: 916-928-4001.

Many people want to know how to prepare for this examination. For starters, understanding and practicing test-taking strategies will help a great deal. Subject matter review in arithmetic, simple algebra, and plane geometry is also invaluable. There are several study guides offered by several different companies, that can help you prepare: