Glossary of Terminologies

California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST): is designed to test basic reading, mathematics, and writing skills found to be important for the job of an educator; the test is not designed to measure the ability to teach those skills. Students are recommended to take this exam as early as sophomore year.
California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET): is a series of subject matter examinations. The CSET reflect the recently revised K-12 California Academic Content Standards. If the institution offers a California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC) approved Subject Matter Preparation (SMPP) in the core area, one may demonstrate subject matter proficiency by completing the SMPP.
Subject Matter Preparation Program (SMPP): is CCTC approved programs to satisfy subject matter proficiency. Completing SMPP is equivalent to passage of appropriate CSET Exam.

Preliminary Credential: Earned through a university or district program. All district programs are intern programs, but university programs may be student teacher or intern programs.
Professional Credential: Earned after the preliminary credential through a two year district induction program.
Specialist Credential: Offered in a variety of areas such as Mild/Moderate, Moderate/Severe, Visually Impaired, etc.

Student Teaching: Student teach under the guidance of a district cooperating teacher, gradually assuming full-time teaching responsibility for a classroom.
Intern Teaching Program: This option is for candidates who have had extensive teaching experiences either as an instructional assistant, substitute, or emergency teacher in a classroom setting. Interns assume full-time teaching responsibilities in a general education class and are paid at salaries set by the employing district. Intern candidates are responsible for obtaining their own teaching position with a participating district
Integrated Teaching Program: This is a program for early deciders (freshmen/sophomores) planning to become teachers. Advising for the Integrated Teaching Program is a collaborative effort between CaTEACH-SMI and UCR Graduate School of Education. The Integrated Teaching Program is a "fast track" to classroom teaching. Currently UCR offers a Integrated Teaching Program in mathematics and science.

Multiple-Subjects Teaching Credential: allows the holder to teach K-6 or K-8 schools. Holder of this type of credential is authorized to teach all core subjects in a multiple subject classroom.
Single-Subject Teaching Credential: allows the holder to teach middle or high schools and are authorized to teach only the subject for which the holder has a credential.

Highly Qualified Teacher Requirements: California's State Board of Education defines a "highly qualified teacher" as one who has a Bachelor's Degree and has verified subject matter through the appropriate CSET or has completed a Subject Matter Preparation Program in the credential area.
No Child Left Behind Act of 2001: This is a United States federal law that reauthorizes a number of federal programs that aim to improve the performance of America's primary and secondary schools by increasing the standards of accountability for states, school districts, and schools.

California Teach - Science & Math Initiative