Subject Matter

All individuals desiring to receive a California State credential to teach Spanish in the secondary schools (Single-Subject Credential) must verify competency in Spanish.  The Department of Modern Languages accepted the responsibility of implementing a program in Spanish that will help its prospective educators to achieve, at the very least, the following objectives in order for them to succeed as Spanish teachers at the secondary level. 

• Proficiency in listening and reading (receptive skills) at an "Advanced" level commensurate with the ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines.
• Proficiency in speaking and writing (productive skills) at an "Advanced" level commensurate with the ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines. 
• An understanding of the linguistic components of the target language (i.e., language analysis). 
• Fundamental knowledge pertaining to the cultural institutions, patterns of behavior, history and geography of the target culture(s) and how these affect values and traditions. 
• The ability to adapt both "linguistically and culturally" to different settings associated with the target language. 
• Respect, understanding and sensitivity for the cultural traits, values, perspectives and contributions of the language's native speakers. 
• The ability to understand and critically interpret a variety of works of literature in their specific cultural and historic context. 
• A general knowledge of the nature of language in general, its acquisition, and its use in human interaction. 
• A grasp of a gamut of effective strategies, activities and materials for teaching and learning a second language. 

The California Commission on Teacher Credentialing has established the following means for students to verify competency in the above-mentioned areas and thereby become eligible to enter the Credential Program:

OPTION ONE:

Pass the three subtests below of the CSET Spanish Exam.  It is recommended not to take the three subtests at the same time.  It is suggested to take a maximum of two (2) exams on initial exam date and one (1) on subsequent exam date.

 Subtest I.  General linguistics, linguistics of the target language.

 Subtest II.  Literary and cultural texts and traditions, cultural analysis and comparisons.

 Subtest III.

 Language and Communication:  Listening comprehension.

 Language and Communication:  Reading comprehension

 Language and Communication:  Written expression.

 Language and Communication:  Oral expression

 Information pertaining to these exams can be obtained from the Stanislaus State Testing Office located in   the Mary Stuart Rogers Building #180.  They are administered at least four times per year and require a fee.

 OR

 OPTION TWO:

 Complete the Subject Matter Competency Program in Spanish.  This program consists of thirty-three (33) upper-division units in Spanish outlined on the attached sheet.  In addition to taking the designated courses; each student participating in the program must do the following:

 a. Demonstrate advanced competency in each of the following skills: Listening comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing. (It is the responsibility of each student to meet periodically with his/her academic advisor and teachers to assess progress toward these standards.  Teachers are encouraged to provide written evaluation on all writing assignments.  Students are invited to schedule an appointment with the program advisor during the junior year in order to make the graduation check.  At such a time, said advisor can conduct a programmatic assessment.

 and

 b. Meet with a three-member committee composed of departmental faculty in order to demonstrate competency and suitability for the credential program.  Criteria include:

              1) Completion of at least 80% of the Subject Matter Competency Program.

              2) Overall GPA in Spanish of 2.75 or greater.

              3) Minimal Spanish grades of a "C".

4) Senior Research Paper with a least a grade of "C" (including comments from

    the instructor who graded it.)

              5) Portfolio of representative academic work.

              6) Personal interview with the committee in order to evaluate the students language competency, cultural understanding, ability to work well with individuals from diverse backgrounds, knowledge of key language and pedagogical principles, literary competency, and written recommendations from Spanish professors (to include ratings of the candidate's fundamental language and cultural proficiencies).

 Exception: Students who have completed at least 80% of the Subject Matter Program in Spanish may be admitted to the Single-Subject Credential Program, but must complete coursework and demonstrate competency in the manner outlined above before receiving their credential.  Since the teacher preparation program is demanding in itself, the Department of Modern Languages advises against this option.

 A key required course in the Subject Matter Competency Program in Spanish is SPAN 4810-Linguistics and Language Instruction  (3 units).  This course is also a WP, or writing proficiency course.  To be eligible to enroll in it, students must pass the Writing Proficiency Screening Test (WPST) administered approximately four times per year, prior to the inception of the course.  To register for this exam, you may contact the WPST Office (Mary Stuart Rogers Building, Room 180).

California State University, Stanislaus
Subject Matter Proficiency Program in Spanish
Required Upper Division Courses (33 units)

A. Language Proficiency Component (9 units)

B. Language, Linguistic Analysis and Teaching Methods Component (9 units)

C.Literature and Literary Aspects of Culture Component (6 units)

D. Civilization and Culture Component (3 units)

 E. Choose any two additional courses (6 units)

*No course can fulfill more than one requirement.