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Elementary Education/Education Specialist

CBEST – California Basic Educational Skills Test

This four-hour test consists of three sub-tests: reading, mathematics, and writing. A passing score on all subtests is an admission requirement into the Teacher Credential program for all applicants. Registration for CBEST is done online by selecting “CBEST.” Study guides are available in most bookstores.

Note: Students who meet the minimum score requirements on specific SAT, ACT, or AP Math and English exams will satisfy the Basic Skills requirement and will therefore not need to pass the CBEST before being admitted to the School of Education. These scores may be found here.

As of February 2018, the minimum scores are as follows:

  • SAT: 550 Math, 500 English (Critical Reading Section)
  • ACT: 23 Math, 22 English
  • AP Calculus AB, Calculus BC, or Statistics: 3
  • AP English Language and Composition or English Literature and Composition: 3

Students may not combine scores from different tests (such as SAT Math and AP English) toward this substitution. Both the Math and English requirements must be satisfied by the same type of exam.

Official score reports must be sent to the Registrar’s Office at Concordia University Irvine. The student should notify the Credential Analyst at Concordia University Irvine that their scores are available for verification that the Basic Skills requirement has been met. Otherwise, the student will need to pass the CBEST prior to being accepted to the School of Education.

CSET – California Subject Examinations for Teachers

Multiple Subject/EDSP

Subject matter for Multiple Subject and EDSP students may be demonstrated in one of two ways:

  1. Passage of the Multiple Subject CSET examination. This exam is comprised of three subtests: Literature and History; Mathematics and Science; and Physical Education, Visual and Performing Arts, and Human Development. You may take one, two or three subtests at any one sitting. Test descriptions, study materials, and practice tests can be found online by selecting "CSET".
  2. Completion of a CTC approved Elementary Subject Matter program. This option is available for students beginning Fall 2018. Please contact the School of Education for specific information.

RICA: Reading Instruction Competence Assessment

All candidates desiring a Multiple Subject Credential must pass RICA before they submit their application for a teaching credential. This assessment is required by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing, and measures a candidate’s knowledge, skill, and ability to deliver effective reading instruction. Educ 460/560 Reading/Language Development in Diverse Elementary Classrooms addresses the needs of future teachers who must now pass RICA. All other courses in Concordia’s teacher credential program have also been reviewed to support the development of the competencies expected on the exam. Students take the RICA after they have completed Educ 460/560 Reading/Language Development in Diverse Elementary Classrooms. The RICA test is given six times each year.

TPA: Teacher Performance Assessment

During Student Teaching you will be completing the TPA. The TPA is comprised of two performance tasks. Each task measures a range of teaching strategies that you are learning during your credential coursework.

You begin preparation for this assessment in EDUC/EDSP 204 and continue throughout your coursework. In other words, Concordia prepares you to complete these tasks. You are well aware of, and prepared for, all the elements of each task before you attempt the tasks. Most of your course assignments will have elements of the TPA tasks incorporated into them.

Why get your credential at Concordia University Irvine? Read what our graduates have to say.

Learn about your future professors in the School of Education Faculty profiles.

Questions? Send an email or call at 949-214-3350.

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