Mar 28, 2024  
University Catalog 2016-2017 
    
University Catalog 2016-2017 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Urban Learning, B.A.


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Bachelor of Arts Degree in Urban Learning

The Bachelor of Arts degree in Urban Learning is an Integrated Elementary Subject Matter Preparation Program designed to prepare culturally responsive teachers for assignments in hard-to-staff diverse urban elementary (K-6) or special education (K-12 or B-21) classrooms. The major combines coursework emphasizing an interdisciplinary approach to understanding urban learning as a social phenomenon with teacher preparation. The major is supported by a depth area in the social sciences and preparation for either a Multiple Subject Credential (Elementary Education) or an Education Specialist (Special Education) Teaching Credential. Students who earn this degree and credential preparation must complete a minimum of 120-135 units to graduate. The requirements are described below. For additional information concerning this program, see the section on Basic Teaching Credentials .

Faculty

Margaret D. Clark (Director), Paula Arvedson, Mario Castaneda, Anna Chee, Stephanie Evans, Ambika Raj, Anne Hafner, Manisha Javeri, Rebecca Joseph, Chogollah Maroufi, Allison Mattheis, Margaret Moustafa, Kimberly Persiani, Carlos Tejeda, Frederick L. Uy.

Advisement

Prospective students must attend an orientation session, complete an application and interview, and meet with an adviser prior to enrolling in any courses. Upon completion of their GE requirements, students are grouped in small learning communities (cohorts) that support a climate conducive to building life-long professional networks, development of collaboration skills, and academic success. Students in the major are required to enroll in courses designated for their cohort each quarter.

Freshmen are encouraged to seek advisement from a ULRN adviser early and often to assure timely completion of General Education requirements and program application procedures prior to placement in a cohort.

Admission

The major is available to students who:

•    Meet the general university requirements for admission as a first-year student or transfer student; and
•    If a transfer student, attain a GPA of at least 2.67 in all undergraduate coursework.
•    Meet with an Urban Learning program adviser and complete a program application
•    Demonstrate suitable aptitude and disposition for teaching in public schools

Students are expected to satisfy all the requirements established by the Charter College of Education and the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing for admission into the credential option of choice during the first two quarters in a cohort.

Options:

Requirements for the Major (120-133 units)


Students in Option I: Teacher Preparation Options in Elementary Education and Special Education must complete a minimum of 133 units to graduate. Option I requires completion of 39 units of General Education at the lower division, and 9 units at the upper division. It also requires 44 units in the major with the remaining 41-42 units recommended for teacher preparation.

Students in Option II: Option in Teaching and Learning must complete a minimum of 120 units.  Option II requires completion of 39 units of general education at the lower division and 9 units at the upper division.  It also requires 47 units in the major, with the remaining 25 units of electives selected with advisor approval to prepare the student for the CSET or to address academic needs prior to entering the teacher credential program. Students may elect this option only with advisor approval and under limited circumstances.

Students in the Urban Learning major are subject to the same General Education requirements as non-teaching majors. Prospective students preparing to transfer from a community college should seek advisement from a counselor or their campus transfer center, and complete a program of General Education coursework leading to CSU-GE or IGETC certification. Transfer students are required to include a basic course in child growth and development (CHDV 1400 or equivalent) and a course in public speaking (COMM 1500 or equivalent as required by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing) as part of their GE preparation.

Students interested in securing a California Multiple Subject Teaching Credential or Education Specialist Internship Credential should consult the Charter College of Education section in the Academic Programs, College-Based and University Wide chapter for the regulations governing all teaching credential programs.

A grade of C or higher is required in all courses used to meet the major, depth, and Elementary Subject Matter Teacher Preparation.

Option I: Teacher Preparation Options in Elementary Education and Special Education (85-86 units)


Teacher Preparation (41-42 units)


Students entering the Urban Learning major will designate a teaching credential objective, and must meet all application requirements for admission to the credential program of their choice by their second quarter of enrollment.  

Preliminary Admission to the Teaching Credential Program
Requirements for undergraduate preliminary admission to credential programs include the following:

•    Junior standing
•    Completion of CCOE application materials including any fees
•    Grade point average of 2.67 or higher in all undergraduate coursework attempted
•    Official transcripts from all colleges attended
•    A negative TB test current within the last 12 months
•    Technology proficiency
•    Strong and supportive letters of recommendation
•    A well written and meaningful Philosophy of Education Statement
•    Background clearance from the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing
•    Attempt Basic Skills Requirement (e.g., all sections of the CBEST examination or equivalent)

Students transferring to CSULA who plan to major in Urban Learning are strongly encouraged to meet the Basic Skills Requirement (e.g., pass all sections of CBEST) before transferring. 

Teaching Credential Preparation (41-42 units)


A minimum GPA of 2.67 in all undergraduate coursework and completion of all application requirements are prerequisite to enrollment in EDCI 4000 or EDSP 4001. An overall 3.0 GPA must be maintained in all professional education courses with a minimum grade of “C” in each course. Students should see a major adviser regarding completion of the degree and other credential requirements.

Select one of the following:


A. Option in Elementary Education (42 units) (For a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential)


Completion of this course of study, completion of the California Multiple Subject Teacher Performance Assessments, and passage of the CSET Multiple Subject qualifies students for a preliminary Multiple Subject credential.  Students must pass CSET prior to enrollment in EDEL 4880 and EDEL 4881.

Directed Teaching (8 units)


(Must attend a mandatory directed teaching meeting prior to enrolling in these courses)

B. Option in Special Education (41 units) (Eligibility for an Education Specialist Internship Credential)


Completion of this course of study and passage of the CSET qualifies students for an internship credential with verification of employment from a cooperating school district. For a Preliminary Education Specialist Credential, students must complete the additional post-baccalaureate credential coursework and directed teaching in their area of specialization (i.e., Mild/Moderate Disabilities, Moderate/Severe Disabilities, Physical and Health Impairments or Visual Impairment and Blindness).

Internship Emphasis: Specialization (7 units)


Complete 7 units of appropriate course work in the selected area of specialization. Students must pass all sections of the CBEST and apply for directed teaching by the second week of the quarter prior to enrollment in their first directed teaching experience.

Note:

Upon completion of the undergraduate program in Urban Learning, Education Specialist Internship Credential candidates must re-matriculate as post-baccalaureate or graduate students and complete the final requirements for their credential, including an additional Directed Teaching experience.  A written plan outlining additional requirements will be prepared while enrolled in EDSP 4001.

Option II: Option in Teaching and Learning (72 units)


Directed Electives Preparation (25 units)


Students needing in-depth preparation for the CSET examination or academic preparation for the teaching profession may, with adviser approval, select 25 units of electives as needed to address their individual needs.  Electives must be selected in collaboration with their adviser, and will include coursework designed to strengthen preparation for one or more specified CSET subtests (i.e. courses in English and/or the social sciences for Subtest I, courses in mathematics and/or science for Subtest II, and courses in the arts, human development or kinesiology for Subtest III.)  In some cases, students unable to meet teaching credential program entry requirements may elect, with approval of the program director, to complete the degree without a teaching credential upon completion of 120 approved units, including all general education, major and depth coursework.

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