Classification of Teacher Credential Candidates For Purposes of Student Fee Increases

AS-2641-04/TEKR - January 22-23, 2004

RESOLVED: That the Academic Senate of the California State University (CSU) recognize that it is necessary for most students pursuing a teaching credential to take credential-required, post-baccalaureate coursework following completion of their bachelor's degree in order to be certified to teach in California classrooms; and be it further

RESOLVED: That, in light of the state's current fiscal crisis and recognizing the inevitability of a student fee increase, the Senate urges that any fee increase for post-baccalaureate credential students be set equal to those for undergraduates in recognition of the fact that this credential work is a necessary extension of the undergraduate degree; and be it further

RESOLVED: That the Academic Senate CSU support the efforts of State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell, Chancellor Reed, and the Executive Council of the CSU Presidents to secure this accommodation on behalf of CSU teacher credential students.

RATIONALE: The California Department of Education has identified a need for an additional 265,000 K-12 teachers by 2005. The California Legislature also has repeatedly acknowledged the shortage of well-qualified K-12 teachers (AB 1241, e.g.).

Many states authorize undergraduate programs in education that enable students to complete their professional preparation within the framework of a baccalaureate degree. In California this is not the case. Here, most students pursuing a teaching credential are required to take as much as a year of additional coursework following completion of their undergraduate degree in order to be certified as qualified to teach. Such additional coursework, therefore, is best viewed as a necessary extension of the student's undergraduate program in teaching preparation. As a result, fees for additional post-baccalaureate coursework required of students pursuing a teaching credential should be set equal to those for students in undergraduate programs.

APPROVED WITHOUT DISSENT - March 11-12, 2004