Dance Credential Program
Thank you for your interest in our program. The dance teaching credential enables you to teach elementary, middle school, and high school dance in public schools. The credential has two major parts: content and pedagogy (or dance content and teaching) courses.
To demonstrate subject matter competency, you must complete prescribed courses in the field of Dance. This can be done by completing a degree in Dance from an approved and accredited institution of higher education. If you hold a degree in another subject area, another option is to pass the Dance California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET). The examination consists of two separate subtests that assess the breadth and depth of your knowledge in the domains of Creating, Performing, Responding, and Connecting. You may also meet the subject matter requirements by completing subject matter coursework determined by the program’s advisor.
The professional education courses in the Single Subject Credential Program will prepare you to implement culturally responsive, culturally sustaining, and learner-centered dance instruction that aligns with the California State Arts Standards for Public Schools. Throughout the program, students will develop skills in curriculum development, lesson design, teaching methods, and classroom management. Before concluding the program, students will complete clinical fieldwork and student teaching supervised by experienced dance teachers.
Any individual considering applying to the program should contact the Single Subject Credential Program Coordinator (Dance) Zakiya Atkinson for an appointment and transcript review BEFORE applying to the university and program.
For more information about the CSULB Single Subject Credential Program (overview, courses, credential requirements), please visit the CSULB Single Subject Credential Program website.
Admission
This page offers information regarding admission to the Dance Credential Program. Additional general information for prospective students is available at the Single Subject admissions page.
To apply to the Single Subject Credential Program (Dance), you must be enrolled in or have successfully completed EDSS 300B- Introduction to Teaching Dance.
EDSS 300B is a prerequisite for admission to the Single Subject Credential Program (Dance) and introduces students to the profession of teaching dance in the State of California. EDSS 300B guides students through the application process to the Dance Credential Program.
Undergraduate students at CSULB may enroll in EDSS 300B during their junior or senior year.
Students who have graduated must apply to CSULB as post-baccalaureate or credential students at Cal State Apply OR take EDSS 300B through University Extension. Students may apply for post-baccalaureate status at the University before taking EDSS 300B; however, admission to the University does not constitute admission into the Single Subject Program.
Requirements For Program Admission
In EDSS 300B students learn about the requirements for the Dance Single Subject Credential and submit their application to the program. The Single Subject Credential Program admissions committee reviews each application submitted in EDSS 300B. Please review the requirements for admission to the program:
· Earn a grade of “B” or better in EDSS 300B
· Possess a cumulative GPA of 2.67 in your undergraduate coursework or 2.75 in the last 60 semester or 90 quarter units
· Complete a personal interview with CSULB Dance Department faculty
· Submit two letters of recommendation
· Submit a written philosophy of teaching statement
· Submit an application for a Certificate of Clearance to the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC)
· Submit the results of a tuberculosis skin test taken within the last three years
· Demonstrate proficiency in the Artistic Processes of Creating, Performing, Responding, and Connecting in the discipline of Dance · Take and pass the CBEST exam if required or submit proof of Basic Skills Requirement
Students submit their applications to the Single Subject Program in EDSS 300B. Additional policies for incoming and continuing students in the program are available on the Single Subject site.
Appeals related to admissions requirements are considered on an individual basis. Information about admissions appeals can be found by following this link to the Appeal Process page.
Students are expected to familiarize themselves with the general information about the Single Subject Credential Program (provided on the SSCP website). If you already applied to the university, contact Enrollment Services or the Single Subject Credential Program directly for admission information or status.
The Single Subject Credential Program encourages students to consider where they would like to student teach early in the program. In addition to following course protocol for observations, students should use the required observation hours in their coursework as an opportunity to network with potential cooperating teachers. Please note, however, that teaching assignments are made through the cooperative efforts of the Credential Advisor, SSCP University Coordinator, district administrator, school site administrator, and Cooperating Teacher. Student Teachers are not permitted to arrange their own student teaching assignments. Student Teachers are assigned to local schools that have agreements in place with the university as part of the teacher training process. The Student Teaching Handbook provides more information about this process. Applicants for student teaching must follow the procedures here. Once students have their supporting documentation, they must meet with the credential coordinator to get a signature and discuss potential sites for student teaching. Applicants will be prompted to list their preferences for student teaching. This is the form.
Students interested in fulfilling the student teacher requirements via internship should familiarize themselves with the internship requirements at the Single Subject website. Students must have the approval of the Dance Credential Coordinator to intern, and it is our current policy to support only candidates who have completed the subject matter waiver.
What grades will I be authorized to teach after being issued a Dance Credential?
A teacher authorized for single subject instruction in Dance may be assigned to teach at any grade level. Completion of the program leads to issuance of the Preliminary Single Subject Credential from the Commission on Teacher Credentialing.
I am a Dance major at CSULB, can I start the program as an undergraduate student?
You can enroll in EDSS 300B your junior or senior year and then apply to the Single Subject Credential Program (Dance). You must meet the program admission requirements to be admitted.
Can I complete this Single Subject Credential Program online?
The Single Subject Credential Program at CSULB is offered in-person only and includes some courses that require students to conduct clinical fieldwork hours in public schools, during the school day.
How long will it take me to complete the program?
The Single Subject Credential Program is comprised of a total of 45 units over 9 courses (1 pre-requisite, 4 co-requisites, 4 core courses, student teaching seminar course) and a semester of student teaching. The program can be completed in 3 semesters (a year and a half) if you attend full time. However, it is self-paced and the courses may be attended part time. Candidates are allowed seven years from program admittance to complete the program. Each course is valid for seven years from the semester it is taken, and the program must be completed prior to courses expiring to avoid having to retake any of them.
What if I want to earn my dance degree and teaching credential at the same institution?
CSULB Dance Department offers the following undergraduate degrees. Students majoring in dance can begin completing pre-requisite and co-requisite courses during their junior and senior year.
Bachelor of Arts in Dance - BA
The SSCP offers monthly information meetings to provide an overview of credentialing in California, introduce programs, and answer specific questions. Check the Single Subject Credential Program website for information, meeting dates, and times. If you have questions, please call the Teacher Preparation Advising Center (562) 985-1105 or email ced-tpac@csulb.edu.
