Program Overview

Introduction to the Physical Education Credential Program

The Physical Education Credential Program at California State University Long Beach enables individuals to teach elementary, middle school, and high school physical education (K-12). The program consists of two major parts: content and pedagogy.

Program Requirements

To demonstrate subject matter competency, students must complete prescribed courses in their field. This can be achieved by completing a degree with an emphasis in Physical Education from an approved and accredited California institution of higher education. Alternatively, individuals with a degree in a related area of Kinesiology can have their transcripts reviewed to determine which courses they need to take to meet the subject matter competency.

Admission Criteria

A GPA of 2.5 is required to enter the Single Subject Credential Program. If the GPA is below 2.50, transcripts must be evaluated to determine how to increase the overall GPA or GPA for the last 60 units to meet or exceed 2.50.

Student Teaching

Student teaching is a five-period, five-days-a-week, 20-week commitment. Students are expected to be at the school for 5 periods, including 3 periods for teaching, 1 for observation, and 1 for preparation. They may choose to student teach at the middle school or high school level and must teach two different grades within that level.

Preliminary and Clear Credentials

The "Preliminary Credential" is earned after completing required physical education classes, education classes, health science for secondary teachers, the constitution requirement, and student teaching. The preliminary credential is the first credential, and students then have 5 additional years to earn the "Clear Credential." Requirements for the Professional Clear Credential include completing a minimum of 30 post-baccalaureate units of study, meeting a computer literacy requirement, and meeting a "mainstreaming" requirement.

Adapted Physical Education (APE) Specialist Credential

Requirements for the APE Specialist Credential include completing 27 units of specific coursework in APE, holding a 5-Year Preliminary Teaching Credential, and passing the California Basic Education Skills Test (CBEST) with an overall GPA of 2.75 and a 3.0 in courses in the APE Program.

Coursework for APE Specialist Credential

• KIN 320 Adapted Physical Education (3)
• KIN 427/527 Physical and Motor Assessment (3)
• KIN 387 Physical Activity for the Disabled (3)
• KIN 388 Program Planning and Instruction in Adapted Physical Education (3)
• KIN 489A Fieldwork in APE (6)
• EDP 355B Education of Exceptional Individuals
• Select two courses from the following:
  • CD 280 Sign Language
  • EDP 405 Positive Strategies for Classroom Management
  • EDP 563 Advanced Methods of Teaching Individuals with Significant Disabilities
  • KIN 526 Applied Behavior Analysis in Physical Education
  • KIN 538 Motor Dysfunction and the Exceptional Person
  • KIN 546 Developmental Aspects of Motor Behavior

CSET Physical Education Examination

Passing the CSET Physical Education examinations satisfies the subject matter requirement. However, earning a BS/BA degree in Physical Education from CSULB or any other California State University with a CTC-approved Physical Education Program is preferred.

Adding Authorization to Teach Physical Education

For individuals with a multiple subject or single subject credential, the added authorization to teach physical education in California is obtained by first passing all parts of the CSET (physical education) and then taking a methods course (EDSS 450P) and passing that course.

Teaching on an Emergency Permit

Sometimes students enter the program while already teaching on an emergency permit. The department has several special requirements for an emergency credential student teacher, including a 3.0 overall GPA, submitting a videotape of themselves teaching, and submitting two letters of support from their principal and department chairperson/on-campus mentor.