Examining Field Experiences of Teacher Candidates During COVID-19: Systemic Inequities Unveiled for Underserved English Learners in K-12 Grades

The impact of coronavirus disease 2019 challenged schools and credential programs to adjust pedagogy, but rapid changes impeded equitable practices to K-12 grade English Learners (ELs). The framework stems from critical multicultural education. Data represented 81 credential candidates across three universities. Study confirmed that ELs lacked access to online learning, active engagement with peers/teachers, and differentiated instruction due to rapid changes and uncertainties to their programs.

Impact of COVID-19 on Student Success

This chapter explored the impact of COVID-19 on candidates enrolled in Education Specialist credential programs at a private institute of higher education (IHEs) in California. COVID-19 impacted humankind globally and specifically interrupted formal education at educational institutional levels. Many IHEs offer their programs in a face-to-face, online, or hybrid modality to ensure candidates have access to school sites and complete their fieldwork hours requirements. The quarantine impacted teacher candidates at many levels especially interns employed in K-12 special education classroom settings. The authors drew data from three sources available at the university: (1) Special Education Student Success Faculty (SSF) team's DFWUI referrals, (2) SSF's weekly meeting minutes, and (3) university's data wellness. This data was analyzed and examined. Findings informed program directors on strategic program planning based on lessons learned from this historic pandemic.

Occupational Credentials for Jobs in the Subbaccalaureate Economy: The Case of the Emerging Energy Sector in Ohio

Using data on a mid-sized community college in northeast Ohio as a case study, we examine patterns of enrollment in petroleum technology credential programs and labor market returns to those credentials. The enrollment analysis yields mixed results. Strong industry conditions represented by an increase in oil prices is associated with a decline in program enrollment; however, higher wages for petroleum workers is associated with increased program enrollment. Earning analyses were unambiguous: Obtaining a certificate or an associate’s degree was associated with outsized quarterly earnings returns of $2,900 and $5,500, respectively. This study suggests that partnerships that align subbaccalaureate postsecondary education to the needs of local labor markets may result in occupational credentials with substantially larger returns than those observed in the literature.

Noncredit Education in Community College: Students, Course Enrollments, and Academic Outcomes

Objective: This study examines the characteristics, course enrollment patterns, and academic outcomes of students who started their college careers in noncredit courses. Method: Drawing upon a rich dataset that includes transcript and demographic information on both for-credit and noncredit students in multiple institutions, this study explores the demographic and academic profiles of students enrolled in various fields of noncredit education, their course performance in noncredit programs, their educational intent upon initial enrollment, and their transition to the for-credit sector among degree-seeking students. Results: Our results support recent evidence from qualitative studies and studies from a single institution that students enrolled in noncredit programs tend to be adult learners and are typically from a lower socioeconomic background than credit students at community colleges. Yet, more than half of the noncredit students drop out of college after their initial term, even among students who expressed intent to transition to credit-bearing programs. The idiosyncratic patterns of course enrollment and transition to credential programs seem to suggest that there is no general structured pathway or institutional support for credential-seeking noncredit students. Contributions: This article is among one of the first attempts that use student transcript data from multiple institutions to provide a comprehensive understanding of noncredit students and their academic outcomes. Results from this study highlight the importance of future research in exploring institutional services and structures that may effectively facilitate the academic progression and success of noncredit students.

Positives, Potential, and Preparation: Pre-service Special Educators’ Knowledge About Teaching Reading to Children with Down Syndrome

In this era of reading as a priority, research has indicated that children with Down syndrome (DS) can indeed learn to read, attaining functional levels of literacy and beyond. Families of children with DS are also increasingly advocating for reading instruction for their children. However, few studies have examined what beginning educators know about reading and DS. This study explored the knowledge and perceptions of pre-service special educators about the reading needs and abilities of children with DS. Participants were 225 university students, enrolled in special education teaching credential programs in two southern California universities, who completed a survey designed to assess their knowledge of teaching reading to children with DS, as well as to describe their approach to reading instruction with these students. Results showed promising knowledge on the part of these future teachers, but also highlight the importance of adequate teacher preparation in teaching reading to children with DS.

Accreditation Experience of the Designated Subject Credential (DSC) Program at California State University, Long Beach

To receive accreditation from the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) and the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC) is of utmost importance to every credential program in the State of California. Without it, programs are like drivers driving vehicles without a license. Naturally, those credential programs that do not receive accreditation are put on probation. Drawing from firsthand observation, reflection and introspection, the author of this paper shares with the reader successful accreditation experience with the Designated Subjects Credential (DSC) program at California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) and reveals lessons associated with this accreditation experience.

Distance Learning in a School Nurse Credential Program

Distance learning, which encompasses many methodologies, is becoming a more readily available educational alternative. Because there are a limited number of school nurse credential programs and the demand for school nurses is increasing, distance learning may be a viable method of instruction. This article describes the authors’ experiences organizing and presenting distance learning courses to five remote sites for students in a university school nurse credential program. After numerous inquiries, potential students from several areas were surveyed, and arrangements were made with universities in those areas to receive two-way audio and video transmissions of two seminar courses; later, two clinically oriented courses in the school nurse program. Students were able to complete their program requirements by taking equivalent course work at their local universities. Perceptions of students and the instructor, course evaluation, and practical suggestions are shared. Guidelines for potential students about selecting quality distance education programs are also noted.