The Preliminary Administrative Services Credential program prepares school administrators to establish and sustain a vital learning community that supports powerful teaching and learning. The twenty-four (24) units of credential coursework are foundational to the thirty-six (36) unit Master of Arts in Education degree with a concentration in Educational Administration. Candidates build their competence as an educational administrator on the evidence of prior knowledge, skills, and dispositions that they bring into the program. The program is aligned with the California Administrator Performance Expectations (CAPEs). On-site fieldwork is an important part of the program and is designed to complement and enhance coursework.

Program Learning Outcomes

Candidates who complete the Preliminary Administrative Services Credential will be able to:

Equip

• Connect theory to practice and impact students learning in the P-12 learning environment.

Transform

• Apply real-world leadership skills in the field.

Empower

• Serve as leaders throughout the state of California.

Program Eligibility for the Preliminary Administrative Services Credential

• Basic Skills Requirement: Senate Bill 153 (Cap. 38, Stats 2024), effective June 29, 2024, makes two changes to the California Basic Skills Requirement (BSR). Specifically, the bill adds a provision that allows possession of a bachelor's (or higher) degree earned at an accredited college of university to meet the Basic Skills Requirement (BSR). The bill also removes the BSR as a requirement for earning any credential or permit where the applicant must hold a bachelor's degree;
• A cumulative undergraduate grade point average of 3.000 is required to be admitted in the M.A. in Education or a stand-alone credential or added authorization housed within the M.A. in Education degree program. Candidates with a cumulative grade point average less than 3.000 may apply for “Admission under Exception” which is reviewed by the program director and dean;
• Two or more letters of recommendation from appropriate persons who have knowledge of the applicant’s character and ability to work with children or youth. (References from friends or relatives are not appropriate);
• A writing sample that indicates graduate-level ability;
• An interview with the appropriate program director or Admissions chair; and
• 3-5 years of teaching experience required. 5 years teaching required to apply for the credential.

Applicants who do not meet the above standards but can demonstrate that they have an exceptionally rich experiential background and/or have demonstrated dramatic change in academic performance may petition the School of Education to review their status.

Course List

Code	Title	Units
Required Courses
GEL 6003	Instructional Leadership (APA Cycle 3)	3
GEL 6003F	Fieldwork and Practicum for Instructional Leadership (CalTPA Cycle 3)	1
GEL 6004	Equitable and Socially Just School Communities	3
GEL 6004F	Fieldwork and Practicum for Equitable and Socially Just Communities	1
GEL 6005	Organizational and Systems Leadership	3
GEL 6005F	Fieldwork and Practicum for Organizational and Systems Leadership	1
GEL 6006	School Improvement Leadership (APA Cycle 1)	3
GEL 6006F	Fieldwork and Practicum for School Improvement Leadership (CalAPA Cycle 1)	1
GEL 6007	Professional Learning and Growth Leadership (APA Cycle 2)	3
GEL 6007F	Fieldwork and Practicum for Professional Learning and Growth Leadership (CalAPA Cycle 2)	1
GEL 6008	Ethical and Visionary Leadership	3
GEL 6008F	Fieldwork and Practicum for Ethical and Visionary Leadership	1
Total Units		24

The California Administrator Performance Assessments (CalAPA) Requirements

All candidates for the Preliminary Administrative Services Credential must complete all credential program requirements at an approved institution AND earn a minimum score from the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) on each of the three (3) California Administrator Performance Assessments (CalAPA) before earning the preliminary administrative credential.

The CalAPA is structured around three (3) full leadership cycles with each of the three (3) cycles containing four distinct components: Investigate, Plan, Act, and Reflect. In each of these four steps, candidates must provide evidence of leadership practice according to specific requirements within the respective cycle. Acceptable evidence may be in a variety of forms, including video recordings and written narrative. Each of the major components of the three cycles are supported in PLNU coursework in order to prepare candidates to address the CalAPA.

Candidates pay an assessment fee to the university that includes this cost.

Intern Candidates

Candidates who have an intern contract with a school district must have completed six (6) units of administrative coursework and register for the following course each quad the candidate is serving as an intern.

• GEL 6048 - Administrative Intern Support Seminar