Subject Matter Competency Assessment
All applications to the SED Program at Humboldt State University are assessed by a committee of professors and local secondary teachers in the candidate's specific subject area department. This subject matter competency assessment (SMCA) may include an interview, presentation and/or writing sample. HSU also accepts assessment verification from CCTC-approved programs on other campuses. The SMCA is distinct from any assessment of subject matter knowledge demonstrated through CSET examination or completion of an education emphasis major.
Through the following links, please locate the subject matter competency assessment committee chair in your subject area, both to introduce yourself and to become fully apprised of the requirements. Assessments are conducted in February and/or March.
- Art (PDF)
- Biology (PDF)
- Business (PDF)
- Chemistry and Physics (PDF)
- English (PDF)
- Geoscience (PDF)
- Industrial Technology (PDF)
- Modern Languages (PDF)
- Math (PDF)
- Music (PDF)
- Physical Education (PDF)
- Social Sciences (PDF)
Applicants who pass SMCA are ranked (within subject areas) and invited to interview with Secondary Education faculty. Successful applicants will be assigned to interviews with potential mentor teachers. Applicants with minor deficiencies will sometimes be allowed to interview on the assumption that they will remedy the deficiencies in a timely manner. Applicants who fail SMCA receive advice on remedying deficiencies in order to strengthen applications for the following year.
It is the applicants' responsibility to find out specific information for subject matter competency assessments.
For questions regarding SMCA please contact the Subject Matter Competency Assessment Committee chair or the Secondary Education Program, Library 08, (707) 826-5867 or e-mail klm87@humboldt.edu.
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