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Professional Clear Administrative Services Credential

Credential: For current school administrators. Must already possess a Preliminary Administrative Services Credential before beginning the program.

Program Overview

You desire to lead and inspire others.

The Professional Clear Administrative Services Credential (formally Tier II) is job-embedded, relevant to the day-to-day work of the beginning administrator, and flexible for meeting goals and professional development requirements.

The Professional Clear Administrative Services Credential program is designed to facilitate the onsite reflective coaching induction and professional development of beginning administrators and fulfill the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC) requirements for the Professional Clear Administrative Services Credential. The program utilizes a reflective coaching format that includes a minimum of 20 hours of onsite coaching by a university fieldwork coach/supervisor each year for 24 months. The 12-unit, four-semester program is centered on the California Professional Standards for Educational Leaders (CPSELs) and supports participants in clarifying and achieving the actual goals and tasks confronting them as beginning administrators.

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Application Information

Are you ready to take the next step and apply?

We're here to make the entire process a simple one. We'll walk you through the application process, answer your questions, and get you one step closer to earning your degree.

Program Start Date(s):

  • Summer 2019 Quad II – July 8, 2019
  • Fall 2019 Quad I – September 3, 2019
  • Fall 2019 Quad II – October 28, 2019
  • Spring 2020 Quad I – January 13, 2020
  • Spring 2020 Quad II – March 16, 2020
  • Summer 2020 Quad I – May 18, 2020
  • Summer 2020 Quad II – July 13, 2020

Application Deadline(s):

  • Summer 2019 Quad II – May 20, 2019
  • Fall 2019 Quad I – July 22, 2019
  • Fall 2019 Quad II – September 16, 2019
  • Spring 2020 Quad I – December 13, 2019
  • Spring 2020 Quad II – February 16, 2020
  • Summer 2020 Quad I – April 20, 2020
  • Summer 2020 Quad II – June 15, 2020

Note: Not all programs offer entry for new students each quad. Check with your enrollment counselor for programs and start dates.

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The Selection Process

The educational context at Point Loma Nazarene University will challenge you to live a full life that integrates the pursuit of knowledge with beliefs, values, and actions. While honoring diverse perspectives and beliefs, PLNU integrates Christian values and principles into the educational experience.

We understand that your application is not only a reflection of you as a student; it’s a reflection of you as a person. At PLNU, we holistically evaluate your academic history, work and life experience, background, and circumstances to determine admission into a graduate program.

Your undergraduate GPA is an important piece of your application, but if you do not meet the minimum GPA requirement of a 3.0 or higher, you may still be eligible for admission based on your application package as well as the exceptions policy* per your particular program. Therefore, we strongly encourage you to contact your enrollment counselor, who will advise you regarding your qualifications and provide specific information about the admission-under-exceptions process.

To be admitted into PLNU's Professional Clear Administrative Services Credential program, you must have a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution, as evidenced by an official transcript from an institution that indicates the completion of an undergraduate degree.

If you have any questions about your qualifications or the program in general, we encourage you to contact your enrollment counselor.

*Exceptions Policy: If you have below a 3.0 GPA in your baccalaureate degree you will need to speak with your enrollment counselor for more information on the exceptions materials needed for your particular program.

Application Checklist

Note: The application is completed entirely online with the exception of transcripts, which can be submitted electronically or directly to PLNU, and test scores, which should be submitted electronically.

  1. Submit an online application for admissions (including $50 non-refundable application fee, which is waived for PLNU alums, current or former military and their dependents, and PLNU employees).
  2. Submit official transcripts with proof of earned baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution.

    Official transcripts must be sent to:
    Point Loma Nazarene University
    Office of Graduate Admissions
    3900 Lomaland Dr.
    San Diego, CA 92106

    Official electronic transcripts must be emailed to:
    gradprocessing@pointloma.edu
  3. Submit a personal essay, 2-3 pages in length and double spaced, that addresses the following topics:
    • Describe your professional career goals for the next five years.
    • Describe the variety of experiences that helped you determine these goals.
    • Explain what motivates you to work in California’s diverse schools.
    • Explain why you are applying to PLNU, a private Christian university.
  4. Provide two professional recommendations. You will be asked to register your recommenders by providing their names, titles, and email addresses.

Start Application

State Authorization

State authorization is a formal determination by a state that PLNU is approved to conduct activities regulated by that state. PLNU is not required to obtain state authorization in every state, and the university has opted at this time not to seek authorization in some states. Additionally, PLNU meets the criteria for exemption from authorization in certain states.

At this time, PLNU does not have authorization in Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Georgia, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico, New York, Rhode Island, and Wisconsin, which means residents of these states cannot enroll in any PLNU online program or course. For more information refer to our disclosures page.

Authorizations in specific states may change periodically. PLNU recommends individuals contact PLNU admissions at (800) 733-7770 for the latest information.

Financial Aid and Student Support

We take seriously the role of providing you with financial, academic, and career support so you have the tools you need to be successful at PLNU and beyond. That’s why we offer a holistic support system that focuses on your unique experiences, particular needs, and personal and professional goals — resulting from our deep concern for you, our student.

With a focus on authentic relationships and personalized attention, our goal is to help transform you so you can follow your calling in your own career and life.

Financial Aid and Student Support

Career Opportunities

Pursuing a degree or credential in administrative leadership will prepare you to lead at the school site or district level or to continue leading at those levels with greater effectiveness.

Career opportunities include:

  • Principal or Vice-Principal
  • District Administrator
  • Instructional Coordinator
  • Curriculum Specialist
  • Program Director
  • College or University Provost or Dean
  • College or University Department Chair
  • Admissions Counselor
  • University Registrar
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Frequently Asked Questions

When can I start the Clear Admin Services program?

Candidates may start the clear program only after they hold a valid Preliminary Administrative Services Credential AND after they are working full time as a school administrator in a public, private, or non-public California school. Although the regulations have recently changed, school administrators with preliminary credentials MUST enroll in a clear program within 12 months of receiving their first administrative assignment (The previous rule dating back to December 2016 was to begin within 120 days of the candidate’s first administrative assignment).

How many units does the PLNU program require?

To earn the clear credential through PLNU, candidates must complete eight units of coaching and four units of online modules, which together make up your approved induction program, leading to a Clear Administrative Services Credential. The total for the entire PLNU credential program, therefore, is 12 graduate units.

What is the difference between online modules and induction?

It is through a CTC approved induction program that administrators receive their clear credential, and the online modules are just one component.

The four units of online modules are instructional lessons all tied to the California Professional Standards for Education Leaders Standards (CPSELS). Divided into eight online courses of eight weeks each, these 0.5 unit “mini-courses” are taken online through PLNU’s Canvas Learning Management System under the supervision of a PLNU professor who is also a retired longtime K-12 school administrator.

The heart of the induction/clear program, however, is delivered through one-on-one coaching where each candidate is provided a university coach for mentoring of the candidate. Each coach is also a recently retired longtime school administrator who supports the candidate for eight quads of eight weeks each valued at one unit per quad — spread out over a two-year period. Together with a site mentor, the candidate and the university coach develop an individual growth plan based on the candidate’s competency assessment of knowledge, skills, and interests. The PLNU coach will meet with the candidate approximately five hours per quad at the workplace or off-campus location of mutual agreement.
 

How long does the program take to complete?

As required by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC), the induction program must take place for a minimum of two school years. For most candidates, the program begins in the fall and concludes in the spring of the second year. But based on a candidate’s request and personal circumstances, the program can begin at mid-year.

How long do I have to complete the program?

The CTC requires all holders of preliminary credentials to complete the clear program requirements within five years after they obtain their first administrative position.

Are there other requirements to earn the clear special education credential?

Yes. The university can only recommend a candidate to the CTC for the clear credential after all PLNU coursework is completed AND after the candidate has completed two years of full-time administrative experience at a California public, private, or non-public school while holding the Preliminary Administrative Services Credential.

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