Holders of different disciplinary credentials and specific subject credentials may be required to add extra authorizations. Subject matter authorization and Supplementary authorization are two of the most prevalent terminology that may be encountered during the procedure. Although both allow an instructor to get additional certifications, they each offer their own set of advantages and disadvantages.
Key Takeaways
- Subject Matter Authorization qualifies a teacher for single-subject teaching, while Supplementary Matter Authorization allows teaching in additional subject areas.
- Subject Matter Authorization requires more extensive coursework than Supplementary Matter Authorization.
- Supplementary Matter Authorization is limited to specific grade levels, while Subject Matter Authorization covers all grade levels in a subject.
Subject Matter Authorization vs Supplementary Matter Authorization
A Subject Matter Authorization is a teaching credential that authorizes a teacher to teach a specific subject or field. A Supplementary Subject Matter Authorization is a credential that allows a teacher to teach a subject that is related to their primary authorization but not fully covered by it.
Subject matter authorization was created to allow instructors to gain clearance to teach a course in a subject other than the content domain of their core certification that would be No Child Left Behind Act compliant. They might be obtained to indicate the completion of an additional degree.
Supplementary matter authorization has been in force since 1979 and can be applied to multiple or single-subject certificates. They are based on 20 semester units of education in a specified subject. It is the same as a teaching minor. The goal was to give a different way to add a new teaching authorization.
Comparison Table
| Parameters of Comparison | Subject Matter Authorization | Supplementary Matter Authorization |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Allows a person to teach in subjects other than those in which they have obtained qualifications | Allows a single subject credential owner to include one or maybe more subjects as a supplementary |
| Subjects | Economics, literal arts, science, math, social studies | Supplemental permission has no subject constraints |
| Prerequisite | A valid prerequisite teaching credential; 32-semester modules of non-remedial course material in the subject | 20-semester units or 10-semester units (topmost division only) |
| Credentials added | Special secondary teaching credentials, such as English, math, science, and social studies | The special secondary credential would include Art, Business Knowledge, Home science |
| Exception for acceptance | The director of the course content unit provides a document informing that the curriculum is equitable to one provided by that division. | The supplementary subject sought is health science or computer science. |
What is Subject Matter Authorization?
Subject topic authorizations are only granted for the following key academic subjects: Language, math, physics, and linguistics, apart from English, civic education, economy, crafts, politics, and geology are some subjects covered.
After completing thirty-two-semester or forty-eight quarter modules of non-remedial collegiate courses in the field of study sought, an applicant will be eligible for a subject matter authorization. For introductory subject matter authorizations, a minimum of 3 college semesters or 4 quarter modules in each of the specific disciplines listed under the same subject is included within the thirty-two semester or forty-eight quarter units.
With the exception of Introductory Science, which necessitates a minimum of 6 semesters or 8 quarter modules in each of the specific disciplines listed. The remaining units may have been in any domain of the topic category.
Apart from History, which needs at least 16-semester global and US history units, the same unit amount is essential for individual subject matter authorizations.
They may also be eligible for subject matter authorization if they have a college major in a topic closely relevant to the subject mentioned on the certification from a regionally accredited institution or university.
What is Supplementary Matter Authorization?
Supplementary matter authorizations enable the applicant to include one or maybe more topics in their teaching certificate. There are two sorts of supplemental authorizations: introductory and specific.
The introduction supplemental added to the “Single-subject teaching” credential permits the recipient to teach the additional subject matter information normally contained in curriculum standards and books for learning in years 9 and lower at any grade level.
The introductory supplementary attached to a “Multiple subject teaching” qualification permits the applicant to administer units of knowledge courses relevant to the supplementary in grades 9 and lower.
The specialized supplemental applied to the Single domain teaching certification permits the applicant to educate the specified subject in grades preschool through twelfth and classes, particularly for adults.
A Standard Secondary Teaching Credential may be supplemented with additional authorizations, even if they are within the major or minor. The Standard Secondary Teaching Credential allows you to work in grades 7-12.
State University, correspondence, or enhanced version course work; or ap classes units (necessitates a college document of the duration and documented verification from the university or college admission or registrar’s department that the modules are appropriate towards a bachelor’s degree and are now in the given topic’s classification of the required supplementary authorization) may be used if they meet these criteria. Obtaining extra authorization for these persons will allow them to work at a higher grade in the subject domain.
Main Differences Between Subject Matter Authorization And Supplementary Matter Authorization
- Subject matter authorization applies to the enhancement of applicants’ credentials that allow them to teach in subjects other than those in which they have obtained qualifications. Meanwhile, supplementary authorization allows a single subject credential owner to include one or maybe more subjects as supplementary permission.
- Subject matter authorization is confined to key academic disciplines such as economics, liberal arts, science, math, social studies, and foreign language, whereas supplemental permission has no subject constraints.
- Individuals seeking subject matter authorization must meet certain requirements, including having a valid prerequisite teaching credential, 32-semester modules of non-remedial course material in the subject, and a minimum of 3 semester or 4 quarter modules of work within every subject. Whereas individuals seeking a supplementary authorization must meet the following requirements: 20-semester units (minimum and maximum division) or 10-semester units (topmost division only).
- Subject matter authorization could well be added to the credentials: special secondary teaching credentials, such as English, math, science, and social studies, while supplementary authorization could well be added to the credentials, such as Special secondary credentials, which would include Art, Business Knowledge, Home Science, Industrial Arts, Music, Phys Ed, Vocal Arts, and Vocational Agriculture.
- For subject matter authorization, unless the director of the course content unit provides a document informing that the curriculum is equitable to one provided by that division, it will be considered inexcusable; meanwhile, for supplementary authorization, unless the supplementary subject sought is health science or computer science it will be considered inexcusable
Last Updated : 13 July, 2023
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Emma Smith holds an MA degree in English from Irvine Valley College. She has been a Journalist since 2002, writing articles on the English language, Sports, and Law. Read more about me on her bio page.
The discussion on the prerequisites for subject matter authorization and supplementary matter authorization is enlightening. This is very helpful.
I agree, the description of the specialized supplementary and introductory supplementary is very informative. It’s helpful to see the differences in their application to the Single subject teaching or Multiple subject teaching qualifications.
The explanation of the main differences between Subject Matter Authorization and Supplementary Matter Authorization draws a very clear distinction and highlights their unique features. Well-written article.
The distinction between the Subject Matter Authorization and Supplementary Matter Authorization’s scope of subjects is quite insightful. Thanks for detailed information.
I appreciate the comparison table provided. It effectively summarizes the key differences between Subject Matter Authorization and Supplementary Matter Authorization.
The requirement for the Supplementary Matter Authorization is quite interesting. It’s beneficial to know that it allows a single subject credential owner to include one or more subjects as supplementary permission.
The comprehensive explanation of the requirements for both Subject Matter Authorization and Supplementary Matter Authorization provides a thorough understanding of the processes involved. Thank you for sharing.
The difference between Subject Matter Authorization and Supplementary Matter Authorization is clear. It’s interesting to see that Subject Matter Authorization requires more coursework than Supplementary Matter Authorization.
The detailed explanation of Supplementary Matter Authorization clarifies its types and helps to understand its different applications. It’s also a great point that it can be applied to multiple or single-subject certificates.