Frequently Asked Questions:
If you have any questions regarding the School Culture Advocate Certification, please call 515.381.0588 or email info@iowasafeschools.org.
How do I become a Certified School Culture Advocate?
Becoming a Certified School Culture Advocate through Safe Schools Academy requires a specific sequence of courses to be completed through Safe Schools Academy. More information can be found in the Certification Requirements page.
Do I have to enroll for the coursework as license renewal or graduate credit for it to count?
You can register for either license renewal credit or graduate credit to fulfill the CSCA requirements. Courses cannot be completed for audit, as grades must be assigned for completing the work.
Is there a particular order I need to complete the courses in?
You can take the Foundations in School Climate and Culture and Climate and Culture Core Competencies in any order. You must pass and complete all Foundations and Core Competencies courses before you can enroll in the Capstone Course.
Do I have to be an educator to become CSCA?
No. Parents, community leaders, business professionals, social workers, youth-serving professionals, and other advocates are encouraged to earn their School Culture Advocate Certification.
Can I enroll in the Climate and Culture Capstone course without having completed the prerequisites?
No. The Climate and Culture Capstone: School Culture Advocacy through Educator-Driven Leadership requires that participants have already completed Cultivating Diverse Classrooms: Cultural Competency, Taking Your School’s Temperature: Using Data to Improve School Climate, and three courses which satisfy each of the Climate and Culture Core Competencies. These five courses MUST be completed in order to complete the Climate and Culture Capstone. More information can be found in the Certification Requirements page.
I have completed all of required coursework—how do I get my certification?
The Safe Schools Academy Registrar will analyze your CSCA program transcripts upon the completion of the Climate and Culture Capstone course. Any questions or concerns may be directed to info@iowasafeschools.org
What if I have already completed coursework through Safe Schools Academy which satisfies the CSCA Requirements? Can those credits count toward my certification?
Credits can be retroactively accepted toward CSCA Requirements up to three (3) years before the current date. See how your previous credit fits into the CSCA Requirements by going to the Certification Requirements page.
How long does the certification last?
The certification lasts for three years from the date all of the coursework requirements were completed.
Can in-person classes count toward the program?
Yes. Completing an in-person course is equivalent to completing an online course for license renewal credit.