A Special Education teaching credential enables a person to teach special education students either as an intern or in a traditional credential preparation program. This credential prepares teachers to create, develop and implement individualized adaptations and accommodations to facilitate access to learning of the core curriculum in a variety of environments. Coursework focuses on state and federal regulations, Individual Education Plan (IEP mandates), specialized curricula, learning, behavior and transition strategies as well as the use of current and assistive technologies. Candidates in this program develop skills in working as collaborators in educational settings.

1. SUBJECT MATTER COMPETENCE

All candidates must pass the appropriate California Subject Examination for Teachers (CSET) or the coursework requirement for secondary level teaching assignments. Priority will be given to those candidates who have passed all sub-test of the appropriate CSET prior to application for admission to the teacher credentialing program.

2. PROFESSIONAL PREPARATION

All students take:

COURSE	TITLE	UNITS
EDU 402/502	Research-Based Learning Theory	3
EDU 304/504	Legal, Ethical and Wesleyan Perspectives on Education	3
EDU 306/506	Principles of Language Acquisition	3
EDU 508	Assessment and Research Practices	3
EDU 520	Differentiated Reading and Related Language Arts	3
EDU 522	Differentiated Writing and Related Language Arts Instruction for all Learners	3
EDU 324/524	Differentiated Mathematics Instruction for All Learners	3
EDU 534	General Methods for Secondary Teachers	3
EDU 533	Foundations of Special Education and Characteristics of Students with Mild/Moderate Disabilities	3
EDU 621	Assessment Procedures and Services for Students with Mild/Moderate Disabilities	3
EDU 631	Curricular and Instructional Adaptations for Students with Mild/Moderate Disabilities	3
EDU 632	Collaboration and Consultation for IEP Implementation, Evaluation and Program Improvement	3
	TOTAL	33
Students who are not under contract with a school district also take:
COURSE	TITLE	UNITS
EDU 540	Student Teaching I	4
EDU 541	Student Teaching Inquiry and Reflection I	1
EDU 560	Special Education Student Teaching II	4
EDU 561	Special Education Student Teaching Inquiry and Reflection II	1
	TOTAL	10
Students who are under an intern contract with a school district also take:
COURSE	TITLE	UNITS
EDU 555	Educational Specialist Intern Support Seminars (.5 unit for 4 semesters)	2
EDU 570	Special Education Supervised Intern Teaching I	4
EDU 571	Special Education Supervised Intern Inquiry and Reflection I	1
EDU 580	Special Education Supervised Intern Teaching II	4
EDU 581	Special Education Supervised Intern Inquiry and Reflection II	1
	TOTAL	12

Students should refer to the Special Education Advising Guide on the School of Education website or obtain a hard copy from the School of Education office in Evans Hall.

3. CALIFORNIA BASIC EDUCATIONAL SKILLS TEST

A passing score on the CBEST is required prior to registration for Education 540/541 Student Teaching I/Student Teaching Inquiry and Reflection I. Evidence of progress toward passing the CBEST will be required as part of the application process. Information and application forms for the CBEST are available in the School of Education office in Evans Hall and the Mission Valley Regional Center.

4. EDUCATION

Completion of a baccalaureate or higher degree from a regionally accredited college or university. A 2.750 minimum overall grade-point average is required for admission into the teacher credentialing program. Students with 2.600-2.749 overall grade-point averages may be considered for exceptions admission.

5. U.S. CONSTITUTION

Met by examination or approved course.

6. DEVELOPING ENGLISH LANGUAGE SKILLS

Met by passing Education 520 (elementary) or Education 532 (secondary).

7. READING INSTRUCTION COMPETENCE ASSESSMENT (RICA)

Students are required to pass the RICA exam. Information is available in Evans Hall on the main campus and in the offices of the School of Education at the Mission Valley Regional Center.

By completing Steps 1-7 satisfactorily, a student may apply for a Preliminary Level I Education Specialist Credential which is valid for five years. This application is completed in collaboration with the School of Education credential analyst.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

Students must file for the credential through the credential analyst at the Mission Valley Regional Center. Students are recommended for their credential based on successful passage of all current credential requirements. Credential requirements are subject to change based on state and federal requirements which supersede any existing catalog requirements.

This application process is completed with credential analyst.

OBTAINING A LEVEL II CREDENTIAL

Candidates will earn the Professional Clear Credential through a California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC) approved Professional Teacher Induction program, through an approved school district, county office of education, college or university, consortium, or private school. Candidates will earn the Professional Clear Credential by completing the following requirements:

• The student must present a complete and individualized induction plan designed in collaboration with the student’s employer and a California college or university holding a Commission-approved education specialist program.
• Health education. The student must complete a Commission-approved health course.
• CPR certification. The student must provide proof of infant, child, and adult CPR certification.
• Computer education. The student must complete a Commission-approved course covering general and specialized skills in the use of computers in educational settings.
• The student must provide verification of a minimum of two years of successful experience in a public school (or a private school with equivalent status) while holding the Preliminary Level I Education Specialist Instruction Credential.