Professional Studies in Education - CSU, Chico
The Level I Education Specialist Credential Program
Mild/Moderate or Moderate/Severe Disabilities
- Program Description
- Education Specialist Professional Preparation Program Prerequisites
- Advising and Additional Information
- Internships
Program Description
The Preliminary Education Specialist Level I (Mild/Moderate or Moderate/Severe) Credential Program prepares future teachers to serve children, youth, and adults who have special learning or emotional needs. The Education Specialist credential may be used in K-12 resource rooms, special day classes, or alternative settings.
Education specialists function in public schools or private settings as instructors and as consultants to teachers and families. As a student teacher, you may choose to pursue either:
The Level I Education Specialist Credential in Mild/Moderate Disabilities, which authorizes teachers to instruct individuals in grades K-12 and adults who have specific learning disabilities, mild/moderate mental retardation, other health impairments, and/or serious emotional disturbance.
The Level I Education Specialist Credential in Moderate/Severe Disabilities, which authorizes teachers to instruct individuals in grades K-12 and adults who have autism, moderate/severe mental retardation, deaf-blindness, serious emotional disturbance and/or multiple disabilities.
After employment, Education Specialist Level I credential holders have five years in which to complete Level II at this or any other accredited campus. Optional program extensions you may pursue include
- Early Childhood Special Education Certificate to serve infants, toddlers, and preschoolers
- Master's Degree in Education with Special Education Option
- A second Education Specialist credential
The Program Emphasizes the California Teaching Performance Expectations
(TPES) and Education Specialist Competencies
- Relevant field experiences in K-12 settings
- State-of-the-art course work
- Academic excellence
- Teacher professionalism and collaboration
- The teaching of reading
- Special education laws and regulations
- Best practices for meeting special learning needs
- Service learning
- Strategies for teaching English Learners
Program Features
- Fall semester entry
- Introductory core classes offered two semesters a year without formal program admission
- Teacher candidates attend program course work as a supportive cadre throughout the year
- Assistance with preparation for employment
Other Special Education Programs Available
- Level II Education Specialist Program Mild/Moderate or Moderate/Severe
- Undergraduate Minor in Special Education
- Concurrent Credential Program (combines Multiple Subject or Multiple Subject/BCLAD with Education Specialist)
- Internships
Education Specialist Professional Preparation Program Prerequisites
Special Education Core |
|
| SPED 343* | Overview of Special Educ. - 3 units |
| SPED 569* | Field Experiences General & Special Education - 3 units |
| SPED 561 | Curriculum & Instruction for Inclusive Settings - 3 units |
| SPED 563 | Collaboration in Education & the Helping Professions - 2 units |
| SPED 564 | Management of Inclusive Learning Environments - 2 units |
| Introductory core classes
are open spring semester without formal program admission. This core
may also be offered June–August
for those needing it before beginning the formal program. Core
classes can apply toward an undergraduate minor in special education. *must be taken first |
|
Professional Credential Program Prerequisites |
|
| PSYC 353 | Learning in the Young Child |
| Or | |
| PSYC 414 | Psychology of Teaching |
| CMST 131 | Speech Communication Fundamentals |
| POLS 155 | American Government: National, State, and Local |
| CBEST examination Verification of approved subject matter preparation program or examination (CSET) |
|
| Application Process | |
|
|
Credential Program Course Work |
|
| Fall Semseter | |
| EDTE 572 | Reading/Language Arts - 3 units |
| SPED 560 | Methods for Teaching Math: Gen. & Spec. Ed. - 2 units |
| SPED 565 | Behavioral Management - 2 units |
| SPED 692 | Classroom Mgmt: Excep. Nds. 3 units (Moderate/Severe Candidates) |
| SPED 598 | Seminar for Fieldwork Exp. - 1 unit (Mild/Moderate Candidates) |
| SPED 568 | Fieldwork–General Educ. - 3 units |
| SPED 530 | Practicum: Special Educ. - 3 units |
| BLMC 518 | Language & Communication Skills |
| Spring Semester | |
| SPED 671 | Technology in Specialized Instruction - 2 units |
| PSYC 516 | Assessment & Evaluation in General & Special Ed. - 3 units |
| SPED 673 | Laws & Regulations in Special Education - 1 unit |
| SPED 672 | Curriculum & Instruction: Mild/Moderate Disabilities - 3 units |
| RDGL 664 | Seminar: Diagnose/Remediate Reading - 3 units |
| SPED 670 | Home/School/Community Relations in Gen. & Special Education - 2 units |
| SPED 598 | Seminar for Fieldwork Exp. - 1 unit |
| SPED 567 | Student Teaching– Mild/Moderate Disabilities - 8 units |
| SPED 532 | Student Teaching– Moderate/Severe Disabilities - 8 units |
| SPED 637 | Curriculum and Instruction Moderate/Severe Disabilities - 3 units |
Top
Advising and Additional Information
Faculty advisors are available by appointment and on a drop-in basis. Call the numbers listed below to obtain office hours for the following advisors:
Cheri Taylor
Prerequisite Advisor
Office: Tehama 409
Phone: 530-898-6887
Laurel Hill-Ward
Coordinator
Office: Tehama 419
Phone: 530-898-5025
Concurrent Education Specialist/Multiple Subject and Education
Specialist Credential Programs
Department of Professional Studies in Education
California State University, Chico
Chico, California 95929-0465
The FOCUS on Teaching Credential Application booklet downloadable online in PDF format or available at the Education Services Center located in Holt 101 or at 530-898-6391.
