About the Program Links

Special Education

Advanced degree and credential programs in Special Education.

The Special Education Credential Program

This credential program is designed for those interested in teaching learners with mild-moderate special needs, in particular but not exclusive to students with learning disabilities, emotional/behavioral disorders, mental retardation, and other health impairments. Persons applying for this program need not possess any other credential, though with a number of additional courses, students may also complete a Multiple Subject or Single Subject Teaching Credential.

Mild-Moderate Education Specialist Credential candidates receive a complete range of instruction and support in instructing learners with mild-moderate disabilities within a continuum of service delivery options. The program may be completed in one calendar year. Candidates for this credential have five years after completing Level I to complete their Advanced Professional Level II Credential. The Level II credential is embedded in an M.S. in Special Education. This credential involves extensive knowledge of research and collaboration with those working to support learners who have mild-moderate disabilities.

Admission Requirements

Full acceptance into the University of La Verne's Teacher Education programs requires the following:

Application and personal interview
CBEST (California Basic Educational Skills Test) Score Report
Transcript(s) demonstrating completion of 90 semester hours or more toward a bachelor's degree at time of application
Writing competency sample
Internet access
Level II requires a Level I Credential

Student Teaching Prerequisites

In Level I, student teaching candidates must complete an application and be accepted to the program with the following:

For Introductory General Education Supervised Teaching, EDUC 468:*

Certificate of Clearance or equivalent fingerprint clearance
Demonstration of personal characteristics necessary for teaching (as outlined by the University of La Verne's Department of Education)
Passage of CBEST (highly recommended prior to admission)
Acceptance by the University Teacher Education Faculty
3.0 or better GPA in pre-student teaching courses
Health examination

* Five weeks of General Education Student Teaching is required for a Mild-Moderate Level I Credential.

For Education Specialist Mild-Moderate Supervised Teaching, SPED 409:

All prerequisites required for EDUC 468
Passage of RICA (Reading Instruction Competency Assessment)
Verification of Subject Matter Competence as defined by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. For up-to-date information, contact the Education Department. (Recommend passage of CSET for multiple subjects.)
U.S. Constitution course or passing test score
Speech course verification
Level I Computers in Education Course or Level I CTAP training
Health Education/Drug Prevention/Sexually Transmitted Diseases Course

Intern Credential

If a student has successfully completed the constitution requirement, completed SP ED 457, completed subject matter competence, and has a contract in a public school; he/she is eligible for an intern credential.

Courses

LEVEL I - MILD-MODERATE EDUCATION SPECIALIST CREDENTIAL: (38 Semester Units)

SP ED 457	Introduction to Exceptional Individuals and Their Families (3)
SP ED 406	Mild-Moderate Assessment and Curriculum Practice (3)
SP ED 406P	Directed Teaching, Assessment, Practicum (1)
EDUC 470*	Theories and Methods of Education for Linguistically Diverse Students (4)
SP ED 405	Diversity Issues in Special Education Seminar (2)
SP ED 405P	Directed Teaching, Presentation Practicum (1)
EDUC 462*	Literacy Methodology for Multiple Subject Candidates (3)
EDUC 472*	Teaching Strategies (4)
EDUC 468	Introductory Supervised Teaching (3) (Five-week experience)
SP ED 407	Mild-Moderate Classroom and Case Management (3)
SP ED 407P	Directed Teaching In Special Education Curriculum and Classroom Management (1)
EDUC 464	Introduction to the Teaching of Reading for Multiple Subject Candidates (3)
SP ED 408	Directed Teaching in Special Education Content Areas (1)
SP ED 409	Education Specialist Mild-Moderate Supervised Teaching (6)

* 30 hours of fieldwork required

The Level I Education Specialist Credential can be completed in one academic year.

LEVEL II - MILD-MODERATE EDUCATION SPECIALIST CREDENTIAL: (18 Semester Units)*

SP ED 503	Professional Induction Seminar (2)
SP ED 504	Current Issues, Policies, and Practices in Special Education (3)
SP ED 505	Advanced Positive Behavior Support: Theory and Practice (3)
SP ED 506	Advanced Assessment of Students with Special Needs (3)
SP ED 507	Advanced Curriculum and Instruction (3)
SP ED 508	Life Cycles and Transitions (3)
SP ED 509	Culminating Seminar (1)

* 6 units of electives or the equivalent in non-university activities is also required.

Master of Education Candidates

Students enrolled in the Master of Education Special Emphasis program who have earned a bachelor's degree may complete the requirements for the Mild-Moderate Level I Credential as part of their advanced degree coursework.

Students enrolled in the Level II Education Specialist Credential may obtain a Master of Science degree in Special Education.

M.S. Special Education
Advanced Professional Emphasis

This advanced degree program requires 37 semester units in the following combination:

Level II Courses - 18 semester units
M.S. Degree Core Courses - 13 semester units
Electives - 6 semester units

Master of Science Degree Core Requirement (13 Semester Units)

EDUC 501	Educational Assessment (3)
SP ED 502	Neurology and Learning Variations (4)
EDUC 504	Methods of Research (3)
SP ED 596	Graduate Seminar (3)

Academic Requirements

Students in the Master's degree program must maintain an academic achievement of at least a 3.0 grade point average. All degree coursework must be completed within five years of registration as a graduate student.