Mar 28, 2024  
2014-2015 Academic Catalog 
    
2014-2015 Academic Catalog [Archived Catalog]

Education Specialist: Mild/Moderate Disabilities and Moderate/Severe Disabilities


Granger Dinwiddie, Ph.D., Program Coordinator
Office: DBH 330
Phone: (209) 667-3681

Teacher Education Department phone:  (209) 667-3357

Note:  There are no “catalog rights” in credential programs.  Requirements, subject to change, are set by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing, the California State University, and CSU Stanislaus.  Students must meet the current state requirements for the credential.  For current state requirements, consult the Handbook for the Education Specialist Credential Program that is available online at www.csustan.edu/TeacherEd/SpecialEd.html

This is a preliminary credential offered through the Department of Teacher Education  .

California State University, Stanislaus is authorized to recommend individuals for Education Specialist Credentials in two areas: Mild/Moderate Disabilities and Moderate/Severe Disabilities. An Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) added Authorization is also offered.  The programs prepare individuals to become special education teachers.

A prerequisite teaching credential in Multiple or Single Subject, is not required to obtain the Education Specialist Credential.

 

Requirements: Education Specialist Credential


The following is a sequence of steps to obtain a Preliminary Education Specialist Credential: Mild/Moderate and Moderate/Severe Disabilities. Admission forms and a full description of the documentation and coursework requirements are included in the Special Education Handbook.

I. General Requirements


  1. Applying for admission to CSU, Stanislaus Graduate School and to the Credential Program requires separate applications and fees.  
    1. CSU, Stanislaus Graduate application - apply online at www.csumentor.edu -Application to the University requires official transcripts and separate fees.  If students graduate with a B.A./B.S. while in the credential program, they must reapply to the University in a timely manner (about six months prior to graduating) and be readmitted as a graduate student to continue in the program.
    2. Application to the Credential Program is available online at www.csustan.edu/Credentials, or you can stop by Credential Services, DBH 303, (209) 667-3534.  A fee is required when submitting the application. 
  2. Grade Point Average (GPA) Requirement
    The required GPA is 2.67 in all baccalaureate and postbaccalaureate coursework or GPA of at least 2.75 in the last 60 units.  Students with a minimum 2.5 GPA in the last 60 units will be considered for “Special Admission.”

II. Admission Requirements


Applicants may apply before completing the prerequisites; however, the prerequisites must be completed before being accepted to program.

  1. Tuberculosis Clearance
    Students must show proof of having completed a screening for tuberculosis within the last 4 years
  2. CCTC Certificate of Clearance
    Students must submit fingerprints via “Livescan” when they apply for the program.  The “Livescan” form (fingerprints) is available in the Credential Services office or on their website at www.csustan.edu/Credentials.html and will be electronically forwarded to CCTC.  The clearance is processed through the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC) and is completed online at www.ctc.ca.gov.  Background checks are conducted by the California Department of Justice and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).  When “cleared”, a student will receive an email from the Commission verifying the “Certificate of Clearance.”
  3. Subject Matter Competency
    Students will complete one of the following:
    •    Elementary level:  Pass 3 sections of CSET Multiple Subject.
    •    Middle and Secondary Level:  Pass CSET Single Subject exam or complete a subject matter preparation program (in the areas of Art, English, Foreign Language, Mathematics, Music, Social Science, or Science only).
  4. Basic Skills Requirements
    This requirement can be met through one of the following ways:
    •    Pass 3 sections of CBEST (www.cbest.nesinc.com)
    •    Pass CSET Writing Skills (Elementary Level Only) (www.ctcexams.nesinc.com)
    •    Pass CSU Early Assessment Program (EAP English and Mathematics Sections taken in spring of 11th grade with a “College Ready” or “Exempt” score) OR CSU Placement Examination (English 151 and Math 50). Combination of scores from EAP and EPT/ELM examination.
  5. Early Field Experience
    All candidates must complete 45 hours of documented field experience in K-12 classrooms.
  6. English Composition
    All CSU graduates will have met this requirement as part of their BA/BS degree. Complete a CSU upper-division writing course (listed as WP in the catalog). Submit a verifiable score of 41 or higher on the writing portion on CBEST. Completing an upper division composition course with a grade of C or better
  7. American Government/Constitution
    Complete   or an equivalent course that fulfills the U.S. Constitution requirement.
     

 

III. Prerequisite Courses


The following course must be taken and/or in progress prior to applying to the program.

IV. Education Specialist Program Requirements


Select the following courses depending on the credential you are seeking

If you are seeking Mild/Moderate credential:

If you are seeking Moderate/Severe credential:

B. After completing the coursework with “B” average and verification of subject matter competence, complete the following courses:


Note: you must apply for credential specific student teaching a semester prior to placement.

Mild/Moderate Disabilities (Enroll in two sections)

Moderate/Severe Disabilities (Enroll in two sections)

V. Exits Requirements


A. Reading instruction Competence Assessment (RICA) Credential candidates should take this exam only after completing the program courses on how to teach reading. www.rica.nesinc.com RICA is an exit requirement for the Education Specialist Credential.  Before candidates are recommended for the credential, verification of passing is required.

B. Particpate in an exit interview.

C. CPR Certification Complete CPR Certification that includes infant/child/adult. (It must meet the American Red Cross and the American Heart Association criteria).

TOTAL UNITS FOR THE EDUCATION SPECIALIST CREDENTIALS: 41 UNITS


(6 prerequisites + 35 program units)

Concurrent Enrollment in Multiple and Single Subject Credential Programs


There is an option to receive dual credentials with concurrent enrollment in the Multiple Subjects Credential Program or the Single Subject Credential Program.  See information sheets regarding the options on our Special Education website at http://www.csustan.edu/TeacherEd/SpecialEd/handbooks.html

Education Specialist Internship Option: Mild/Moderate or Moderate/Severe Disabilities


An internship allows an individual to be the teacher of record while completing a professional preparation program. The Intern Program administered by CSU Stanislaus is a cooperative program between the University and participating school districts. Individuals are interns only if such a formal agreement has been created and approved. The duration of the internship program is one to two years.

Please contact the Program Coordinator for information about the Internship option.

The Education Specialist Clear Credential: Mild/Moderate and Moderate Severe Disabilities


A Professional Clear program (Level II ESCP) is not offered on the CSU Stanislaus campus as of Fall 2011. If you need to complete this CCTC requirement, contact your local district or county BTSA Office for an alternate means of meeting this credential level.

The Professional Level II Education Specialist Credential  is offered only to students who were admitted to the Level I credential prior to Fall 2011. The Level II credential is available in two categories: Mild/Moderate Disabilities and Moderate/Severe Disabilities. Please contact the Program Coordinator for information about the Level II program.