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

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Granger Dinwiddie, Ph.D., Program Coordinator

Office: DBH 354
Phone: (209) 667-3681 or 3364

This is a preliminary credential offered through the Department of Advanced Studies in Education .

California State University, Stanislaus is authorized to recommend individuals for Education Specialist Credentials in two areas: Mild/Moderate Disabilities and Moderate/Severe Disabilities. The programs prepare individuals to perform responsibilities of entry-level special education teachers.

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

Requirements: Preliminary 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.

1. Meet the basic skills requirements.

The requirements can be met in any of the following ways:

Pass CBEST
Pass all sections of CSET (Multiple Subject) and CSET writing
Pass CSU Early Assessment Program (English and Mathematics sections) or CSU Placement Examination (English and Mathematics)
Pass Basic Skills Examination from another state

2. Pass the following courses with a minimum of a “B” or better:

3. Submit a completed application to the Department of Advanced Studies in Education and participate in the Admission Interview.

4. If an offer of admission is made, complete the following courses with a minimum GPA of 3.0:

Select the following courses depending on the credential you are seeking

If you are seeking Mild/Moderate credential:

EDSE 4450 - Teaching Students with Mild to Moderate Disabilities

If you are seeking Moderate/Severe credential:

EDSE 4440 - Students with Moderate and Severe Disabilities

5. Demonstrate the following Subject Matter Competence:

Elementary Level: CSET Multiple Subject
Middle and Secondary Level: CSET single subject exam or verification of subject matter preparation program

6. Apply for credential specific student teaching a semester prior.

7. Enroll in credential specific student teaching only after all courses have been completed.

Mild/Moderate Disabilities:

EDSE 4815 - Special Education Student Teaching: Mild to Moderate Disabilities

Moderate/Severe Disabilities:

EDSE 4816 - Special Education Student Teaching: Moderate to Severe Disabilities

8. Participate in an exit interview or examination.

9. Pass RICA (Reading Instruction Competence Assessment).

10. Apply for the Preliminary Education Specialist Credential with Credential Services (in DBH 303).

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 University’s Intern Program is administered by CSU Stanislaus and 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 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.