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

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 Level I programs prepare individuals to perform responsibilities of entry-level special education teachers.

When a graduate of the Level I program obtains a special education position, an application is filed with the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing and the Preliminary Level I Education Specialist Credential is issued. This credential is valid for five years while Level II preparation  is completed. It is recommended that undergraduates seeking admission to the Education Specialist Preliminary Level I Credential enroll in the Liberal Studies  major with a concentration in Exceptional Children and Youth .

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

Information on Advanced Credentials

Note: Frequently, students obtain an advanced credential and the M.A. degree (especially in School Administration, since school districts may require its administrators to possess both). When seeking the advanced credential in conjunction with the M.A. degree, the student is subject to the regulations described on the appropriate M.A. degree page, as well as those which follow. When seeking an advanced credential only, the student is subject to the following regulations:

Prerequisites

To be considered for admission to the Preliminary Level I Education Specialist credential program, the applicant must:

1. Possess a baccalaureate degree.
2. Have earned at least a 2.75 GPA in the last 60 units earned.

Application Procedures

The applicant must:

1. Complete the University Admission form including required transcripts of college/university coursework of the last 60 units.
2. Submit program application and receipt for program application fee to the Department of Advanced Studies in Education Office.
3. Submit letters of recommendation to the department office. (Check with the specific advanced credential program coordinator for the exact number required.)
4. Submit test scores (e.g., CBEST, MAT), as required by the specific advanced credential program, to the department office.
5. Participate in an interview and/or have the program file evaluated by a credential program committee, depending on the requirements of the specific credential program.

Admission Classifications

The student applying only for a credential program will be placed in the following classifications:

1. Postbaccalaureate Standing: Unclassified — permits one to enroll in classes as specified by program.
   To be admitted, the applicant must:
   1. Complete the University Admission form.
   2. Meet CSU Stanislaus admission requirements.
2. Postbaccalaureate Standing: Classified — fully admitted to the M.A. program. (See M.A. requirements in previous section.)

General Information

1. Grade Requirements: Students seeking an advanced credential are expected to maintain a GPA of 3.0 while in the program. The minimum acceptable grade for a credential course is a C.
2. Final Requirements: To obtain the required recommendation for the advanced credential from CSU Stanislaus, the student must:
   1. Complete all of the coursework required in the advanced credential program.
   2. Demonstrate competency in the knowledge and skill areas of the program.
   3. Maintain a minimum overall GPA of 3.0 for all course work required for the credential.
   4. Submit a completed application to the Credentials Processing Center (DBH 303) and make payment as directed.
   5. Be recommended for the credential by the coordinator of the appropriate advanced credential program.
3. Class Scheduling: Courses are scheduled in the late afternoon and evening to enable employed individuals to enroll in classes.

Note: Early registration is strongly recommended. Limits are placed on class size; consequently, enrollment is not guaranteed.

Additional Admission Requirements: Preliminary Level I Education Specialist Credential

1. Students must be admitted to the University as an undergraduate or postbaccalaureate student.
2. Complete an application for admission to the Preliminary Level I Credential Program. The application packet is available online at www.csustan.edu and in the Advanced Studies office. Refer to the packet for application deadlines, admission criteria during the year of application and acceptance, and any additional requirements.
3. Complete an upper-division writing course (listed as WP in the catalog) or pass an equivalent test or submit a verifiable score of 41 or higher on the writing portion of CBEST.
4. Complete PSCI 1201 American Government or an equivalent course that fulfills the U.S. Constitution requirement.
5. File a Certificate of Clearance with the application to the program.
6. Verification of Early Field Experience. All candidates must complete 45 hours of documented field experience in K-12 classrooms.

Completion Requirements

The student will be recommended by CSU Stanislaus for the Preliminary Level I Education Specialist Credential upon satisfactory completion of the following:

1. All Level I program requirements with grades of B or better.
2. Verification of baccalaureate degree.
3. Passing score on the Reading Instruction Competency Assessment (RICA) (effective January 2000).
4. Satisfactory performance on exit interview or examination. The Preliminary credential is valid for five years, while Professional Level II preparation is completed.