Special Education Masters Degree Program and Credentials
The Special Education program offer a master’s degree, three credential programs, and one certificate program to prepare special education teacher candidates to teach in P-12 schools and other agencies serving individuals with special needs from birth to adulthood. The credential and degree programs are nationally recognized and use the Council for Exceptional Children’s performance-based electronic portfolio competency model for evaluation and credential recommendation criteria. All special education candidates will gain shared competencies through a common core of coursework. Candidates also complete specialized coursework related to Mild to Moderate Disabilities, Early Childhood Disabilities and/or Moderate to Severe Disabilities across the P-12 spectrum of service delivery.
The Special Education credential English Learner Authorization program offers three Level I Education Specialist credentials, three Level II Professional Education Specialist credentials and one Early Childhood Special Education certificate.
Special Education Course Descriptions
General Admission Requirements
All special education program graduate credential and/or degree candidates must meet the Department of Learning and Teaching requirements for admission described in this bulletin.
MEd in Special Education |
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I. Level I Education Specialist Credentials (with English Learner Authorization) |
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| • Minimum of 30 graduate units of coursework (Practicum units do not count towards 30 MEd units); • Passing rating on final MEd electronic portfolio; • Passing rating for poster presentation; and, • Meet all Department of Learning and Teaching requirements for MEd |
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Level I Education Specialist Credential: |
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| EDSP 570 | Assessment in Special Education (3) |
| EDSP 571 | Management of Behavior and Instruction in Special Education (3) |
| EDSP 572 | Typical and Atypical Language Development (3) |
| EDSP 573 | Family Systems and Community/Cultural Resources in Special Education (3) |
| EDUC 500 | Research Design and Methodology (3) |
Level I Education Specialization Graduate coursework |
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| EDSP 574 | Characteristics and Needs of Individuals with Mild/Moderate Exceptionality (3) |
| EDSP 575 | Curriculum and Instruction for Individuals with Mild/Moderate Exceptionality (3) |
| EDSP 590P | Practicum Mild/Moderate (6) |
| EDUC 575 | Elementary Curriculum and Methods for Special Educators (3) |
| EDUC 583P | Methods of Teaching Reading and Language Arts in the Elementary School (3) |
| EDUC 584C | Methods of Teaching English Language and Academic Development (3) |
2. Early Childhood Disabilities Requirements |
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| EDSP 574 | Characteristics and Needs of Individuals with Mild to Moderate Exceptionality (3) |
| EDSP 576 | Typical, Atypical and Medical Development (3) |
| EDSP 577 | Early Intervention Curriculum and Methods (3) |
| EDSP 578 | Curriculum and Instruction Moderate/Severe (3) |
| EDSP 591P | Practicum Early Childhood (6) |
3. Moderate/Severe Disabilities Requirements |
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| EDSP 576 | Typical, Atypical and Medical Development (3) |
| EDSP 578 | Curriculum and Instruction Moderate/Severe (3) |
| EDSP 592P | Practicum Moderate/Severe (6) |
| EDUC 575 | Elementary Curriculum and Methods for Special Educators (3) |
| EDUC 583P | Methods of Teaching Reading and Language Arts in the Elementary School (3) |
| EDUC 584C | Methods of Teaching English Language and Academic Development (3) |
II. Level II Professional Education Specialist Credential (with English Learner Authorization) |
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| • Minimum of 30 graduate units of coursework (Practicum units do not count towards 30 MEd units); • Passing rating on final MEd electronic portfolio; • Passing rating for poster presentation; and, • Meet all Department of Learning and Teaching requirements for MEd |
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Level II Professional Education Specialist Credential: Common Core |
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| EDSP 598 | Education Specialist Roles and Responsibilities (3) |
| EDSP 593F | Field-Based Induction Plan (1) |
| EDSP 597F | Field-Based Research in Special Education (1) |
| EDUC 500 | Research Design and Methodology (3) |
Level II Professional Education Specialist Specializations |
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1. Mild/Moderate Disabilities Requirements |
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| EDSP 594 | Advanced Behavior Analysis and Positive Behavior Supports (3) |
| EDSP 594F | Field-Based Advanced Behavior Analysis and Positive Behavior Supports (1) |
| EDSP 596 | Assessment for Curriculum Decisions (3) |
| EDSP 596F | Field-Based Assessment for Curriculum Decisions (1) |
2. Early Childhood Disabilities Requirements |
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| EDSP 595 | Leadership and Management Skills (3) |
| EDSP 595F | Field-Based Leadership and Management Skills (1) |
3. Moderate/Severe Disabilities Requirements |
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| EDSP 594 | Advanced Behavior Analysis and Positive Behavior Supports (3) |
| EDSP 594F | Field-Based Advanced Behavior Analysis and Positive Behavior Supports (1) |
Early Childhood Special Education Certificate |
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| • Minimum of 30 graduate units of coursework (Practicum units do not count towards 30 MEd units); • Passing rating on final MEd electronic portfolio; • Passing rating for poster presentation; and, • Meet all Department of Learning and Teaching requirements for MEd (CSET is not a requirement for Early Childhood Certificate). |
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Early Childhood Special Education Certificate Requirements |
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| EDSP 570 | Assessment in Special Education (3) |
| EDSP 573 | Family Systems and Community/Cultural Resources in Special Education (3) |
| EDSP 574 | Characteristics and Needs of Individuals with Mild/Moderate Exceptionality (3) |
| EDSP 576 | Typical, Atypical and Medical Development (3) |
| EDSP 577 | Early Intervention Curriculum and Methods (3) |
| EDSP 578 | Curriculum and Instruction Moderate/Severe (3) |
MEd in Special Education Deaf and Hard of Hearing Credential |
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| In partnership with the John Tracy Clinic in Los Angeles, graduate students can earn a master’s and credential in the Education Specialist: Deaf and Hard of Hearing English Learner Authorization program. The program is designed for teachers who want to specialize in Auditory-Oral and Auditory-Verbal education. There are two program of study options: 1) a one-year full time graduate student program at the JTC campus, and 2) a two-year – Online: Working Professionals program. The two year option requires concurrent employment in a Auditory-Oral “Center of Excellence” as outlined in the Alexander Graham Bell Association’s “Component of a Quality Auditory-Oral Program.” The Distance Education Program requires two summer residencies of one month each at the John Tracy Clinic. For additional information, go to www.jtc.org and click on “Professional Education.” Both the Level l Education Specialist credential and the Level II Professional Education Specialist credentials with English Learner Authorization are offered through the John Tracy Clinic. | |
| • 44 units and 16 courses. • Experiences in Auditory-Oral classroom settings. • Participation in Auditory-Verbal therapy and inclusive educational settings. • Hands-on fieldwork with parents and their children with hearing loss (birth to age five) and, • Extensive experience with children who use cochlear implant |
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Program Prerequisites |
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| Academic Requirements (B, C, and D are met with a Multiple Subject or Single Subject Credential) | |
| A. American Sign Language and Deaf Culture B. Typical/Atypical Child Development C. Teaching Reading and Writing D. Regular Education fieldwork E. GPA of 3.0 in undergraduate and graduate coursework |
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1. Examinations |
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| A. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) [minimum score of 1000] For candidates seeking California Credential: B. California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST) or CSET: Writing Skills Assessment. C. California Subject Examination for Teachers: Multiple Subjects (CSET) D. Reading Instruction Competency Assessment (RICA) E. U.S. Constitution course or examination |
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2. Other Requirements |
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| A. Personal interview and written essay B. Three letters of recommendation (3 academic) C. TOEFL. Required for prospective students for whom English is a second language D. See www.ctc.ca.gov for more information on California Credentials |
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The coursework is illustrated in the one-year California Credential and Master’s Program on-site |
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| EDSP 551 | Audiology: Diagnostics in Infants and Children who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing (2) |
| EDSP 553 | Educating Infants, Children, and Youth who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing: Multiple Perspectives (12 hours fieldwork) (3) |
| EDSP 550 | Early Intervention with Infants and Children who are Deaf and Hard of Hearing — Birth to Three, and Their Parents (15 hours fieldwork) (3) |
| EDSP 552 | Foundations of Speech for Individuals who Are Deaf and Hard of Hearing (1) |
Fall (17 units) |
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| EDSP 568 | Audiology: Amplification in Infants and Children who are D/HH (2) |
| EDSP 550F | Early Intervention Fieldwork with Infants and Toddlers who are D/HH and Their Parents (30 hours fieldwork) (3) |
| EDSP 554 | Language Development with Infants and Children who are D/HH (3) |
| EDSP 557 | Auditory-Verbal Principles of Teaching Speech and Auditory Skills to Individuals who Are D/HH (10 hours fieldwork) (3) |
| EDSP 555 | Curriculum Strategies in Early Childhood Settings for Children who are D/HH: Theory and Practice (120 hours fieldwork) (4) |
| EDSP 556 | Working with Families of Infants and Children who are D/HH (16 hours fieldwork) (2) |
Spring (14 units) |
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| EDUC 500 | Research Design and Methodology (Online Course) (3) |
| EDSP 560 | Language, Literacy and Instruction for School-Age Children and Youth who are D/HH (30 hours practicum along with AVT hours) (3) |
| EDSP 559 | Curriculum Strategies in Academic Settings for Children and Youth who are D/HH: Theory and Practice (20 hours fieldwork) (3) |
| EDSP 593P | Practicum in Auditory-Verbal Therapy (42 hours practicum) (4) |
| EDSP 594P | Practicum in Early Childhood for Children who are D/HH (80 hours practicum) (1) |
Spring Practicum (4 units) |
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| EDSP 595P | Practicum in Elementary School Teaching [Special Day, Inclusion, Itinerant] (4) (360 hours practicum) |
Special Education Credentials |
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Level I Education Specialist Credentials (with English Learner Authorization) |
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| Prerequisite or Co-requisite Courses for Level I Education Specialist Credential • EDSP 389/589 – Healthy Environments and Inclusive Education (3) or an equivalent Introduction to Special Education course; • CBEST; • Certificate of Clearance or CSET: Writing Skills Assessment (see conditions below); and, • U.S. Constitution requirement |
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Other Requirements: |
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| • Mild/Moderate Disabilities and Moderate/Severe Disabilities Credential requires the following prior to enrollment in Practicum (student teaching): 1. Passing score on the CSET: Multiple Subjects examination, or the CSET Single Subject Content Matter examination prescribed by California law, or CCTC-approved subject matter competency program. Candidates passing the CSET Multiple Subject subtests may pass the CSET: Writing Skills Assessment in lieu of the CBEST 2. EDU 558XB – First and Second Language Development and Structure for the Classroom Teacher (3 units offered through Continuing Education) Mild/Moderate and Moderate/Severe candidates are also required to achieve a passing score on the RICA prior to issuance of a credential. |
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Level I Education Specialist Credential: Common Core |
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| EDSP 570 | Assessment in Special Education (3) |
| EDSP 571 | Management of Behavior and Instruction in Special Education (3) |
| EDSP 572 | Typical and Atypical Language Development (3) |
| EDSP 573 | Family Systems and Community/Cultural Resources in Special Education (3) |
Level I Education Specializations |
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| 1. Mild to Moderate Disabilities Requirements | |
| EDSP 574 | Characteristics and Needs of Individuals with Mild/Moderate Exceptionality (3) |
| EDSP 575 | Curriculum and Instruction for Individuals with Mild/Moderate Exceptionality (3) |
| EDSP 590P | Practicum Mild/Moderate (6) |
| EDUC 575P | Elementary Curriculum Methods for Special Educators (3) |
| EDUC 583P | Methods of Teaching Reading and Language Arts in Elementary Schools (3) |
| EDUC 584C | Methods of Teaching English Language and Academic Development (3) |
2. Moderate/Severe Disabilities Requirements |
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| EDSP 576 | Typical, Atypical and Medical Development (3) |
| EDSP 578 | Curriculum and Instruction Moderate/Severe (3) |
| EDSP 592P | Practicum Moderate/Severe (6) |
| EDUC 575P | Elementary Curriculum Methods for Special Educators (3) |
| EDUC 583P | Methods of Teaching Reading and Language Arts in Elementary Schools (3) |
| EDUC 584C | Methods of Teaching English Language and Academic Development (3) |
3. Early Childhood Special Education Requirements |
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| EDSP 574 | Characteristics and Needs of Individuals with Mild/Moderate Exceptionality (3) |
| EDSP 576 | Typical, Atypical and Medical Development (3) |
| EDSP 577 | Early Intervention Curriculum and Methods (3) |
| EDSP 578 | Curriculum and Instruction Moderate/Severe (3) |
| EDSP 591P | Practicum Early Childhood (6) |
II. Level II Professional Education Specialist Credential (with English Learner Authorization) |
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| Prerequisites: • Must hold a CCTC Level I Education Specialist credential in the area in which the Level II credential is being sought • Before final request for recommendation for a Level II Professional Education Specialist credential, candidate must have completed two years of employment under the related Level I Education Specialist Credential • Must apply and be accepted into USD graduate program of study (either Credential or Credential and MEd) • A candidate wishing to add a Level II program of study to a Level I and/or MEd in Special Education program must complete a separate petition for admission to the respective Level II program. • EDUC 514 – Instructional Technology: Design and Evaluation (3) (or equivalent) • EDSP 589 – Healthy Environments and Inclusive Education (3) (or equivalent) • CPR – infant, child and adult |
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Level II Professional Education Specialist Credential Common Core |
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| EDSP 598 | Education Specialist Roles and Responsibilities (3) |
| EDSP 593F | Field-Based Induction Plan (1) |
| EDSP 597F | Field-Based Research in Special Education (1) |
| EDUC 500 | Research Design and Methodology (3) |
Level II Professional Education Specialist Specializations |
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| EDSP 594 | Advanced Behavior Analysis and Positive Behavior Supports (3) |
| EDSP 594F | Field-Based Advanced Behavior Analysis and Positive Behavior Supports (1) |
| EDSP 596 | Assessment for Curriculum Decisions (3) |
| EDSP 596F | Field-Based Assessment for Curriculum Decisions (1) |
2. Moderate/Severe Disabilities Requirement |
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| EDSP 594 | Advanced Behavior Analysis and Positive Behavior Supports (3) |
| EDSP 594F | Field Based Advanced Behavior Analysis and Positive Behavior Supports (1) |
3. Early Childhood Special Education Requirements |
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| EDSP 595 | Leadership and Management Skills (3) |
| EDSP 595F | Field-Based Leadership and Management Skills (1) |
III. Early Childhood Special Education Credential |
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| Prerequisites: • Level II Credential Prerequisites • A currently valid California Clear Learning Handicapped or Severely Handicapped credential; or a Level II Mild/Moderate or Moderate/Severe credential Course Requirements: |
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| EDSP 570 | Assessment in Special Education (3) |
| EDSP 573 | Family Systems and Community/Cultural Resources in Special Education (3) |
| EDSP 574 | Characteristics and Needs of Individuals with Mild/Moderate Exceptionality (3) |
| EDSP 576 | Typical, Atypical and Medical Development (3) |
| EDSP 577 | Early Intervention Curriculum and Methods (3) |
| EDSP 578 | Curriculum and Instruction Moderate/Severe (3) |
| EDSP 591P | Practicum Early Childhood (3) |
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