Preliminary Education Specialist Credential
Mild to Moderate Specialty
Program Overview
As today's schools, academic programs and educational requirements become more complex, the needs of special education students continue to be individualized and comprehensive. California Lutheran University's credential programs in special education blend theoretical instruction with opportunities for the practical application of knowledge, offering you an ideal avenue for heightened effectiveness.
Program Highlights
Candidates in Special Education credential programs benefit from an integration of theoretical knowledge with an abundance of opportunities for practical application in meaningful settings.
Completion of the Preliminary Mild/Moderate credential program provides candidates with the authorization to teach students diagnosed with Autistic Spectrum Disorder.
This credential program is distinct from similar programs in the region due to the extensive personal support and empowerment training. Classes rarely exceed 20 students, and the faculty is comprised of highly regarded professional practitioners in the field.
Candidates who meet the Internship Credential requirements may complete their program under the Internship Option.
Requirements
The following courses are required to successfully complete this Mild/Moderate 39–credit curriculum:
- EDSP 503. Characteristics of Diverse Learners with Special Needs* (3)
- EDSP 521. Literacy & Language in Diverse Classrooms* (3)
- EDSP 519. Assessment, Instruction and Development of the Individual Educational Program (3)
- EDSP 519A. Clinical Practicum (1)
- EDSP 545. Positive Behavioral Supports for Students with Behavioral and Emotional Needs (3)
- EDSP 545A. Clinical Practicum (1)
- EDSP 532. Reading Procedures, Assessment & Remediation (3)
- EDSP 549. First & Second Language Acquisition* (3)
- EDSP 525. Inclusion/Transitions/Collaborations/with Diverse Learners (3)
- EDSP 515. Educating Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders: Theoretical Foundations, Interventions and Supports (3)
- EDSP 533. Curriculum - Math for Diverse Learners with Special Needs (3)
- EDSP 535. Curriculum-Science & History, Social Science for Diverse Learners with Special Needs (3)
- EDSP 534. Field Study/Student Teaching with Seminar – Mild/Moderate (8)
* Successful completion required for Internship eligibility
In addition, candidates must complete Adult, Child, Infant CPR certification that meets the criteria of the American Heart Association or the American Red Cross and submit appropriate documentation when applying for the credential.
Courses
EDSP 503 Characteristics of Diverse Learners with Special Needs (3 units)
Explores learning and behavioral characteristics of individuals with exceptionalities; theory and practices of special education service delivery models; contemporary state and federal special education laws, emphasis on Individualized Educational Program and partnerships with families.
EDSP 515 Educating Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders: Theoretical Foundations, Interventions and Supports (3 units)
Examines Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD); contemporary assessment strategies and tools; service delivery models and programs; best educational practices in teaching strategies and interventions; social/communicative development; Positive Behavior Support in creating a classroom/program and for assisting those with behavior challenges.
EDSP 519 M/M: Assessment, Instruction and Development of the Individual Educational Program (3 units)
Formal and informal assessment procedures for linking assessment to instruction, determining the need and eligibility for services, designing instructional programs and developing IEP goals; legal and ethical consideration for assessment, issues of reliability and validity, and information regarding test design and statistics. Includes framework that documents experiences across programs, disability, and school ages.
EDSP 519A Clinical Practicum (1 unit)
EDSP 521 Reading/Language Arts in Diverse Classrooms (3 units)
Theory-based methods of instruction in reading and language arts in today's culturally, diverse elementary classrooms. Fieldwork required.
EDSP 525 Inclusion/Transitions/Collaborations with Diverse Learners (3 units)
Addresses issues related to inclusion, itinerant teaching, and collaboration with all members of the school community for the benefit of students with special needs.
EDSP 532 Reading Procedures, Assessment, and Remediation (3 units)
Provides intensive study and application of specific diagnostic reading assessment skills with direct application of remedial procedures.
EDSP 533 Curriculum - Math for Diverse Learners with Special Needs (3 units)
Provides skills necessary to develop, implement, adapt, modify, and evaluate a variety of pedagogical approaches to instruction and intervention in mathematics.
EDSP 535 Curriculum-Science & History, Social Science for Diverse Learners with Special Needs (3 units)
Provides skills necessary to develop, implement, adapt, modify, and evaluate a variety of pedagogical approaches to instruction and intervention in Science and History/Social Science for students with mild to moderate disabilities.
EDSP 534 Field Study/Student Teaching with Seminar – Mild/Moderate (8 units)
Seminar in conjunction with field study that addresses portfolio development, credential standards, and support services for teacher candidates. A university supervisor observes the student in his/her own classroom. Traditional student teaching and placement with a master teacher also an option.
EDSP 545 Positive Behavioral Supports for Students with Behavioral and Emotional Needs (3 units)
Examines Positive Behavior Support and School-wide PBS strategies for general and special educational settings; provides information regarding individual behavior support strategies, specifically with respect to students with special needs; includes behavioral assessments and behavioral plans to support students with behavioral challenges in the general and special education classroom.
EDSP 545A Clinical Practicum (1 unit)
EDSP 549 First and Second Language Acquisition & Learners with Special Needs (3 units)
Overview of some aspects of linguistic theories. Deals with language acquisition, theories, legal implications, and accountability factors related to language learning among both native and non-native English speakers.
Admission Requirements
- Checklist
- Completed Application Form
- $50.00 Application Fee (please make checks payable to CLU)
- Interview with Admission Counselor
- Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
- Personal Statement
- Recommendation Form
- Petition to Waive the GRE or GRE Scores (Master's degree applicants only)
- Request for Credential Course Equivalency. If you wish to have credential course work considered for equivalency, this form must be completed and approved.
Application Process
Interested individuals are encouraged to make an appointment to meet with a Graduate Admission Counselor to review specific program information, admission requirements, start terms, deadline dates, and review financial aid options.
Please call (805) 493–3335 to schedule an appointment to meet with a Graduate Admission Counselor or to request information.
