Education Specialist Credential: Moderate to Severe Disabilities

The program prepares candidates to teach students with mild/moderate disabilities in self-contained special education and general education classrooms. The program specifically prepares candidates for the diversity of languages and cultures often encountered in California's public school classrooms. The program prepares candidates to address the needs of students who speak English as a native language and/or as a second language in the elementary or secondary school setting. An underlying principle of the program is the belief that all children (regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, ability or economic status) are capable of learning and educators can make a difference in their lives. Emphasis is placed on the K-22 student actively engaged in his/her learning.

Upon completion of the program, candidates will be eligible for the Preliminary Education Specialist Teaching Credential issued by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC).

Prerequisite Courses

The following prerequisite courses must be successfully completed, with a grade of "C" or better, or in progress at the time that you apply to the Education Specialist Credential Program.

SPED 530 Typical and Atypical Development (3)

ENGL 475 Language in Social Context (3)

SPED 345 Individuals with Disabilities in Society (3)

EDUC 512 Equity, Diversity and Foundations of Schooling (3)

EDUC 522 or 524 Creating and Managing Effective Learning Environments (5)

Bilingual Authorization Prerequisite Courses

HIST 361 Modern Latin American History (3)

EDML 617 The Socio-cultural Context of Schooling (3)

AND EITHER:

CHS 350 Chicana/o History and Culture (HIST) (3) OR

EDUC 445 Chicano Child and Adolescent (4)

In addition to the prerequisites listed above, students who wish to complete the Bilingual Authorization Emphasis in Spanish must pass the language assessment exam (CSET: Spanish III) prior to applying for the Credential Program. For test dates and other test information, please visit the CTC Exams website.

Application — Apply to both the University Admissions office and the School of Education. Applications to the School of Education are available 

Basic Skills Examination — Students must pass either the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST) or the revised California Subject Examination for Teachers (CSET) Multiple Subjects Examination plus Writing Skills, prior to admission to the Multiple Subject Teaching Credential Program. Students are urged to take either of these examinations at the earliest possible time after deciding to pursue a teaching credential.

Subject Matter Preparation — The CI Liberal Studies Option - Teaching and Learning best prepares students for the subject matter knowledge and skills required for the Education Specialist Teaching Credential Program. Students may also complete a state-approved subject matter program from other California colleges or universities. Students who have not completed a state-approved subject matter program must pass a California Subject Examination for Teachers (CSET) in any content area prior to admission to the Education Specialist Credential Program. The CSET examination results are valid for five years from the date of passing and must be valid upon final completion of the program Subject matter requirements are currently being revised by the CCTC. Please consult with the Credential Advisor for the latest regulations.

Prerequisite Courses in Education (16 units, 25-26 units with the Bilingual Authorization) — If taken at CI, the course must be completed within seven 7 years prior to beginning the program with a grade of “C” or better. If an equivalent course at another college or university has been taken, it must have been completed within five (5) years prior to beginning the program.