Preliminary Level I Education Specialist Credential: Mild/Moderate
The Special Education Credential Level I program is a one-year course of study that begins in the fall semester of each year. Students will obtain a preliminary credential by taking a 36-unit professional education program to qualify for K-12 Special Education teaching positions.
The courses in the Preliminary Education Specialist Mild/Moderate Level I Credential Program are arranged in a sequential manner. Courses begin at an introductory level and progress systematically to enable the candidate to develop the knowledge base for effective teaching in special education. Candidates begin with basic instruction on characteristics of disabilities, behavior management, diversity, and how schools function and how students learn. Overlapping these classes is instruction on assessment, including criteria for identifying various disabilities and educational levels. Simultaneously candidates learn remedial techniques, methods, how to interpret psychological reports and plan educational programs for individual students with disabilities. During the first semester candidates participate in series of supervised fieldwork experiences that reinforce coursework.
Continuing this sequential approach, candidates progress from learning how to teach students as individuals, to how to meet students' needs in a group or classroom setting.
These classes culminate with the student teaching experience after a strong foundation of knowledge has been laid and can be built upon. This includes a timeline that allows the candidate to experience added teaching responsibilities that lead to a solo teaching experience in both student teaching placements.
The graduated level of information and experience is a key component of the Preliminary Education Specialist Credential Level I, Mild/Moderate. The program provides information and knowledge candidates need to be able to engage in successful teaching when they complete the program.
Program Requirements
A California Education Specialist Credential permits teaching grades Kindergarten through adult. This credential authorizes teaching individuals with specific learning disabilities, mental retardation, other health impairments, and serious emotional disturbances.
Upon completing all required tests, assessments, and observations, the US Constitution course requirement, an accredited bachelor's degree, and the special education course sequence below, candidates apply for a Preliminary Level I Education Specialist Credential in Mild to Moderate Disabilities. This preliminary credential authorizes teaching for five years, during which time candidates must obtain a Professional Level II Education Specialist Credential in Mild to Moderate Disabilities.
Preliminary Level I Educational Specialist Course Work
(See the HSU Course Catalog for course descriptons)
EDUC 377 Education of Exceptional Individuals
SPED 702 Foundations of General & Special Education
SPED 703 Foundations of Assessment & Program Planning
SPED 704 Fieldwork-Assessment
SPED 705 Multicultural Special Education
SPED 706 Applied Behavior Analysis for Teachers
SPED 707 Curriculum & Instruction – Reading and Language Arts
SPED 708 Practicum: Reading Instruction
SPED 709 Curriculum & Instruction – Math
SPED 710 Practicum: Math Instruction
SPED 711 Curriculum & Instruction – Science, History, and Social Science
SPED 731 Classroom Management
SPED 732 Practicum: Classroom Management
SPED 733 Special Education Policies & Procedures
SPED 734 Student Teaching-Elementary Special Education
SPED 735 Student Teaching-Secondary Special Education
SPED 736 Curricular & Instructional Skills Seminar
SPED 737 Non-violent Crisis Intervention-Special Populations
SPED 799 Extended Student Teaching
SPED 799 Reading Assessment DIBELS
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