Professional Level II Education Specialist: Mild/Moderate
The Special Education Credential Program Level II is required to be completed within 5 years of obtaining the Preliminary Level I Education Specialist Credential.
Candidates will obtain a Professional Level II Credential by taking a 24-unit professional development program at Humboldt State. Under certain circumstances, a total of six units may be earned through non-university professional development activities. To enter this program, students must have at least two years' full-time teaching experience in special education and be employed full time as special education teachers.
Procedures for Applying
Admission Requirements:
- Possess a Preliminary Level 1 Education Specialist Credential.
- Verify employment in a position requiring a Education Specialist Credential
- Submit two letters of recommendation - immediate supervisor and another school administrator
- Complete the Professional Level II Education Specialist Credential program application
Contact the Coordinator for information on applying to the Program. Applications are accepted at any time during the academic year for admission the following semester.
Program Requirements
Professional Level II preparation is intended to enable new teachers to apply their Preliminary Level I preparation to the demands of professional positions while also fostering advanced skills and knowledge. Professional Level II includes academic requirements, an individualized induction plan with a support component, and an option to allow some requirements to be met with non-university activities. Candidates attend one Saturday class each month and participate in online instruction. The emphasis of the professional preparation program is to move the special educator beyond the functional aspects of teaching to more advanced knowledge and reflective thinking about his or her role in providing effective instruction and an environment for student success.
Course Requirements:
SPED 751 Professional Development in Special Education
SPED 752 Advanced Studies in Assessment & Instruction
SPED 753 Advanced Studies in Consultation, Collaboration, & Transition
SPED 754 Advanced Behavioral, Emotional, & Environmental Supports
SPED 755 Advanced Studies in Learning Disabilities
SPED 756 Advanced Studies in Mental Retardation
SPED 757 Advanced Studies in Secondary Special Education
SPED 761 The Reflective Special Education Practitioner
Emphasis Courses (6 units electives)
Candidates complete at least one of the following:
SPED 755 - Advanced Studies in Learning Disabilities (3)
SPED 756 - Advanced Studies in Mental Retardation (3)
SPED 757 - Advanced Studies in Secondary Special Education (3)
Candidates may complete two of the above courses, or they may select one course from the following:
EDUC 604 - Education in Society (2)
EDUC 624 - Theories and Models of Reading and Writing (3)
EDUC 625 - Knowledge of Print: Decoding and Encoding (3)
EDUC 626 - Literary Assessment and Evaluation (3)
EDUC 633 - Pedagogy: Practice and Research (2)
EDUC 650 - Educational Psychology (2)
KINS 535 - Motor Assessment (3)
PSYCH 518 - Social and Emotional Problems in Children (3)
PSYCH 545 - Psychological Testing (3)
PSYCH 565 - Psychology of Vocational/Career Development (3)
PSYCH 668 - Assessment and Treatment of Child Abuse and Neglect (3)
SPED 799 - Directed Study (3)
Note: In accordance with the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing requirements, the HSU Professional Level II Credential program will allow candidates to substitute non-university activities (e.g., district-sponsored trainings, institutes, workshops) for up to six units of emphasis courses. The non-university activities may be taken for university credit, but they need not be. Candidates should consult with their HSU Level II advisor for prior approval of any substitutions.
Additional State Requirements
HED 705 - School Health Programs (3)
EDUC 719 - Teacher Computer Competency (2)
Program Total = 24 units
Coursework is arranged in a sequence to foster advanced skills and is designed to build on the knowledge base established in the Level I program.
The individual Level II induction plan form lists the academic requirements for each Education Specialist Level II credential. Candidates are reminded that they will need verification of at least two years of full-time teaching experience as a special education teacher in order to apply for the Level II credential.
The coursework for Level II program can be integrated with the Masters of Education program requirements.
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