This is an archive of the 2014-2015 University Catalog.
To access the most recent version, please visit catalog.csun.edu.

This is an archive of the 2014-2015 University Catalog.
To access the most recent version, please visit catalog.csun.edu.

Mission Statement

The foundation of the Department’s educational program is built upon knowledge derived from a sound theoretical base and rigorous research. We believe a quality program includes opportunities for reflection, problem solving and collaboration, and the application of knowledge and skills in settings that demonstrate effective practices. Working in partnership with schools and communities, a quality program provides ongoing support, mentoring, and guidance to its students while promoting innovative approaches for individuals with exceptional needs in the communities it serves.

Department Information

The Department of Special Education at California State University, Northridge offers Credential and Master’s degree programs for professionals who work with infants, toddlers, children and youth with special needs and their families. Programs are designed to prepare special educators to understand the diverse characteristics and backgrounds of students with special needs, to adapt curriculum and instruction, and to make sound educational judgments.

The Master‘s Degree Programs build upon the competencies developed in the Special Education Credential Programs, preparing students for positions of leadership, advocacy and scholarship in schools, the community, and within the overall profession of Special Education. Education Specialist Credential Programs provide specialized coursework and field experiences for individuals interested in serving students with special needs. The department offers a Preliminary Education Specialist Credential and a Clear Education Specialist Credential in Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Early Childhood Special Education, Mild/Moderate Disabilities and Moderate/Severe Disabilities.

The Department of Special Education offers four Credential Pathways:

  • Traditional Program, a post B.A. program for candidates in non-teaching or teaching positions interested in flexible scheduling.
  • Intern Program, post B.A. two-year program (including summers) designed for teachers who are eligible for an intern credential and are hired in a cooperating school district.
  • Accelerated Collaborative Teacher (ACT) Preparation Program, a post B.A. full time two-semester program, offered collaboratively with the Los Angeles Unified School District.
  • Integrated Teacher Education Program (ITEP) undergraduate program with candidates beginning as freshmen or entering the two-year option as transfer students, earning their credential and bachelor‘s degree concurrently.

Academic Advisement

Advisors are available to assist students with questions about our programs by email as assigned below. Please allow 48-72 business hours for a reply. They may also be contacted by office phone (if available), though on-campus office hours and availability may vary.

Prospective students who are unsure of the programs available, what specialization to choose or how to apply to our programs or campus may contact our Pre-admissions Advisor Ivor Weiner: ivor.weiner@csun.edu, (818) 677-2598.

Prospective Interns who need paperwork signed to begin their intern credential program or start work may contact Intern Coordinator Tamarah Ashton: tamarah.ashton@csun.edu, (818) 677-4869.

Students or prospective students of the Early Childhood specialization of the Preliminary Credential Program may contact Deborah Chen: deborah.chen@csun.edu, (818) 677-4604.

Students or prospective students of the Early Childhood specialization of the CLEAR Credential Program or the M.A. Program may contact Michele Haney: michele.haney@csun.edu, (818) 677-3874.

Students or prospective students of the Deaf/Hard of Hearing Specialization of the Preliminary Credential Program, CLEAR Credential Program or M.A. Program may contact Rachel Friedman Narr: rachel.narr@csun.edu, (818) 677-4007.

Students or prospective students of the Deaf/Hard of Hearing Specialization of the Intern Credential Program, CLEAR Credential Program or M.A. Program may contact Ellen Schneiderman: ellen.schneiderman@csun.edu, (818) 677-2649.

Students or prospective students of the Mild/Moderate Specialization of the Intern Credential Program, or M.A. Program may contact Tamarah Ashton: tamarah.ashton@csun.edu, (818) 677-4869.

Students or prospective students of the Mild/Moderate Specialization of the Preliminary Credential Program may contact any of the following:

Students or prospective students of the Mild/Moderate Specialization of the CLEAR Credential Program may contact CLEAR Coordinator, Virginia Kennedy: virginia.kennedy@csun.edu, (818) 677-2532.

Students or prospective students of the Resource Specialist Added Authorization may contact Virginia Kennedy: virginia.kennedy@csun.edu, (818) 677-2532.

Students or prospective students of the Moderate/Severe Specialization of the Preliminary Credential Program may contact Amy Hanreddy: amy.n.hanreddy@csun.edu, (818) 677-2522.

Students or prospective students of the Moderate/Severe Specialization of the Preliminary Credential Program, CLEAR Credential Program or M.A. Program may contact Kathryn Peckham-Hardin: kathy.phardin@csun.edu, (818) 677-4002.

Students or prospective students of the ACT Accelerated Credential Program may contact Nancy Burstein: nancy.burstein@csun.edu, (818) 677-2552.

Students or prospective students of the ITEP Integrated Teacher Education Program may contact Sue Sears: sue.sears@csun.edu.

Contact

Chair: Sue Sears
Education (ED) 1204
(818) 677-2596
www.csun.edu/coe/sped