Special Education

The Teacher Induction Education Specialist Credential is a 2-year, individualized, job-embedded system of mentoring, support and professional development beginning in the candidates’ first year of teaching. Candidates complete a 14-unit* program: 6 units in semester one, 1 unit in semesters two and three, and 6 units in semester four. This program is designed for candidates who hold a valid Preliminary Education Specialist Credential. Candidates develop an “Individualized Learning Plan” (ILP) designed to strengthen their professional practice through self-assessment, goal setting and reflection. Candidates complete four “induction” courses centered around the ILP and two “pedagogy” courses designed to build on skills and knowledge acquired through their Preliminary Credential.

*Candidates in the Teacher Induction Credential program must be employed as MS/ESN teachers.

1. Induction (8 units)

SPED 614A Learning About Myself as a Professional Educator (1)
SPED 614B Working with Special Education Stakeholders (1)
SPED 628MS Induction and the Individualized Learning Plan in Moderate/Severe Disabilities (3)**
SPED 638 Educators as Agents of Change (3)***

**Must be taken the first semester of the program.
***Must be taken the last semester of the program.

2. Pedagogy Courses (6 units)

Pedagogy courses may be used for the M.A. degree. Courses used for the Preliminary Credential cannot be counted toward the Induction Credential.

Select two courses from the following:

Assessment and Instruction

SPED 500 Communication and Early Literacy Development of Young Children with Disabilities (3)
SPED 503MME Curriculum and Instruction for Diverse Learners with Mild to Extensive Support Needs (3)
SPED 545 Support Strategies for Learners with Physical and Multiple Disabilities (3)^†
SPED 625 Adapting Curriculum and Instruction to Facilitate the Development of Language and Academic Skills (3)
SPED 642 Teaching Students with Extensive Support Needs with Hearing and/or Vision Disabilities (3)^†
SPED 695A Advanced Behavioral Support (3)

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

SPED 404 Teaching Diverse Learners with Social-Communication Disabilities, Including Autism (3)^†
SPED 655 Promising Practices and Interventions for Students with Autism (3)^†

^†If not taken for the Preliminary Credential.

Additional Requirements for Candidates Who Completed a Level I Education Specialist Credential Program:

Health: HSCI 435, HSCI 465ELM or HSCI 466ADO
Technology: EED 513, EED 515 or EED 602, or SED 514, or SPED 595T (preferred)
Other Requirements: Must maintain a 3.0 GPA, with no course grade lower than “C.”

Total Units Required for the Credential: 14