This is an archive of the 2020-2021 University Catalog.
To access the most recent version, please visit catalog.csun.edu.

This is an archive of the 2020-2021 University Catalog.
To access the most recent version, please visit catalog.csun.edu.

UNIVERSITY CATALOG: 2020-2021

Program: Preliminary Education Specialist Credential

Mild/Moderate Disabilities

Program Description

Authorizes the holder to conduct assessments, provide instruction and special education-related services to individuals with a primary disability of specific learning disabilities, mild/moderate mental retardation, other health impairment, emotional disturbance and autism spectrum disorders within the disability area in kindergarten and grades 1-12. Classes organized primarily for adults in services across the continuum of program options available.

Candidates are provided the following pathways to pursue a Preliminary Credential.

  1. The Traditional Program (DHH, ECSE, MM, MS) is designed primarily as a post-B.A. degree program for candidates in nonteaching or teaching positions interested in flexible scheduling. Contact Virginia Kennedy for Traditional Program advisement.
  2. The Intern Program (DHH, ECSE, MM, MS), a post-B.A. degree 2-year program (including summers), is designed for teachers who have an Intern Credential and are hired in a cooperating school district. Interns must take a minimum of 6 units each semester, including 2 units of the SPED 506 Intern Practicum/Seminar. Interns receive classroom support and mentorship throughout the program by University and district personnel. Contact Tamarah Ashton for Intern Program advisement. Candidates in the DHH, ECSE and MS areas must consult with an advisor in their area of specialization.
  3. The Accelerated Collaborative Teacher (ACT) Preparation Program (for MM) is a post-B.A. degree, full-time 2-semester (MM) or 3-semester (MS, DHH) Program. Candidates begin the program in the Fall semester and progress through the program as a cohort. Contact Nancy Burstein for ACT Program advisement.
  4. The Integrated Teacher Education Program (MM, MS) is an undergraduate program. Candidates begin as freshmen or enter the 2-year option as transfer students. Contact Sue Sears for more information.
Admission into programs leading to licensure and credentialing does not guarantee that students will obtain a license or credential. Licensure and credentialing requirements are set by agencies that are not controlled by or affiliated with the CSU, and requirements can change at any time. For example, licensure or credentialing requirements can include evidence of the right to work in the United States (e.g., Social Security number or taxpayer identification number) or successfully passing a criminal background check. Students are responsible for determining whether they can meet licensure or credentialing requirements. The CSU will not refund tuition, fees or any associated costs to students who determine subsequent to admission that they cannot meet licensure or credentialing requirements. Information concerning licensure and credentialing requirements is available from the department. See Notice to Students: Licensure and Certification for more information.

Program Requirements

A. Traditional Education Specialist Teaching Credential Program in Mild/Moderate Disabilities (42 units)

Must meet admission requirements as described in the Credential section.

1. Courses Required Prior to or Concurrent with SPED 403

SPED 400 Developmental Differences and Implications in Special Education (3)*
SPED 403MM Early Field Experience (3)**
SPED 406 K-12 Literacy Instruction for Diverse Learners with Disabilities (3)

*May be taken prior to admission.
**72 hours of fieldwork and seminar.

2. Courses Required Prior to SPED 580MM—Student Teaching

*May be taken prior to admission.

3. Other Requirements Prior to SPED 580MM—Student Teaching

  1. Basic Skills and Subject Matter Requirement:
    1. Recommended option for individuals interested in teaching at the elementary level: Passage of CSET Multiple Subject Exam and CSET Writing Skills, or passage of a CSET Multiple Exam and CBEST.
    2. Recommended option for individuals interested in teaching at the secondary level: Passage of a CSET Single Subject Exam and CBEST or completion of approved subject matter program and passage of the CBEST.
  2. Overall GPA of 2.75 since admission with cumulative 3.0 GPA in professional education courses (a grade of “C” or higher is required in all courses).
  3. Fingerprint clearance.
  4. Submission of a student teaching application and approval to student teach by Credential Office. (Application for student teaching is required in the semester prior to student teaching.)

4. Courses Required Prior to or Concurrent with SPED 580MM—Student Teaching

Only one course may be completed concurrently with SPED 580MM.

SPED 502MM Reading/Language Arts Instruction for Diverse Learners with Mild/Moderate Disabilities (3)
SPED 503MM Curriculum and Instruction in Math and Content Subjects for Diverse Learners with Mild/Moderate Disabilities (3)

The following courses must be taken concurrently with a grade of “B” or higher:

SPED 580MM Student Teaching (6)
and SPED 580S Seminar in Mild/Moderate Disabilities (3)

5. Required Prior to Applying for the Credential

  1. Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education.
  2. Knowledge of U.S. Constitution (course or exam).
  3. Passage of Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA) or possession of valid California Teaching Credential. (Must hold valid California Teaching Credential at the time of applying for this Credential in order to be exempt from RICA.)
  4. CPR certification—infant, child, adult (online CPR training is not acceptable).
  5. Overall GPA of 2.75 since admission, with cumulative 3.0 GPA in professional education courses (a grade of “C” or higher is required in all courses).

B. Intern Education Specialist Program in Mild/Moderate Disabilities (42 units)

Must meet admission requirements as described in the Credential section.

1. Preservice Component

All applicants are required to complete preservice preparation. This preparation includes classroom management and planning, reading/language arts, specialty specific pedagogy, human development and teaching English learners. Applicants without a valid Teaching Credential can satisfy the preservice preparation component through a combination of credential coursework and online instructional modules (see intern advisor).

2. First Semester

SPED 400 Developmental Differences and Implications in Special Education (3)
SPED 406 K-12 Literacy Instruction for Diverse Learners with Disabilities (3)
SPED 506MMA Special Education Internship Field Experience (3)

*May be taken prior to admission.

3. Second Semester

SPED 416 Educating Diverse Learners with Disabilities and Working with Their Families (3)
SPED 501MM Special Education Assessment of Diverse Learners with Mild/Moderate Disabilities (3)
SPED 506MMB Special Education Internship Field Experience (3)

4. First Summer

5. Third Semester

SPED 402 Behavioral Assessment and Positive Behavior Support (3)*
SPED 502MM Reading/Language Arts Instruction for Diverse Learners with Mild/Moderate Disabilities (3)
SPED 506MMC Special Education Internship Field Experience (3)

*May be taken prior to admission.

6. Other Requirements Prior to SPED 506MMD (Fourth Semester)

  1. Overall GPA of 2.75 since admission with cumulative 3.0 GPA in professional education courses (a grade of “C” or higher is required in all courses).
  2. Passage of Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA) or possession of valid California Teaching Credential. (Must hold valid California Teaching Credential at the time of applying for this Credential in order to be exempt from RICA.)
  3. CPR certification—infant, child, adult (online CPR training is not acceptable).

7. Fourth Semester

SPED 420 Improving the Learning of Students with Special Needs Through Differentiated Instruction and Collaboration (3)
SPED 503MM Curriculum and Instruction in Math and Content Subjects for Diverse Learners with Mild/Moderate Disabilities (3)

C. Accelerated Collaborative Teacher (ACT) Education Specialist Program in Mild/Moderate Disabilities (40 units)

Must meet admission requirements as described in the Credential section.

1. First Semester (Fall): Required with SPED 579ACT—Field Experience (21-22 units)

2. Required Prior to SPED 580ACT—Advanced Fieldwork

  1. Basic Skills and Subject Matter Requirement.
    1.  Recommended option for individuals interested in teaching at the elementary level: Passage of CSET Multiple Subject Exam and CSET Writing Skills, or passage of a CSET Multiple Exam and CBEST.
    2.  Recommended option for individuals interested in teaching at the secondary level: Passage of a CSET Single Subject Exam and CBEST, or completion of approved subject matter program and passage of the CBEST.
  2. Overall GPA of 2.75 since admission with cumulative 3.0 GPA in professional education courses (a grade of “C” or higher is required in all courses).
  3. Fingerprint clearance.
  4. Approval for student teaching.

3. Second Semester (Spring): Required Prior to SPED 580ACT—Advanced Fieldwork (18 units)

ELPS 542A Meeting the Needs of All Students in Urban Schools (2)
SPED 404 Teaching Diverse Learners with Social-Communication Disabilities, Including Autism (3)
SPED 502MM Reading/Language Arts Instruction for Diverse Learners with Mild/Moderate Disabilities (3)
SPED 503MM Curriculum and Instruction in Math and Content Subjects for Diverse Learners with Mild/Moderate Disabilities (3)
SPED 542B Meeting the Needs of All Students in Urban Schools (1)
SPED 580ACT Advanced Fieldwork with Exceptional Learners/Seminar (6) (with a grade of “B” or higher)

4. Required Prior to Applying for the Credential

  1. Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education.
  2. Knowledge of U.S. Constitution (course or exam).
  3. Passage of Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA) or possession of valid California Teaching Credential. (Must hold valid California Teaching Credential at the time of applying for this Credential in order to be exempt from RICA.)
  4. CPR certification—infant, child, adult (online CPR training is not acceptable).
  5. Overall GPA of 2.75 since admission, with cumulative 3.0 GPA in professional education courses (a grade of “C” or higher is required in all courses).

D. Integrated Teacher Education Program (ITEP)

For the Mild/Moderate Disabilities program see the Liberal Studies section of this Catalog. Students must meet admission requirements as described in the Credential section.

Contact

Department of Special Education
Chair: Kathy Peckham-Hardin
Education (ED) 1204
(818) 677-2596

Traditional Program
Virginia Kennedy
Education (ED) 1207
(818) 677-2532

Intern Program
Tamarah Ashton
Education (ED) 3104
(818) 677-4869

ACT Program
Nancy Burstein
Education (ED) 3108
(818) 677-2552

Student Learning Outcomes

  1. Engage and support all students in learning.
  2. Create and maintain effective environments for student learning.
  3. Make subject matter comprehensible for student learning.
  4. Plan instruction and design learning experiences for all students.
  5. Assess student learning.
  6. Develop as a professional educator.