Concurrent Multiple-Subject and Preliminary Mild/Moderate and Moderate/Severe Disabilities Education Specialist Program with a Master of Arts in Special Education Option

Program of Study

Admission requirements are the same as the Multiple-Subject Credential.

Concurrent candidates receive both the Multiple-Subject and the Preliminary Mild/Moderate Education Specialist Instruction Credentials with the option to also complete the Preliminary Moderate/Severe Education Specialist Instruction Credential. The Authorization to Teach English Learners is met through coursework and clinical experiences. A bilingual emphasis may be added to the Multiple-Subject Credential for qualified candidates.

The Multiple-Subject Credential authorizes instruction of students in grades K through 8. The Preliminary Education Specialist Instruction Credentials authorize the provision of instruction to students in grades K through 12 and adults with identified disabilities. The Mild/Moderate Education Specialist Credential authorizes instruction of students with a primary disability of Autism Spectrum Disorder, Emotional Disturbance, Mild/Moderate Intellectual Disability, other health impairment (e.g. Attention Deficit Disorder), or specific learning disability. The Moderate/Severe Education Specialist Credential authorizes instruction of students with a primary disability of Autism Spectrum Disorder, Deaf-Blindness, Emotional Disturbance, Moderate/Severe Intellectual Disability, or multiple disabilities. All credentials authorize instruction of English learners.

Full-time concurrent candidates may complete coursework and clinical practice for the Multiple-Subject and Preliminary Mild/Moderate Education Specialist Credentials in three semesters. Moderate/Severe Education Specialist coursework and clinical practice requirements may be completed in an additional semester. For part-time candidates, time to completion is longer. Candidates who successfully complete all of the Concurrent Multiple-Subject courses and both Concurrent Multiple-Subject Clinical Practice experiences, the RICA and TPA assessments, and other credentialing requirements may be awarded the Multiple- Subject Credential and apply for admission to the Special Education Master of Arts to complete remaining Education Specialist courses and clinical practice experiences as master’s candidates. See the Master of Arts in Special Education  Preliminary Preparation program description for admissions requirements, and courses and clinical practice that may be applied toward the master’s degree.

TPA and TPE Assessment

Beginning July 1, 2008, all candidates entering programs that result in the issuance of a Multiple- or Single-Subject Credential must pass all Teaching Performance Assessment (TPA) assessments before an online recommendation for the credential can be submitted to the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC) by the CEHHS, Student Services Office.

Beginning January 1, 2011, all candidates entering programs that result in the issuance of a Preliminary Education Specialist Instruction Credential must demonstrate satisfactory performance through coursework and verified clinical practice on the full range of Preliminary Education Specialist Teaching Performance Expectations and develop a written Individualized Transition Development Plan for use in the candidate’s Clear Credential Program.

Clear Credential Requirements

Successful completion of Multiple-Subject requirements results in the issuance of a 5-year Preliminary Multiple-Subject Credential. SB 2042 requires employment as a full-time teacher and completion of an induction program to qualify for a Clear Multiple-Subject Credential. Successful completion of Education Specialist requirements results in the issuance of a 5-year Preliminary Education Specialist Credential that also must be cleared through an induction program to qualify for the Clear Education Specialist Credential. An essential clearing requirement is the development of a written Individualized Induction Plan (IIP) of supported induction and job-related advanced professional preparation approved and signed by the clear credential candidate, an employer designee, and a CCTC-approved clear credential program sponsor (e.g., district BTSA program, University, County Office of Education). See the CCTC website for currently approved clear credential sponsors. The IIP for employed Education Specialists must be written to clear all general and special education preliminary credentials held, may include up to 12 semester-units of university coursework, and must be developed within 60 days of employment. Preliminary Education Specialist credential holders not employed in a school setting may complete the clear credential requirements if the parties signing the IIP agree to a setting and professional development activities that allow demonstration of effective teaching to clear all preliminary credentials held.

Requirements