Program of Study
This Preliminary Mild to Moderate Support Needs and Extensive Support Needs Education Specialist “Add On” Program is specially designed for teachers who have completed a basic (e.g., Multiple Subject, Single-Subject) credential and have satisfied California subject matter competence requirements (an emergency or substitute permit is not a basic credential). The Authorization to Teach English Learners is met through coursework and clinical experiences.
This credential program prepares teachers in advanced skills to instruct students in grades K through 12 and adults with identified disabilities. The program provides the option to obtain a Master of Arts in Special Education degree. See the Master of Arts in Special Education program description for admissions requirements, courses, and clinical practice that may be applied toward the master’s degree.
The Preliminary Mild to Moderate Support Needs Education Specialist Instruction Credential authorizes instruction of students with mild to moderate support needs with a primary disability of Autism Spectrum Disorder, Emotional Disturbance, Intellectual Disability, Multiple Disabilities, Orthopedic Impairment, Other Health Impairment (e.g. Attention Deficit Disorder), Specific Learning Disability, or Traumatic Brain Injury.
The Extensive Support Needs Education Specialist Credential authorizes instruction of students with extensive support needs with a primary disability of Autism Spectrum Disorder, Deaf-Blindness, Emotional Disturbance, Intellectual Disability, Multiple Disabilities, Orthopedic Impairment, Other Health Impairment (e.g. Attention Deficit Disorder), Specific Learning Disability, or Traumatic Brain Injury. All credentials authorize instruction of English learners.
Requirements for Program Admission:
- CSUSM Graduate Application and Fee
- Bachelor’s degree as evidenced by official transcripts verifying awarding of bachelor’s degree
- Verification of valid basic (Multiple or Single-Subject) credential issued by California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC)
- Two Letters of Recommendation
- Statement of Purpose
- Tuberculin Risk Assessment
- GPA of at least 2.67
- Interview and Writing Sample
Subject matter competency and individual requirements for out-of-state trained teachers may be required. Contact the College of Education, Health and Human Services (CEHHS) Student Services Office for details (760) 750-4277.
TPA and TPE Assessment
All candidates entering programs that result in the issuance of a Multiple or Single-Subject, and/or Education Specialist 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 College of Education, Health and Human Services (CEHHS) Student Services Office.
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 Induction Plan (IIP) for use in the candidate’s Clear Credential Program.
Clear Credential Requirements
All teachers holding a Preliminary Education Specialist Instruction Credential must clear the credential within five years of credential issuance by obtaining a Clear Education Specialist Instruction 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 California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC) approved clear credential program sponsor (e.g., district, university, County Office of Education induction program). See the CCTC website for currently approved clear credential sponsors.
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