Mar 28, 2024  
University Catalog 2021-2022 
    
University Catalog 2021-2022 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Education Specialist Credential Programs


California credential programs, approved by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC), authorize the granting of special education credentials as “basic” credentials. The approved programs at California State University, Los Angeles (Cal State LA) includes the following programs:

  • Preliminary Education Specialist Credentials
  • Clear (Induction) Education Specialist Credentials
  • Intern Credentials in Special Education
  • Added authorizations (see advisor for a complete listing of approved added authorizations offered)
  • Specialist Program combined with a Master of Arts Degree in Special Education

Standards for the English language authorization are embedded in the preliminary education specialist programs and are approved by the CTC for the following authorization:

The credential completed under these requirements will authorize the holder to provide the following services to English learners:

  • instruction for English language development; and
  • specially designed content instruction delivered in English.

All education specialist credential program options address the continuum of service delivery:

The continuum includes: general education settings; resource rooms or services; special education settings; special schools; home/hospital settings; correctional facilities; non-public, non-sectarian schools and agencies as defined in education code sections 56365 and 56366; and alternative and non-traditional instructional public school settings other than classrooms.

The following material provides general credential information. Students must also attend a group advisement session, read the advisement material of the Division of Special Education and Counseling and consult with a faculty advisor.

NOTE Candidates are responsible for examinations required for the credential by the state of California (e.g., CBEST, CSET, RICA) and should review the CTC website for current requirements or consult with an advisor for current policies.

Education Specialist Credential Program Areas

Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE):

Authorization

The Education Specialist Instruction Credential: Early Childhood Special Education authorizes the holder to conduct assessments, provide instruction, and special education-related services to children from birth through pre-kindergarten, with a primary disability of specific learning disabilities, mild/moderate intellectual disabilities, traumatic brain injury, other health impairment, autism spectrum disorders, moderate/severe intellectual disabilities, deaf-blindness, serious emotional disturbance, and multiple disabilities in services across the continuum of program options available.

Mild/Moderate Disabilities (MM):

Authorization

The Education Specialist Instruction Credential: Mild/Moderate Disabilities 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 intellectual disabilities, other health impairment, emotional disturbance, and autism spectrum disorders within the disability area, in kindergarten, grades 1 through 12, and classes organized primarily for adults in services across the continuum of program options available.

Moderate/Severe Disabilities (MS):

Authorization

The Education Specialist Instruction Credential: Moderate/Severe Disabilities authorizes the holder to conduct assessments, provide instruction, and special education-related services to individuals with a primary disability of autism, moderate/severe intellectual disabilities, deaf-blind, emotional disturbance, and multiple disabilities, in kindergarten, grades 1 through 12 to age 22, and classes organized primarily for adults in services across the continuum of program options available.

Physical and Health Impairments (PHI):

Authorization

The Education Specialist Instruction Credential: Physical and Health Impairments authorizes the holder to conduct assessments, provide instruction, and special education-related services to individuals with a primary disability of orthopedic impairment, other health impairment, multiple disabilities, traumatic brain injury, and autism spectrum disorders within the disability area, from birth through to age 22, and classes organized primarily for adults in services across the continuum of program options available.

Visual Impairments and Blindness (VI):

Authorization

The Education Specialist Instruction Credential: Visual Impairments authorizes the holder to conduct assessments, provide instruction, and special education-related services to individuals with a primary disability of visual impairment including blind, deaf-blind, and autism spectrum disorders within the disability area, from birth through age 22, and classes organized primarily for adults in services across the continuum of program options available.

The Division of Special Education and Counseling also offers:

The Clinical or Rehabilitative Services Credential: Orientation and Mobility (O&M):

This program prepares related service specialists to provide services to students who are blind, visually impaired, and deaf-blind with age-appropriate, hands-on experiences to allow them to learn how to navigate their natural travel settings: including home, school, and community to become independent travelers and assist in the development of a meaningful conceptual understanding of the environment. The Q&M services credential authorizes the holder to provide services to students from birth - 22 years and adults who have visual impairments and blindness, including individuals with additional disabilities.

Admission to Credential Programs

All students who plan to enter a program for one of the Education Specialist credentials must apply for admission to the university and the Charter College of Education Credential Program. Students in upper-division standing at Cal State LA are eligible to apply and enter the program. Credential candidates must attend a group advisement session prior to admission to the program.

Effective January 5, 2015, all applicants for re-admission will be required to complete a re-admission protocol and interview for consideration. Please see Charter College of Education, Office for Student Services website for specifics.

Students apply directly to the Orientation & Mobility program for admissions to the Clinical Rehabilitative Services Credential and MA degree program.

Admission requirements are based on Title 5, California Code of Regulations, University regulations, and Charter College of Education (CCOE) policies.

1. Requirements for conditional admission to The Education Specialist Credential Programs

  • Application to the California State University, Los Angeles (Cal State LA)
  • Minimum 2.75 GPA in the last 60 semester units or 90 quarter units
  • CCOE application for admission
  • Official transcripts
  • Strong and supportive letters of recommendation
  • A well written and meaningful philosophy of education statement
  • Verification of negative TB test taken within one year before completion of directed teaching by a personal physician or at Cal State LA Health Center.
  • Background clearance from the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) Proof of completion or attempt of Basic Skills Requirement (BSR) through one of the following:
    • Proof of attempt of all three sections of the CBEST
    • Passing scores from the California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET): Multiple Subjects Examination (subtests #101, 102, and 103) plus the Writing Skills Examination (#142).
    • Passing scores from the CSU Early Assessment Program (EAP), English and Maths, or CSU English placement (EPT) and Entry-Level Mathematics (ELM) test; or one of the followings:
      • Proof of passage of CTC approved out-of-state basic skills exam, or
      • Achieve a qualifying score on the ACT (23 Math, 22 English) or SAT (550 Math, 500 English), or
      • Scored 3 or above on approved Math and English sections of the College Board Advanced Placement Examinations, or
      • Completion of other required CTC exams and procedures as applicable.

2. Eligible applicants are initially admitted to the Charter College of Education with conditions, but in order to continue in the education specialist credential program, they must satisfy the following criteria:

  • Completion of EDSP 4001  or equivalent, (with verification of completion of 45 hours of early field experience, signed and approved by the instructor) or holding a valid California Teaching/Service credential.
  • Completion of a successful oral interview and program planning sheet for each credential objective.
  • Interview with and recommendation for admission to the teaching credential by the admission committee (if applicable).
  • Verification of writing proficiency through one of the following:
    • Successful completion of UNIV 4000  or UNIV 4010 ; or
    • Graduate students may meet this requirement with a score of 41 or higher on the writing section of the CBEST and must show their original CBEST scores to the staff in the Office for Student Services for verification; or
    • Acceptable alternative by petition.

NOTE Students in the Early Childhood Special Education program must have an undergraduate degree in Child Development or equivalent, OR at least 9 semester units of Child Development coursework and experience with children under the age of five (as determined by the faculty advisor).

Admission Requirements for Intern Credential Programs
  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
  • Admission to the Education Specialist Credential program.
  • Completion of the Basic Skills Requirement (BSR). 
  • Pass UNIV 4000   or UNIV 4010 , the Writing Proficiency Examination (WPE), a score of 41 or better on the writing section of the CBEST examination, or acceptable alternative by petition.
  • Verification of completion of POLS 1000 , equivalent course, approved US Constitution exam.
  • Employment or offer of employment by a school district with a partnership agreement with Cal State LA.
  • Interview with and recommendation for admission by Division of Special Education and Counseling intern advisor.
  • Subject matter competency as demonstrated by an approved B.A. degree program or by CTC approved examination (CSET) and successful completion of EDSP 4000 EDSP 4001 , and EDSP 4010   or valid preliminary or clear Multiple Subjects or Single Subjects Credential.

NOTE Early childhood special education (ECSE) candidates are not required to take a subject matter examination; ECSE candidates demonstrate subject matter competency through completion of a child development undergraduate major or equivalent and must complete EDSP 4000   and EDSP 4010 .

  • Application to the CTC (through the Charter College of Education Office for Student Services) for the intern credential.
Directed Teaching Information

Directed Teaching, which includes both early directed teaching and final directed teaching, is one of the most important phases of teacher education at Cal State LA. Candidates are not automatically admitted to early or final directed teaching by the completion of course work alone; they must fulfill the following criteria:

  • Admission to the Education Specialist Credential program.
  • Application for directed teaching by the posted application deadline (Wednesday of the second week of the semester preceding the assignment).
  • Attendance at scheduled Special Education Directed Teaching Orientation meeting during the semester preceding the assignment.
  • Subject matter competency as outlined by the CTC [i.e., demonstrated by an approved B.A. degree program or by CTC approved examination (e.g. CSET)].

NOTE 1 For early fieldwork completed in each credential area: EDSP 4061   (MM); EDSP 4062   (MS); EDSP 4063   (PHI); EDSP 4064   (VI); EDSP 4065   (ECSE), and EDSP 4081   (MM); EDSP 4082   (MS); EDSP 4083   (PHI); EDSP 4084   (VI); EDSP 4085   (ECSE) enrollment priority is given to students who demonstrate subject matter competency by undergraduate waiver program or exam.

NOTE 2 Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) candidates are not required to take a subject matter examination; ECSE candidates demonstrate subject matter competency through completion of a Child Development Undergraduate major or equivalent.

  • A minimum B (3.0) grade point average and grades of C or higher are required in all professional education courses.
  • Verification of completion of basic skills requirement.
  • Verification of negative TB test taken within one year before completion of directed teaching by a personal physician or at Cal State LA Health Center.

Students who meet all of the above criteria and who have completed the prerequisite course work will be approved for directed teaching.

Final Directed Teaching

In addition to the above requirements, enrollment in Final Directed Teaching in Approved Candidate Teaching Assignment, EDSP 4091   (MM); EDSP 4092   (MS); EDSP 4093  (PHI); EDSP 4094   (VI); EDSP 4095   (ECSE), requires a positive recommendation from the university supervisor from early fieldwork and approval of the credential advisor or the division chair. Candidates must also meet all residency requirements. Because of the amount of time and work required for final directed teaching, students must restrict the number of additional units in their program (maximum of 3 units) and curtail their out-of-school workload for the duration of such assignments.

Candidates who receive a grade of “RP” in Early Fieldwork, [EDSP 4061   (MM); EDSP 4062   (MS); EDSP 4063   (PHI); EDSP 4064   (VI); EDSP 4065   (ECSE); 4 units], must enroll in Final Directed Teaching, [EDSP 4071   (MM); EDSP 4072   (MS); EDSP 4073   (PHI); EDSP 4074  (VI); EDSP 4075   (ECSE); 9 units], for their final directed teaching. Candidates who receive a grade of “NC” in early or final fieldwork (including the learning center) will be required to repeat the experience. Candidates who repeat the early or final fieldwork experience and receive a second grade of “NC” will be exited from the Education Specialist Credential Program.

NOTE Passage of the Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA) is a requirement for all Education Specialist Credentials (except ECSE) and must be completed prior to application for the credential.

Eligibility for the Education Specialist Intern Credential

The Education Specialist Intern Credential is issued for a maximum of 2 years:

Option I  Candidates who have completed the requirements for a Preliminary or Professional Multiple Subject or Single Subject credential (who have met the admission requirements listed above) may apply for an Education Specialist Intern Credential.

Option II  This option is restricted to individuals who have completed the admission requirements for the intern program (described above) and have been recommended for the intern credential. Instruction in the required courses is modified to emphasize the beginning skills that are needed by new teachers and where additional support can be provided to the intern. In this option, EDSP 4000, EDSP 4001, and EDSP 4010  are prerequisites for formal admission to the program and for recommendation for the intern credential.

NOTE  All intern credential students, upon completion of admission requirements for either Options I or II should follow the recommended course sequence. Please find a sample sequence of required courses for intern candidates in the Education Specialist Credential Programs at www.calstatela.edu/spedcredseq. The course sequence outlines how the Preliminary Education Specialist Credential can be completed in two years. Interns must enroll in EDSP 4950 every semester they are enrolled in the Intern Program except those semesters in which they enroll in the early or final fieldwork practicum.

Preliminary Education Specialist Credentials


Each credential area has core and specialization requirements (including fieldwork) designed specifically for the area. For individuals already possessing a valid California teaching credential, please see individual advisors for program requirements.

Prerequisite courses may be taken as part of the program if approved by the program coordinator:

Early Childhood Special Education (45 units)


Additional admission/prerequisite requirements:

B.A. degree in Child Development or related field, OR
At least 9 semester units of Child Development coursework.

Experience with young children under five years of age as determined by an academic advisor. Prerequisite courses may be taken as part of the program if approved by the program coordinator. Criteria for approval are based on evaluation of previous coursework and professional experience in Early Childhood programs.

Mild/Moderate Disabilities (42 units)


Moderate/Severe Disabilities (44 units)


Physical and Health Impairments (46 units)


Visual Impairments (46 units)


Clear (Induction) Education Specialist Credentials (12 units)


The induction program provides a two-year, individualized, job-embedded system of mentoring, support, and professional learning that leads to recommendation for a Clear Credential for those currently holding a preliminary education specialist credential. 

The induction program consists of 9 units of EDSP 5096  across three semesters, and 3 units of EDSP 5097  in the final semester. Completion of the induction program qualifies candidate for recommendation to the California Commission of Teacher Credentialing for a Clear Credential.

Education Specialist Intern Credential


Upon completion of admission requirements, students should follow the recommended course sequence. Interns must enroll in EDSP 4950   every semester they are enrolled in the Intern Program except those semesters in which they enroll in the early or final fieldwork practicum.

Integrated Major Option (35-36 units)


For students in these specific majors: Chicano/Latino Studies, Child Development, Liberal Studies, Urban Learning.

Completion of this option qualifies students to be eligible for an intern credential with verification of employment from a cooperating school district. For a Preliminary Education Specialist Credential, students must complete additional credential course work in their area of specialization (i.e., mild/moderate disabilities, moderate/severe disabilities, physical and health impairments or visual impairments).

  • Students must consult a program advisor for specific program requirements.
  • A minimum GPA of 2.67 overall is required for enrollment in EDSP 4001 .
  • Students must apply for admission to the Charter College of Education the semester before enrolling in EDSP 4001.
  • Before being formally admitted to the credential program, students must meet the Basic Skills Requirement, hold a Certificate of Clearance, and have credit for the WPE.
  • Students should see a major advisor regarding the completion of the degree and other credential requirements.

The Clinical or Rehabilitative Services Credential: Orientation & Mobility (32 units)


This service credential program is a Professional Clear Credential and does not utilize the core requirements of the Education Specialist teaching credentials. The basic skills requirement must be met (e.g., CBEST), but the subject matter (e.g. CSET EXAM) and RICA are not required.

Core Requirements (3 units)


Specialization Requirements (29 units)