Curriculum
The Special Education Program at Cal Lutheran is a California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC)-approved educator preparation program for the Preliminary Education Specialist Credential in Mild to Moderate Support Needs (MMSN) and Extensive Support Needs (ESN). Candidates in the program will be prepared to work with and teach students who have mild to moderate support needs and/or extensive support needs in one or more of the following disabilities:
- MMSN: autism, emotional disturbance, intellectual disability, multiple disabilities, orthopedic impairment, other health impairment, specific learning disability, and traumatic brain injury
- ESN: autism, deafblind, emotional disturbance, intellectual disability, multiple disabilities, orthopedic impairment, other health impairment, specific learning disability, and traumatic brain injury
There are specialized tracks in Mild to Moderate Support Needs and Extensive Support Needs for you to study. The following courses are required to successfully complete the 39–credit curriculum:
Foundations Courses
- EDLT 500 Foundations of Teaching (3 credits)
- EDLT 501 Teaching and Learning (3 credits)
- EDLT 502 Teaching English Learners (3 credits)
- EDLT 503 Child Development and Inclusive Environments (3 credits)
Candidates demonstrating fulfillment of specific credential requirements, including subject matter, and completion of the Foundation courses are eligible to enroll in the following courses:
Methods Courses
- EDSP 515 Educating Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (3 credits)
- EDSP 519 Assessment, Instruction and Development of the IEP (3 credits)
- EDSP 521 Literacy and Language in Diverse Classrooms (3 credits)
- EDSP 534a Introduction to Clinical Practice in Mild to Moderate Support Needs (3 credits)
Clinical Practice
- EDSP 523 Planning and Instruction for Content Standards (3 credits)
- EDSP 525 Positive Behavior Supports and Collaboration (3 credits)
- EDSP 532 Supporting Students with Mild to Moderate Support Needs (3 credits)
- EDSP 534b Final Clinical Practice in Mild to Moderate Support Needs (6 credits)
Candidates demonstrating fulfillment of specific credential requirements, including subject matter, and completion of the Foundation courses are eligible to enroll in the following courses:
Methods Courses
- EDSP 515 Educating Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (3 credits)
- EDSP 519 Assessment, Instruction and Development of the IEP (3 credits)
- EDSP 521 Literacy and Language in Diverse Classrooms (3 credits)
- EDSP 542a Introduction to Clinical Practice in Extensive Support Needs (3 credits)
Clinical Practice
- EDSP 523 Planning and Instruction for Content Standards (3 credits)
- EDSP 525 Positive Behavior Supports and Collaboration (3 credits)
- EDSP 537 Supporting Students with Extensive Support Needs (3 credits)
- EDSP 542b Final Clinical Practice in Extensive Support Needs (6 credits)
M.S. in Special Education degree option
After obtaining your credential through this program, you can complete a Master of Science (M.S.) in Special Education degree for only 3 additional classes, which helps with salary growth (close to 50% of all California public school teachers hold a master's degree).
Master's Courses:
- EDGN 509 Situating Yourself As Scholar
- EDGN 510 Collaboratories of Practice
- EDGN 599 Education Improvement Plan
Seeking an Additional Credential in Education Specialist
Candidates who hold a valid California teaching credential can obtain an additional credential: Education Specialist in Mild to Moderate Support Needs (MMSN) or Extensive Support Needs (ESN).