Preliminary Special Education Teaching, Credential

There continues to be a shortage of highly qualified teachers prepared to serve students with disabilities throughout the state of California and nationwide. When teachers participate in a relevant and thoughtful course of study with well-respected faculty members and field practitioners, it increases the likelihood that they will remain teaching in the field.

At CSUMB, you will be well prepared to meet the instructional and social needs of students with disabilities. Small class size and individual attention characterize the program. The Special Education Program at CSUMB offers the Preliminary Education Specialist Credentials in Mild to Moderate and Extensive Support Needs as stand-alone credential programs, or along with a Master of Arts in Education, emphasis in Special Education.

Required Courses

Students seeking a Preliminary Special Education Teaching Credential must complete all of the following coursework:

ED 510 - Providing Behavior Supports in the Classroom Units: 3
ED 600 - Field Supervision Units: 3
ED 609 - Math Methods Units: 3 *
ED 617 - Lang/Literacy Curriculum II Units: 3
SPED 560 - Inclusionary Practices Units: 3 *
SPED 561 - Teaching Reading and Language to Students with Disabilities Units: 3
SPED 562 - Curr Dvlpmt/Pref Practices Units: 3
SPED 566 - Behavior Intervention and Support Units: 3
SPED 567 - Initial Semester Seminar Units: 1-5
SPED 568 - Meth Cul/Ling Div Students with Disabilities Units: 3
SPED 571 - Teaching Social-Communicative Skills to Students with Disabilities Units: 3
SPED 577 - Final Semester Seminar Units: 1-5
SPED 585 - Transition and Career Development for Students with Disabilities - Kindergarten to Adult Units: 3
Students in the Intern Program must also complete the following course:
SPED 550 - Foundations/Practices for EdSp Units: 3
* Courses not required for individuals who hold a Clear Multiple or Single Subjects Credential

**This course must be taken a minimum of two times, however, this course is not required for any student who completes the program within 12 months. [this amendment to the catalog was published 9/24/20247]
To be eligible for the Preliminary Special Education Teaching Credential, students must select one of the two following options below (Mild to Moderate, or, Extensive Support Needs) and complete the associated coursework.

Mild to Moderate Required Courses

Students pursuing a Mild to Moderate Preliminary Special Education Teaching Credential must complete all of the following courses:

SPED 564 - Formal and Informal Assessment for Students with Mild to Moderate Disabilities Units: 3
SPED 567A - Initial Semester Practicum: Mild Moderate Support Needs Units: 5-10
SPED 577A - Final Semester Practicum: Mild Moderate Support Needs Units: 8-12

Extensive Support Needs Required Courses

Students pursuing an Extensive Support Needs Preliminary Special Education Teaching Credential must complete all of the following courses:

SPED 574 - Teaching and Assessing Students with Extensive Support Needs Units: 3
SPED 567B - Initial Semester Practicum: Extensive Support Needs Units: 5-10
SPED 577B - Final Semester Practicum: Extensive Support Needs Units: 8-12

Learning Outcomes

TPE 1: Engaging and Supporting All Students in Learning - Universal, Mild Moderate Support Needs and Extensive Support Needs

TPE 2: Creating and Maintaining Effective Environments for Student Learning - Universal, Mild Moderate Support Needs and Extensive Support Needs

TPE 3: Understanding and Organizing Subject Matter for Student Learning - Universal, Mild Moderate Support Needs and Extensive Support Needs

TPE 4: Planning Instruction and Designing Learning Experiences for All Students Learning - Universal, Mild Moderate Support Needs and Extensive Support Needs

TPE 5: Assessing Student Learning - Universal, Mild Moderate Support Needs and Extensive Support Needs

TPE 6: Developing as a Professional Educator - Universal, Mild Moderate Support Needs and Extensive Support Needs