Special Education — Preliminary Education Specialist (Level I)

Chapman University College offers special education teaching credentials (Education Specialist) in two disability areas (Mild/Moderate and Moderate/Severe). A candidate may enroll in either a special education-only credential program or a "combined" special education and general education credential program. The special education-only program once completed authorizes the holder to teach in special education only. The combined credential program once completed authorizes the credential holder to teach in both special education and general education.

Applicants who choose to enroll in these credential programs have the option of completing the program in a "credential only" format or in a Master of Arts in Teaching/Special Education format (please see MAT Degree Programs for details).

Please note: The California Commission on Teacher Credentialing stipulates that all candidates who complete any Preliminary Special Education Credential (Level I) MUST also meet the Level II Professional Credential requirements within five years of obtaining their first special education teaching position following the completion of the Preliminary Special Education Credential (Level I). (Complete information on the Level II Professional Credential follows this Level I Preliminary Credential information section).

Program Requirements

Candidates entering the Level I Preliminary Education Specialist Credential Program and who do not have a general education credential are required to take EDUU 510 and a minimum of 12 credits of coursework plus Directed Teaching at Chapman University College. To obtain the Education Specialist credential, candidates must meet the following requirements:

1. Pass the CBEST. Candidates who, for admission purposes, have taken and passed the Multiple Subject CSET examination after July 1, 2007, will not have to pass the CBEST.
2. Complete the requirements for EDUU 395 Education Field Experience or a Waiver. Candidates who have either taken EDUU 395 or had it waived for a general education credential, must complete an additional 20 hours of Field experience in special education settings.
3. Demonstrate subject matter competency by completing the subject matter requirements for either the Multiple Subject or Single Subject program, depending on which combined program the student has chosen. For Special Education only programs the candidate may choose to meet either the Single Subject or Multiple Subject requirements. If the candidate already holds a California teaching credential no additional subject matter requirement is necessary unless stipulated by the CCTC.
4. Pass the RICA Examination prior to applying for the credential. Candidates who hold a valid California Multiple or Single Subject Credential are exempted from this requirement.
5. Participate in intake and exit interviews.
6. BCLAD Authorization: The BCLAD is an optional authorization for individuals who are proficient in a foreign language. The BCLAD authorizes teachers for all classroom settings in which there are English learners including alternative bilingual education classrooms. Candidates for this certificate must pass an authorized Language Proficiency Examination.

Candidates entering a combined credential program are responsible for ALL program requirements outlined within that specific general education program.

Option #1:Multiple Subject and Education Specialist Preliminary Credential (Level I) (Mild/Moderate and/or Moderate/Severe)

Candidates who wish to file for either the Multiple Subject or Education Specialist credential without first completing the entire program must do the following:

• Complete all coursework for the specified credential;
• If filing for the Multiple Subject credential, complete nine (9) credits of Multiple Subject student teaching rather six (6);

*If filing for the Education Specialist credential it is only necessary to complete six (6) credits of special education student teaching.

Option #2: Single Subject and Education Specialist Preliminary Credential (Level I) (Mild/Moderate and/or Moderate/Severe)

Candidates who wish to file for either the Single Subject or Education Specialist credential without first completing the entire program must do the following:

• Complete all coursework for the specified credential;
• If filing for the Multiple Subject credential, complete nine (9) credits of Multiple Subject student teaching rather than six (6);

*If filing for the Education Specialist credential it is only necessary to complete six (6) credtis of special education student teaching.

Option #3: Preliminary Education Specialist Credential (Level I) only with CLAD Certificate (Mild/Moderate and/or Moderate/Severe)

Students earning both a Mild/Moderate and a Moderate/Severe credential must take both emphasis courses and must student teach in both settings.

Recommended Program Sequence

Candidates may take only EDUU 395 and EDUU 510 and either EDUC 570 or EDUU 511 (if required) prior to passing the CBEST. If the candidate passes these courses with a grade of "B-" or higher, the remaining general education and special education courses may be completed.

Student Teaching - Special Education

Application for Supported or Directed Teaching must be filed with the fieldwork coordinator at the beginning of the session prior to the session in which a candidate plans to student teach (or by the deadline established by the campus of residence). The subject matter competency requirement must be met prior to enrolling in Student Teaching.

Student Teaching for the Education Specialist credential consists of 6 credits of student teaching in a special education setting for each credential emphasis (mild/moderate, moderate/severe). Candidates in a combined program must complete 6 credits of full day student teaching in a special education setting and a second 6 credits of full day student teaching in the appropriate subject matter (Multiple or Single Subject) area. These assignments must meet the multicultural criteria established by the CCTC. Directed teaching placements in Special Education classrooms are not acceptable for Multiple or Single Subject only credentials.

Directed Teaching placement should be completed in public schools. The Fieldwork Coordinator at each campus will make the Directed Teaching placements. The student never makes placement, although his/her requests will be considered. University personnel will supervise all student teachers.

Exit Interview

After the successful completion of Directed Teaching requirements, each candidate is interviewed by the program committee of educators to determine that the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC) competencies have been satisfactorily met. Upon satisfactory completion of the Exit Interview, the candidate may make application to the CCTC for his/her earned credential through the University's Credentials Office.