Education Specialist Moderate/Severe - Preliminary Credential

The Department of Literacy, Early, Bilingual, and Special Education  

TEACHING Special Education Requirements

Preliminary Level I Education Specialist Credential

Options:

• Mild/Moderate Disabilities
• Moderate/Severe Disabilities

Cheryl McDonald, Coordinator
Education Building, Room 359
559.278.0412

Program Description. The Education Specialist Credential authorizes the holder to teach students with mild/moderate or moderate/severe disabilities (K-age 22) in public or private school programs, clinics, special schools, resource classrooms, educational programs, residential facilities, hospitals, and other agencies serving persons with special needs. This credential program prepares the teacher candidates through required coursework and fieldwork.

The Preliminary Level I Education Specialist Credential has two areas of specialization: Mild/Moderate and Moderate/Severe Disabilities. These areas of professional emphasis distinguish the student population with which the candidate seeks to pursue a special education career.

1. Mild/Moderate Disabilities. This credential authorizes the provision of services to individuals with mild to moderate disabilities, in grades K through 12 (including adults to age 22). Students have high incident disabilities (e.g. eligibility categories of autism, learning disability, emotional/behavioral disorders, language delays). Students are typically on diploma track and will be served in general education (inclusive settings). Services may use the titles of resource specialist or teachers in a special day class. Students may have variable academic performance, attending (distractible) behaviors, and/or social behavioral needs.
2. Moderate/Severe Disabilities. This credential authorizes the provision of services to individuals with moderate to severe disabilities in grades K through 12 (including adults to age 22). Students have lower incidence disabilities (e.g. eligibility categories of autism, learning disability, emotional/behavioral disorders, language delays). Students are served in a range of settings, such as center-based sites, special day classes, and some inclusive and/or integrated settings. Students may have academic, functional, communication, and vocational learning needs.
3. Dual Certification Program. This program leads to the Multiple Subjects Credential and the Preliminary Level I Education Specialist Credential in Mild/Moderate or Moderate/Severe Disabilities. It is designed to prepare preservice multiple subjects and special education teachers to work cooperatively in serving the needs of an increasingly diverse student population. Special advising is required.

Requirements for Initial Admission. Applicants who already possess a Multiple Subject or Single Subject Credential will find the application process to be somewhat streamlined. Holders of one of these Basic Teaching Credentials may be exempted from some of the Admission Requirements below. Please see an adviser for further clarification.

Admission Requirements.

1. Attend an Education Specialist Credential Program orientation meeting.
2. Provide evidence of successful completion of an appropriate pre-program field experience (48 hours) or EHD 50 - Introduction to Teaching .
3. Complete an application to the credential program. Required application materials and forms are available online at https://kremen.fresnostate.edu/teaching-credential/credapp.html. All admission requirements (forms, documents, prerequisites) must be completed prior to enrollment in professional program courses.
4. Provide evidence of having taken all three sections of the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST) with passing scores. Verification of a minimum score of 41 is required when passing only the reading and writing sections.
5. Provide evidence of having taken and passed all three sections of the California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET) Multiple Subjects. (Exception for Blended students)
6. Verify application for admission to California State University, Fresno with a Receipt of Application or admission with a current enrollment transcript.
7. Provide verification of a cumulative GPA of 2.67 or 2.75 on the last 60 units.
8. Complete an Admission Interview Form and obtain an interview from a education specialist credential faculty member.
9. Provide the signed Education Specialist Credential Program Advising Form obtained at orientation.
10. Obtain a medical clearance at the University Health Center or from a private physician.
11. Obtain two Letters of Recommendation written by instructors, supervisors, or other individuals in a position to recommend for admission into a teacher education program.
12. Obtain appropriate clearance to teach in a public school by presenting a valid California Teaching Credential or applying for a Character and Identification Clearance.