Extensive Support Needs Credential: Special Education
The Education Specialist Preliminary Credential program in Extensive Support Needs (ESN) prepares K-12 teachers using research-based curricula and pedagogy to provide quality educational services to students with extensive support needs from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. The program has as its foundation the assumption that educational services for students with disabilities should be implemented in the least restrictive environment; and the goal of those services is to teach skills and arrange educational and social settings to increase the students’ ability to participate fully in school, home, and community environments.
Credential candidates in this program must demonstrate their competence in providing quality educational services to students with extensive support needs including access to standards-based academic curricula and the use of systematic, data-based approaches to instruction and models of curricular adaptation and social supports. Competencies in supporting students in inclusive settings, interacting effectively with families, and in developing educational goals using a transdisciplinary team approach are also essential components of the teacher preparation program. In addition, a three-semester sequence of clinical fieldwork and student teaching (600 total hours) ensures that teacher candidates are able to apply the knowledge and skills acquired through course content and assignments to the instruction of students with extensive support needs in urban school settings.
Admissions
Admission and credential requirements include the following:
- A baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university. (Required for admission)
- Satisfy Subject Matter Competency Requirement: Successful passage of the CSET Multiple Subjects Test or by completing a subject matter program prior to admission. May be satisfied by completing the subject matter requirements outlined for the Multiple Subject or Single Subject Credentials. Required for all education specialist areas except Early Childhood Special Education. (Required for admission)
- Demonstrate knowledge of the principles of the United States Constitution, prior to award of credential. Applicants may satisfy the U.S. Constitution requirement either by coursework or examination.
- Satisfy Basic Skills Requirement: successful passage of the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST), CSET Multiple Subjects Test plus CSET Writing Skills Test, OR an approved out-of-state basic skills exam. Refer to the department application for additional ways of satisfying the Basic Skills Requirement using the ELM/EPT, SAT, and/or ACT scores. (Required for admission)
- Complete Certificate of Clearance: Fingerprint Clearance via LiveScan and Commission on Teacher Credentialing online application process. (Required for admission)
- Pass the Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA) examination, prior to award of credential. RICA is required for all education specialist areas, except Early Childhood Special Education.
- Apply for student teaching, with annual deadlines of February 28 for fall enrollment and September 28 for spring enrollment.
- Complete an approved program of professional preparation. Submit a Credential Approved Program (CAP) prior to student teaching reflecting all coursework completed or to be completed and non-curricular requirements (submitted with the application for student teaching).
- Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR): must cover infant, child and adult CPR; an online course is not acceptable.
Extensive Support Needs Credential: Special Education - 52 units
Core (21 units)
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| E ED 784 | Curriculum and Instruction in Mathematics (CLAD Emphasis) | 3 |
| SPED 747 | Physical Disabilities and Sensory Impairments | 3 |
| SPED 763 | Transition Planning for Students with Disabilities | 3 |
| SPED 788 | Law, Ethics, and Instructional Planning | 3 |
| Select One: | 3 | |
| Nature of the Autism Spectrum | ||
| Communication, Behavior and Instructional Supports: Autism | ||
| SPED 801 | Development, Diversity, and English Language Learners: Special Education | 3 |
| Health Education Requirement 1 | 3 | |
Methods Courses (19 units)
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| SPED 601 | Observation and Participation in Special Education | 1 |
| SPED 701 | Education Specialist Intern Teacher Support Seminar | 3 |
| SPED 745 | Environmental Design for Students with Extensive Support Needs | 3 |
| SPED 773 | Methods of Assessment and Instruction for Students with Extensive Support Needs | 3 |
| SPED 787 | Advanced Assessment and Instruction for Students with Extensive Support Needs | 3 |
| SPED 789 | Advanced Environmental Design for Students with Extensive Support Needs | 3 |
| SPED 821 | Advanced Fieldwork with Students with Extensive Support Needs | 3 |
Student Teaching (12 units)
| Code | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| SPED 723 | Workshop: Student Teaching Support Sessions for Extensive Support Needs or Visual Impairments | 3 |
| SPED 730 | Student Teaching: Special Education | 9 |
- 1
A list of CTC approved health education courses is available on the department website: https://sped.sfsu.edu/content/forms-0