Preliminary Education Specialist Credential Program (Post-Baccalaureate Option)

IMPORTANT NOTE: The State of California has adopted new standards and developed a new structure for the Education Specialist Credential Program. This new program will go into effect at CSU Long Beach beginning Fall 2010 (candidates who apply between January 1-March 1, 2010). The information listed on this sheet reflects the new program requirements.

Authorization in mild/moderate and/or moderate/severe disabilities. Preliminary courses prepare individuals to perform the duties required of entry-level special education teaching positions. Candidates in the Education Specialist Credential program will first earn a Preliminary Credential.

Candidates must meet the following eligibility criteria to be eligible for the Education Specialist Program:

1) Demonstration of Subject Matter Competence through passage of the CSET: Multiple Subjects (Scores valid for five years from date of test passage and must be valid at the time credential is completed)

2) G.P.A. of at least 2.75 for the last 60 semester or 90 quarter units or 2.67 overall G.P.A.

3) All parts of CBEST attempted (passage of CBEST is preferred)

4) Completion of a field experience of 45 hours in a K- 12 general education setting

5) Verification of Fingerprint Clearance

6) Verification of TB Clearance

7) Two letters of recommendation, dated and signed within last 2 years; on official letterhead

8) Personal essay

9) Photocopies of all transcripts

10) Enrollment in or successful completion of program prerequisites

11) Successful completion of faculty interview

12) Submission of a complete program application packet prior to the current deadline

Click here FOR PROGRAM APPLICATION MATERIALS .

Program application periods are separate from University application periods.

CSULB Application Periods

• CSULB is currently accepting applications for Fall 2010. The University deadline is June 1, 2010. Instructions for Applying to CSU Long Beach
• Students who are not enrolled at CSULB may attempt to take program prerequisite courses in Spring 2010 through Open University, on a space-available basis.

Program Application Periods (Program prerequisite courses must be in progress or successfully completed in order to submit your program application.)

Click here for Program Application materials.

• January 2 - March 1 to begin core courses in the Summer/Fall Semesters
• July 1 - August 1 to begin core courses in the Fall Semester
• August 1 - October 1 to begin core courses in the Spring Semester.

Complete application packets must be submitted to the Teacher Preparation Advising Center in ED1-67, prior to the application deadline. Candidates who pass the paper screening will be invited to an interview with program faculty. Admission decisions are based on a thorough review of the application materials and the interview with program faculty.

PREREQUISITE COURSES (13 units) Must be completed or in progress before enrolling in Core Courses:

ED P 301 or 302 Child Development or Adolescent Development (3 units)

EDSP 350 Education of Exceptional Individuals (3 units)

ED P 405 Positive Strategies for Classroom Management (3)

EDSP 454 Development of Communication Skills in Bilingual Contexts (3 units)

ETEC 110 Introduction to Computers as Tools (1 unit) or Passage of CSET Preliminary Ed Tech Examination

CORE COURSES (21 units) Students must be admitted to the Credential Program in order to take these courses:

EDSP 480 Foundations of Inclusive Education in a Diverse Society (3)

EDEL 452 Teaching Reading, K-8 (3) or * EDSE 457 Reading/Writing in Secondary Schools (3)

EDEL 462 Teaching Math in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Classrooms (3)

EDSP 534 Collaboration and Transition in Special Education (3)

ED P 560 Behavior Analysis and Interventions (3)

EDSP 564 Assessment and Evaluation of Students with Disabilities (3)

EDSP 577 Instructional Methods and Strategies for Individuals with Mild/Moderate Disabilities (3)

- OR -

EDSP 578 Instructional Methods and Strategies for Individuals with Moderate/Severe Disabilities (3)

* This course does not prepare candidates for the RICA exam. Passage of RICA is a requirement for the Preliminary Credential.

NOTE: State law requires that students maintain a 3.0 GPA in Core Courses with no grade lower than a "C." A grade of "D" or "F" will result in disqualification from the Credential Program.

FINAL FIELD STUDY (12 units) Students must meet state and program conditions for advancement to field study:

EDSP 587 A & B Advanced Field Study and Seminar for Mild/Moderate (6 & 6)

-OR-

EDSP 588 A & B Advanced Field Study and Seminar for Moderate/Severe (6 & 6)

A & B may be taken concurrently under certain conditions with advisor approval.

Students pursuing dual M/M/S authorization must complete an additional 6 units of field studies and 3 units of EDSP 577 or 578.

Requirements for Advancement to Final Field Study:

• Valid Fingerprint Clearance
• Pass all parts CBEST & CSET by student teaching deadline
• Up-to-date and approved Advisement Plan Form
• Attend Fieldwork Information Meeting and Submit Fieldwork application by appropriate deadline

OTHER STATE REQUIREMENTS FOR PRELIMINARY CREDENTIAL:

• Pass RICA (Reading Instruction Competency Assessment)
• Meet U.S. Constitution Requirement
• Apply for Preliminary Credential. Students may also apply for the Master of Science in Special Education degree program. See the Graduate Office in ED1-7 for deadlines and information.
• Complete an Induction Transition Plan

Preliminary Education Specialist Intern Program (ESIP)

Last update: 2/16/10