Candidates typically complete their M.S. and Education Specialist Mild Moderate Credential Program coursework and student teaching experiences within four quarters of full-time enrollment.
The study plan listed below shows one possible schedule, where full-time enrollment can lead to the completion of the credential program within four quarters.
All candidates must maintain a 3.0 overall GPA in professional Education classes throughout the program. (See Podcast FAQ's for discussion of 3.0 GPA requirement)
The dates shown below reflect the Cal Poly Academic Calendar for the '22-23 academic year.
Summer Quarter
| EDUC 471 |
Issues and Trends in Special Education (3 units) |
| EDUC 451 |
Early Fieldwork Seminar in Special Education (3 units) |
Fall Quarter
| EDUC 442 |
Elementary/Secondary Field Experience in General and Special Education (2 units) |
| EDUC 546 |
Reading and Language Arts Instruction in Special Ed (5 units) |
|
EDUC 586
|
Introduction to Inquiry in Education (4 units) |
| SPED 587 |
Educational Foundations and Current Issues (4 units) |
| SPED 588 |
Education, Culture, and Learning (4 units) |
Winter Quarter
|
EDUC 550
|
Assessment Strategies for Special Ed (5 units)
|
|
SPED
545
|
Characteristics and Instruction of Pupils with Mild/Moderate Disabilities (5 units)
|
|
SPED 547
|
Science and Social Studies Methods for Students with Disabilities (4 units)
|
|
EDUC 447
|
Elementary/Secondary Field Experience in General and Special Education (4 units)
|
|
EDUC 532
|
Advanced Field Experiences in Education (3 units)
|
Spring Quarter
| EDUC 449 |
Special Education Student Teaching (8 units) |
| EDUC 554 |
Behavior Disorders and Positive Behavior Support Strategies (5 units) |
| EDUC 552 |
Support and Transition Strategies in Special Education (5 units) |
| EDUC 532 |
Advanced Field Experiences in Education (3 units) |
| EDUC 571 |
Consultation and Collaboration (3 units) |
M.A. and Education Specialist Mild Moderate Courses:
Clinical Practice Coursework:
EDUC 442. Elementary Field Experience in General and/or Special Education.1-4 units
Public school classroom experiences in general education and/or special education classrooms at the elementary level. Teaching individuals and small groups. Total credit limited to 4 units. Credit/No Credit grading only.
EDUC 447. Secondary Field Experience in General and/or Special Education.1-4 units
Public school classroom experiences in general education classrooms and/or special education classrooms at the secondary level. Teaching individuals and small groups. Total credit limited to 4 units. Credit/No Credit grading only.
EDUC 449. Special Education Student Teaching.8 units
Participation in public schools as a student teacher in activities representing different roles of special education teachers. Assumption of a teacher's responsibility for individual and small groups. Minimum 4 days per week. Credit/No Credit grading only.
Methods and Masters Classes:
EDUC 451 Special Education Student Teaching Seminar (4) (CR/NC)
Educational issues and research, development and assessment of teaching portfolio, completion of materials for a job search, and beginning the first year as a special educator. 3 seminars, 1 activity. Prerequisite: Acceptance into Level I Special Education Credential Program; completion of program requirements for the Level I Special Education Program. Concurrent: EDUC 449.
EDUC 532. Advanced Field Experiences in Education.2-6 units
Advanced field experience and practical application of master's degree emphasis for general and special education teachers, school administrators and school support personnel. Total credit limited to 12 units for specialist credentials. Total credit limited to 6 units for the master's degree. Credit/No Credit grading only.
EDUC 546. Reading and Language Arts Instruction in Special Education.5 units
Overview of principles of reading instruction, elements of the language arts program including literature-based reading, content area reading, and the role of phonics, emergent literacy, and diagnosis of reading problems for special education teachers. 3 seminars, 2 activities.
EDUC 545 Characteristics and Instruction of Pupils with Mild/Moderate Disabilities (5)
Advanced studies and skills in educational consultation. Emphasis on the collaborative and consultative role of the special educator with a wide range of individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds including school personnel, parents, outside agencies, and paraprofessionals. 3 seminars, 2 activities. Prerequisite: Admission into the Level I Special Education Credential Program and master's degree program in education.
EDUC 550. Assessment Strategies for Special Education.5 units
Using norm referenced, criterion referenced, and curriculum based testing for assessing academic, behavioral, and physical status of individuals with exceptional needs, including English language learners, for referral purposes. Instructional and evaluation decisions regarding exceptional students in school settings. 3 seminars, 2 activities.
EDUC 552. Support and Transition Strategies in Special Education.5 units
Basic guidance techniques for teachers working with exceptional individuals and their families. Career selection, preparation, and counseling. Transition from school to work, and community resource utilization. 3 seminars, 2 activities.
EDUC 554. Behavior Disorders and Positive Behavior Support Strategies.5 units
Assessment of students whose behavior impedes either their own learning or the learning of other students. Strategies for facilitating proactive educational, environmental and social-emotional techniques for supporting students with challenging behavior. 3 seminars, 2 activities.
EDUC 586. Introduction to Inquiry in Education.4 units
Explanation of social construction of knowledge, and the philosophical basis of quantitative and qualitative research. Introduction to professional literature search techniques and to professional organizations as a basis for educational inquiry. The Class Schedule will list topic selected. Total credit limited to 12 units. 3 seminars, 1 activity.
SPED 545. Mathematics Methods for Students with Disabilities.4 units
Principles of mathematics instruction for students with disabilities. Implementation of field-based instruction, teaching, and assessing practices in mathematics for K-12 students with mild/moderate disabilities. 3 seminars, 1 activity.
SPED 547. Science and Social Studies Methods for Students with Disabilities.4 units
Principles of science and social studies instruction for students with disabilities. Implementation of field-based instruction, teaching, and assessing practices in science and social studies for K-12 students with mild/moderate disabilities. 3 seminars, 1 activity.
SPED 587. Instructional Methods for Learners with Autism.4 units
Focuses on the specific instructional approaches that are most effective for learners with autism. Meets the core competencies required for the Autism Authorization through the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. 3 lectures, 1 activity.
SPED 588. Developing Compliant Individualized Education Plans.4 units
The development and implementation of California compliant Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) for students with disabilities, including legal requirements, communication, and collaboration with all stakeholders, and IEP meeting facilitation and problem-solving. 3 lectures, 1 activity.
