Special Education - Preliminary Education Specialist

University of Massachusetts Global offers the California Preliminary Education Specialist teaching credentials with the English Learner and Autism authorizations in two areas of exceptionality: Mild to Moderate Support Needs (MMSN) and Extensive Support Needs (ESN). The special education program, once completed, authorizes the holder to teach in special education in K-12 (and through age 22) special education settings (MMSN and ESN). Credential courses and fieldwork experiences are aligned with the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) Special Education Teaching Performance Expectations and reflect current research and best practices in special education. Candidates utilize Common Core Standards and California state content standards to design engaging lessons and develop skills in planning and differentiating instruction, classroom management, and assessment. In addition, the program focuses on the use of technology in the classroom and the development of 21st Century Skills for all learners.

Program Learning Outcomes

PLO 1 – Supporting All Students:  Collaboratively develop Individualized Education Plan/Individualized Family Service Plans (IEP/IFSP) to meet the educational needs of individuals with disabilities.

PLO 2 – Creating Effective Environments: Create inclusive learning environments based on principles of positive behavior support that reflect the diverse perspectives of students and their families.

PLO 3 – Organize Subject Matter: Implement accommodations and evidence-based instructional strategies in the Least Restrictive Environment to address State Standards.

PLO 4 – Design Instruction and Learning Experiences: Plan and design multifaceted evidence-based instruction and learning experiences through collaboration to support positive outcomes for students.

PLO 5 - Assessing Student Learning: Use multiple assessments that appropriately meet the diverse needs of individuals with disabilities for eligibility, placement, and instruction.

PLO 6 – Developing as a Professional Educator:  Reflect on teaching practice and integrate pedagogical knowledge and skills to ensure professional behavior and growth.

Credential Program Information

Candidates entering the California Preliminary Education Specialist Credential Program who hold a valid general education credential may waive certain courses in the program. Please see an academic advisor to determine which courses can be waived. Those who do not hold such a credential must take EDUU 510 Introduction to Teaching and a minimum of 12 credits of coursework plus Supported or Directed Teaching at University of Massachusetts Global to establish residency. Candidates adding an additional authorization to their active Special Education credential are required to complete a minimum of 9 credits of their coursework including Directed teaching.  If these candidates enter into an internship, they are required to take the supported teaching and internship seminar courses until they have met all requirements to be recommended for the credential.  Candidates who hold a clear California credential, or who have already passed both cycles of the TPA are only required to take the first seminar course.  To obtain the California Preliminary Education Specialist credential, candidates must meet the following requirements and those listed under teaching credential programs.