The program prepares candidates to teach students with moderate/severe disabilities in self-contained special education and general education classrooms. The program specifically prepares candidates for the diversity of languages and cultures often encountered in California’s public school classrooms. The program prepares candidates to address the needs of students who speak English as a native language and/or as a second language in the elementary or secondary school setting. An underlying principle of the program is the belief that all children (regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, ability or economic status) are capable of learning and educators can make a difference in their lives. Emphasis is placed on the K-22 student actively engaged in his/her learning.

Careers

The Education Specialist Program prepares candidates to complete the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC) standards for the preparation of teachers of children with moderate/severe disabilities from kindergarten to grade 12.

Admission to the Education Specialist Teaching Credential Program

1. Application - Apply to both the University Admissions office and the School of Education. Applications to the School of Education are available online at: http://education.csuci.edu/credentials/appprocess.htm.
2. Basic Skills Examination - Students must pass either the California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST) or the revised California Subject Examination for Teachers (CSET) Multiple Subjects Examination plus Writing Skills, prior to admission to the Multiple Subject Teaching Credential Program. Students are urged to take either of these examinations at the earliest possible time after deciding to pursue a teaching credential.
3. Subject Matter Preparation – The CI Liberal Studies Option - Teaching and Learning best prepares students for the subject matter knowledge and skills required for the Education Specialist Teaching Credential Program. Students may also complete a state-approved subject matter program from other California colleges or universities. Students who have not completed a state-approved subject matter program must pass a California Subject Examination for Teachers (CSET) in any content area prior to admission to the Education Specialist Credential Program. The CSET examination results are valid for five years from the date of passing and must be valid upon final completion of the program Subject matter requirements are currently being revised by the CCTC. Please consult with the Credential Advisor for the latest regulations.
4. Prerequisite Courses in Education (17 units, 26-27 units with the Bilingual Authorization) - If taken at CI, the course must be completed within seven 7 years prior to beginning the program with a grade of “C” or better. If an equivalent course at another college or university has been taken, it must have been completed within seven (7) years prior to beginning the program with a grade of “C” or better.

    Units: 3
  Units: 3

  Units: 5 or
  Units: 5

  Units:  3
  Units:  3
 

For Bilingual Authorization Add:

   Units:  3
   Units:  3

And either:

  Units:  3
or
  Units:  4

5. U.S. Constitution - Knowledge of the U.S. Constitution demonstrated by completion of 2 units (semester) of a college level course or college level examination.
6. Grade Point Average - A student must have a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.67 or 2.75 in the last 60 semester units completed. If a student does not have the required GPA, conditional admission may be available on a limited basis.
7. Health Clearance - Evidence of a negative tuberculin test is required. The tuberculin test is valid for four 4 years and must be valid through student teaching. The tuberculin test may be completed at a private physician’s office, the County Health Department, or the CI Student Health Center.
8. Certificate of Clearance - Students must possess or apply for a valid Certificate of Clearance as part of admission to the Teaching Credential Program. A copy of an emergency permit satisfies the clearance requirement. The Certificate of Clearance is a background check and clearance conducted by the Department of Justice and Federal Bureau of Investigation. 
9. Official Transcripts - One official set of transcripts from each of the colleges or universities attended must be mailed directly to the CI Admissions and Records.
10. Two Letters of Recommendation - Two letters of recommendation from faculty, employers, and/or others who are knowledgeable about the student’s personal qualities and potential to work with children must be submitted with the program application.
11. Experience - At least 45 hours of documented field experience in a K-12 or special education classroom or an equivalent documented field experience must be completed.
12. Bachelor’s Degree - A bachelor’s degree or all undergraduate academic subjects must be satisfied toward a bachelor’s degree before entering a teacher education program. A bachelor’s degree is a requirement for teacher certification.
13. Interview - An interview is conducted by the School of Education Admissions Committee once all other portions of the admissions requirements are complete. Students are not eligible for financial aid as a credential student until all admissions requirements are met including the interview.
14. Writing Sample - Writing samples are required as part of the application and will be provided during the on-campus interview portion of the application process.

Note: The CCTC requires passing the Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA) for the initial issuance of an Education Specialist Credential. It is recommended that the Assessment be taken after completion of K-12 Literacy.

Certification in adult, infant and child Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) competency is required by the CCTC for initial issuance of a teaching credential.

Bilingual Authorization:  Spanish Emphasis Language Assessment. Students who wish to complete the Bilingual Authorization Emphasis in Spanish should sign up for the language assessment (CSET: Spanish III) prior to admission. The CSET: Spanish III must be passed prior to entering a bilingual Spanish student teaching placement. Please visit the website of the California Subject Examinations for Teachers (http://www.ctcexams.nesinc.com) for more information.

Program Maintenance Requirements: As a condition of remaining in the program, students must maintain a grade point average of 3.0 (B) or better, with no course grades lower than a C+.