نظرة عامة على البرنامج

Introduction to the Education Specialist Instruction Credential

The Education Specialist Instruction Credential (Special Education) is designed to prepare educators to teach and support students with disabilities in a range of classroom and service settings. This credential emphasizes inclusive, individualized, and evidence-based practices, empowering teachers to meet the needs of learners with mild to extensive support needs.

Program Overview

With this credential, educators are prepared to:

• Deliver individualized instruction and support services to students with disabilities
• Collaborate with families, general educators, and support staff to promote student success
• Develop and implement Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)
• Use assistive technology, behavioral strategies, and differentiated instruction
• Advocate for equity, inclusion, and access in all learning environments

Key Features of the Education Specialist Credential Pathway

• Authorizes teaching students with disabilities in preschool through adult education settings
• Includes clinical practice in special education settings under the guidance of a mentor teacher
• Offers specialization in the following areas:
  • Mild to Moderate Support Needs
  • Extensive Support Needs
  • Early Childhood Special Education
  • Deaf and Hard of Hearing
  • Visual Impairments

Credential Requirements

The candidate must complete all of the following requirements:

• Completion of a bachelor's degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution of higher education
• Completion of a subject matter program of coursework or its equivalent
• Completion of a Commission-approved Education Specialist Credential preparation program
• Passage of a Commission-approved Teaching Performance Assessment
• Passage of the Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA) examination or a Commission-approved literacy assessment aligned with the requirements of Education Code section 44320.3