Program Overview

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