Program Overview
The Learning Behavior Specialist 1 (LBS1) Endorsement is a nine-month program that prepares educators to work with students with disabilities, ranging from ages five to 21. This fully online program equips teachers with the skills to collaborate and advocate for students within the general education curriculum. The program consists of four courses (16 quarter hours) and includes 10 hours of field experience per course. Graduates are eligible for the LBSI endorsement from the Illinois State Board of Education, leading to abundant job opportunities in various settings.
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The Learning Behavior Specialist 1 (LBS1) Endorsement is a nine-month program designed to prepare licensed teachers for roles as collaborators in specialized instruction and advocates for students with disabilities. This program equips educators with the essential knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary to work with students with both high-incidence and low-incidence disabilities, ranging from ages five to 21. The program focuses on helping these students succeed within the general education curriculum.
Outline:
The program consists of four courses (16 quarter hours) focusing on Literacy and Specialized Instruction. The program structure is flexible, allowing students to enroll full-time or part-time based on their professional and personal schedules. The program is entirely online, catering to working professionals. The program includes 10 hours of field experience for each course, which can be completed in the candidates' own schools or classrooms. Candidates not currently employed in schools must make arrangements for access to a classroom for practicing new skills.
Course List:
- SER 402 INSTRUCTION AND DIFFERENTIATION IN SPECIAL EDUCATION: 4 quarter hours
- SER 409 TEACHING STUDENTS WITH SIGNIFICANT DISABILITIES: 4 quarter hours
- SER 421 FORMAL ASSESSMENT IN SPECIAL EDUCATION: 4 quarter hours
Careers:
Graduates of the program can work as special education teachers in various settings, including urban and suburban, public and private schools, private practices, and private learning centers. The program also allows students to continue their coursework in Special Education, potentially leading to an LBSI license or an LBSI license and a full master's degree in the field.
Other:
- The LBSI Endorsement is limited to the range of the program the candidate has completed to receive their Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL). For example, if a candidate has completed an elementary 1-6 program to receive the PEL, the LBS1 endorsement will only apply to the 1-6 range.
- This program is typically eligible for financial aid.
- All individuals licensed by the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) are required to complete licensure tests specific to their teaching license. LBS1 Endorsement students must complete the Learning Behavior Specialist I (test #290).
- Students with an out-of-state (OOS) teaching license must transfer their license into Illinois, which might involve additional licensure tests.
- Individuals must submit an application directly to the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) upon successful completion of the required coursework and licensure tests.
- Note that the LBS1 Licensure endorsement program does not lead to a degree.
Entry Requirements:
To be eligible for the Learning Behavior Specialist 1 (LBS1) endorsement only program, students must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and a valid Illinois Professional Educator License (PEL).
