Program Overview

Introduction to the Special Education Generalist License Program

The Special Education Generalist License program at the University of Colorado Denver is designed to prepare students to become highly effective, innovative, and compassionate teachers skilled in improving student performance and meeting the needs of today's diverse learners in a variety of settings. This program is offered in partnership with Trinidad State College, allowing students to complete the first half of their program at Trinidad State and earn an Associate of Arts degree before transferring to the University of Colorado Denver to complete their bachelor's degree and Special Education license.

Program Delivery

The program is delivered on-campus in Trinidad or Alamosa, Colorado, with a variety of delivery options for many courses, including hybrid, evening, weekend, and online courses. This flexible delivery allows students to balance their academic pursuits with other responsibilities.

Declaring the Major

To declare the Special Education Generalist License major, students should follow the standard procedures outlined by the University of Colorado Denver. This typically involves consulting with an academic advisor to ensure all requirements are met and to plan the most effective course of study.

General Requirements

To earn a degree in the Special Education Generalist License program, students must satisfy all requirements in three areas:

• CU Denver Graduation Requirements
• CU Denver Undergraduate Core Curriculum
• School of Education & Human Development Graduation Requirements Additionally, students must adhere to the academic policies of the University of Colorado Denver.

Program Requirements

The program requires students to complete a minimum of 126 semester hours. Key requirements include:

1. Passing the appropriate Praxis Exam prior to beginning the final semester of the Professional Year.
2. Applying for admission into the Professional Year Residency, which requires a 3.0 GPA, positive letters of recommendation, successful evaluations of earlier clinical experiences, and a successful interview.
3. Maintaining a minimum GPA of 2.0 (grade of C or better) for all courses applying to EDHD Special Education requirements, unless otherwise specified.
4. Completing and maintaining a 3.0 minimum grade point average in Professional Year coursework to complete licensure requirements.
5. Ensuring transfer courses are approved by faculty and/or advisor to apply to the major.

Course Requirements

Students will receive transfer credit for specified major requirements. The course list includes:

• Community-Based Field Experience & Seminar
• Child Ecology
• Equality, Rights & Education
• Digital Teaching and Learning
• Understanding (dis)Ability in Contemporary Classrooms And other courses as outlined in the program's curriculum.

Professional Year Courses

During the Professional Year, students must take a series of courses that include:

• Elementary Literacy Instruction and Assessment Part 1
• Elementary Mathematics Teaching I
• Planning for Learning
• Intentional Interventions for Exceptional Learners
• Transition and Secondary Methods in Special Education
• Assessment: Inquiry, Instruction, & Intervention
• Internship & Learning Community courses

These courses are designed to provide students with the practical skills and theoretical knowledge necessary to excel in special education teaching roles.

Conclusion

The Special Education Generalist License program at the University of Colorado Denver, in partnership with Trinidad State College, offers a comprehensive and flexible pathway for individuals seeking to become special education teachers. With its emphasis on diversity, inclusivity, and student-centered learning, this program prepares graduates to make a positive impact in the lives of their students and contribute to the advancement of education in their communities.