Title
FAQ - Special Education
What is the Commission's definition of a comparable special education teacher preparation program?
A comparable special education teacher preparation program is defined as at least 24 semester units in special education course work with at least 12 of the 24 semester units, including the student teaching, in the disability area of the credential sought in California.
I completed a generic special education teacher preparation program outside of California. What do I qualify for in California?
Individuals who completed generic special education teacher preparation program outside California may qualify for the Level I Education Specialist Instruction Credential if they meet the following minimum requirements: 1) completion of a bachelor's or higher degree from a regionally accredited college or university; 2) completion of a special education teacher preparation program consisting of 24 semester units in special education, including student teaching; and 3) possession of a special education teaching credential in the state where the program was completed.
The Commission will issue a Level I Education Specialist Instruction Credential to individuals who have completed a broad special education teacher preparation program in one of the following specialty areas: 1) Mild/Moderate; 2) Moderate/Severe; or 3) Early Childhood Special Education. Individuals issued Education Specialist Instruction Credentials on the basis of a broad program will need to complete a Commission-approved program in the specialty area listed on the credential.
My Level I Education Specialist Instruction Credential states I must complete a Level II program to qualify for the Level II credential. What is a Level II program?
Completion of a Level II program is required for all holders of a Level I Education Specialist Instruction Credential whether trained in or outside of California. The Level II program is an individualized induction program designed by the credential holder in collaboration with the holder's employing agency and a California college or university with a Commission-approved Level II program in the specialty area listed on the Level I credential. Holders of Level I Education Specialist Instruction Credentials must be formally recommended for their Level II credentials by the college or university through which the individualized induction plan was completed. For more information, please refer to our Education Specialist Instruction Credential leaflets (CL-808 [PDF] for out-of-state applicants, CL-808C [PDF] for California-trained applicants in Level I programs, and CL-872 [PDF] for those trained outside of the United States).
I currently hold a Specialist Instruction Credential in Special Education (Learning Handicapped, Severely Handicapped, Communication Handicapped, Visually Handicapped, and/or Physically Handicapped) issued under the old special education regulations. Does my credential authorize me to perform services as a Resource Specialist?
No. Specialist Instruction Credentials in Special Education do not authorize service as a Resource Specialist. You may discuss the possibility of employment as a Resource Specialist with your employer. You may be eligible for an Emergency Resource Specialist Permit or a Preliminary Resource Specialist Added Authorization, which will allow you time to complete a Resource Specialist program. There are two ways to qualify for the Clear Resource Specialist Added Authorization: 1) complete a Resource Specialist program through a California college or university with a Commission-approved RSP program; or 2) complete an assessment through a Commission-approved School District, County Office of Education, or Special Education Service Region. Please refer to our Emergency Resource Specialist Permit [PDF] and Resource Specialist Added Authorization [PDF] ) leaflets for more information.
My Level I Education Specialist Instruction Credential lists subject-matter competence as a renewal requirement. How can I satisfy this requirement?
Subject-matter competence is one of the regular education components required for an Education Specialist Instruction Credential. You have the option of verifying your subject-matter competence for either the Multiple Subject Teaching Credential or for any subject that can be listed as a major on a Single Subject Teaching Credential. There are two ways to verify your subject-matter competence: 1) take and pass the appropriate subject-matter examination(s); or 2) obtain a letter from a California college or university with a Commission-approved subject-matter program. Please refer to leaflets CL-674S [PDF] (Single Subject) and CL-674M [PDF] (Multiple Subject) for more information regarding subject-matter competence examinations.