Courses
Foundations Courses
EDLT 500 Foundations of Education (3 credits)
This course will examine the historical, social, and cultural foundations of American education as seen through a historical narrative with an emphasis on the diversity of contemporary schooling. Students will be provided with an introduction to issues, trends, education theory and practice. Additionally, major philosophies of education which have informed American education and how they affect schooling in a society of multiple cultures will be explored. 10 hours of fieldwork is required
EDLT 501 Theories of Teaching, Learning, and Development (3 credits)
This course explores the factors influencing development, academic achievement, and behavior in P-20 Learners and the learning theories that support these goals. 15 hours of Fieldwork required.
EDLT 502 Teaching English Learners and Diverse Populations (3 credits)
This course in teaching English Language Learners and diverse populations examines first and second language acquisition with an overview of aspects of linguistic theories as well as social and cultural factors influencing language acquisition. The course further explores theories, legal implications, and accountability factors related to language learning among both native and non-native speakers of English. Delivery of instruction (including technologies), school/district programs and services, assessment and accountability, and inclusionary practices for English language learners are emphases for this course. 10 hours of fieldwork is required
EDLT 503 Teaching Exceptional Learners in Inclusive Environments (3 credits)
This course examines supports for exceptional learners in inclusive environments.
This course will explore the learning and behavioral characteristics of individuals
with exceptionalities; the theory and practices of special education service
delivery models; current state and federal special education laws, with an emphasis
on the Individualized Educational Program and partnerships with families; the definitions
of each exceptionality; the history of special education services to individuals in
the US; the theory and practices of Evidence Based Practice for individuals with exceptionalities
and assessment practices guiding such practices; assistive technologies; and current
philosophical positions and challenges in special education. 5 hours of fieldwork is required
Methods Courses
Once advancement to candidacy has been approved, both the Mild to Moderate Support Needs and Extensive Support Needs credential candidates take the following classes (12 credits) during the first semester of methods coursework:
EDSP 515 Educating Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders (3 credits)
Examines Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD); contemporary assessment strategies and tools; service delivery models and programs; best educational practices in teaching strategies and interventions; social/communicative development; Positive Behavior Support in creating a classroom/program and for assisting those with behavior challenges.
EDSP 519Assessment, Instruction and Development of the Individual Educational Program (3 credits)
Formal and informal assessment procedures for linking assessment to instruction, determining the need and eligibility for services, designing instructional programs and developing IEP goals; legal and ethical consideration for assessment, issues of reliability and validity, and information regarding test design and statistics. Includes framework that documents experiences across programs, disability, and school ages.
EDTP/EDSP 521 Literacy and Language in Diverse Classrooms (3 credits)
Theory-based methods of instruction in reading and language arts in today's culturally, diverse elementary classrooms. Fieldwork required.
EDSP 534a Introduction to Clinical Practice (Mild/Moderate) (3 credits)
Clinical Field Practicum is placement that serves students who have been designated the categories of Mild/Moderate (M/M). Under the supervision of the classroom teacher, the candidate works with individuals, small groups, and the entire class.
Clinical Practice
EDSP 523 Planning and Instruction for Content Standards (3 credits)
This course will provide an introduction to current methodologies and instructional strategies appropriate for concept development as well as attainment and the meaningful application of California Common Core Content Standards. Consideration will be given to the cross-cultural and heterogeneous nature of California’s student population. We assume that all children can learn from well-prepared and encouraging teachers. Technology enhanced methods will also be introduced when appropriate. This course will include a study of the content as well as the goals from the CA Common Core Content Standards.
EDSP 525 Positive Behavior Supports and Collaboration (3 credits)
This course examines Positive Behavior Support and School-wide PBS strategies for general and special educational settings and addresses issues related to inclusion, itinerant teaching, and collaboration with all members of the school community and families for the benefit of students with special needs. The candidate will examine information regarding individual behavior support strategies, specifically with respect to students with special needs. Students’ become acquainted with the foundations for professional team members to make decisions on goals, placement, and transitions across the lifespan. Within a wide range of service delivery options, candidates will explore their roles as itinerant support teachers, co-teachers, consultation teacher, and student supporters within inclusive settings.
EDSP 532 Supporting Students with Mild/Moderate Needs in the Classroom (3 credits)
This 3-unit course is intended to provide the knowledge and skills required to support students with Mild/Moderate Disabilities. The emphasis will be on the design and implementation of scientifically based best practices. Content will cover application of these principals within the context of meaningful and culturally sensitive family partnerships, professional collaboration, and promotion of inclusive educational practices.
EDSP 534b Clinical Practice (Mild/Moderate) (6 credits)
Clinical Field Practicum is placement that serves students who have been designated the categories of Mild to Moderate (M/M). Under the supervision of the classroom teacher, the candidate works with individuals, small groups, and the entire class.
Master's Degree Courses
Upon completion of the Preliminary credential program, the following courses are required for the Master of Science in Special Education degree:
EDGN 509 Introduction to Educational Research (3 credits)
A core course designed to introduce educational practitioners to educational research. Through an examination of the nature of research, ethical and philosophical principles, types of research, and characteristics of data students will explore quantitative and qualitative methods of designing and conduction research in the context of educational settings.
EDGN 510 Educational Research Design and Methodology (3 credits)
Drawing from qualitative, quantitative, and combined applications of research this core course is designed to guide students through a systematic study of the interrelated activities embedded in the development of an action research project. Construction a problem statement and research question will guide the preparation of a literature review and methodological plan.
EDGN 599 Thesis Research (3 credits)
Building upon the literature and methodological plan developed during EDGN 510, this class supports the implementation, analysis, and presentation of a research thesis.
Foundations Courses
EDLT 500 Foundations of Education (3 credits)
This course will examine the historical, social, and cultural foundations of American education as seen through a historical narrative with an emphasis on the diversity of contemporary schooling. Students will be provided with an introduction to issues, trends, education theory and practice. Additionally, major philosophies of education which have informed American education and how they affect schooling in a society of multiple cultures will be explored. 10 hours of fieldwork is required.
EDLT 501 Theories of Teaching, Learning, and Development (3 credits)
This course explores the factors influencing development, academic achievement, and behavior in P-20 Learners and the learning theories that support these goals. 15 hours of Fieldwork required.
EDLT 502 Teaching English Learners and Diverse Populations (3 credits)
This course in teaching English Language Learners and diverse populations examines first and second language acquisition with an overview of aspects of linguistic theories as well as social and cultural factors influencing language acquisition. The course further explores theories, legal implications, and accountability factors related to language learning among both native and non-native speakers of English. Delivery of instruction (including technologies), school/district programs and services, assessment and accountability, and inclusionary practices for English language learners are emphases for this course. 10 hours of fieldwork is required
EDLT 503 Teaching Exceptional Learners in Inclusive Environments (3 credits)
This course examines supports for exceptional learners in inclusive environments.
This course will explore the learning and behavioral characteristics of individuals
with exceptionalities; the theory and practices of special education service
delivery models; current state and federal special education laws, with an emphasis
on the Individualized Educational Program and partnerships with families; the definitions
of each exceptionality; the history of special education services to individuals in
the US; the theory and practices of Evidence Based Practice for individuals with exceptionalities
and assessment practices guiding such practices; assistive technologies; and current
philosophical positions and challenges in special education. 5 hours of fieldwork is required
Methods Courses
Once advancement to candidacy has been approved, both the Mild to Moderate Support Needs and Extensive Support Needs credential candidates take the following classes (12 credits) during the first semester of methods coursework:
EDSP 515 Educating Students with Autism Spectrum Disorders (3 credits)
Examines Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD); contemporary assessment strategies and tools; service delivery models and programs; best educational practices in teaching strategies and interventions; social/communicative development; Positive Behavior Support in creating a classroom/program and for assisting those with behavior challenges.
EDSP 519Assessment, Instruction and Development of the Individual Educational Program (3 credits)
Formal and informal assessment procedures for linking assessment to instruction, determining the need and eligibility for services, designing instructional programs and developing IEP goals; legal and ethical consideration for assessment, issues of reliability and validity, and information regarding test design and statistics. Includes framework that documents experiences across programs, disability, and school ages.
EDTP/EDSP 521 Literacy and Language in Diverse Classrooms (3 credits)
Theory-based methods of instruction in reading and language arts in today's culturally, diverse elementary classrooms. Fieldwork required.
EDSP 542a Introduction to Clinical Practice (Moderate/Severe) (3 credits)
Clinical Field Practicum is placement that serves students who have been designated the categories of Moderate to Severe (M/S). Under the supervision of the classroom teacher, the candidate works with individuals, small groups, and the entire class.
Clinical Practice
EDSP 523 Planning and Instruction for Content Standards (3 credits)
This course will provide an introduction to current methodologies and instructional strategies appropriate for concept development as well as attainment and the meaningful application of California Common Core Content Standards. Consideration will be given to the cross-cultural and heterogeneous nature of California’s student population. We assume that all children can learn from well-prepared and encouraging teachers. Technology enhanced methods will also be introduced when appropriate. This course will include a study of the content as well as the goals from the CA Common Core Content Standards
EDSP 525 Positive Behavior Supports and Collaboration (3 credits)
This course examines Positive Behavior Support and School-wide PBS strategies for general and special educational settings and addresses issues related to inclusion, itinerant teaching, and collaboration with all members of the school community and families for the benefit of students with special needs. The candidate will examine information regarding individual behavior support strategies, specifically with respect to students with special needs. Students’ become acquainted with the foundations for professional team members to make decisions on goals, placement, and transitions across the lifespan. Within a wide range of service delivery options, candidates will explore their roles as itinerant support teachers, co-teachers, consultation teacher, and student supporters within inclusive settings.
EDSP 537 Supporting Students with Moderate/Severe Needs in the Classroom (3 credits)
This 3-unit course is intended to provide the knowledge and skills required to educate students with Moderate/Severe Disabilities. The emphasis will be on the design and implementation of scientifically based best practices. Content will cover application of these principals within the context of meaningful and culturally sensitive family partnerships, professional collaboration, and promotion of inclusive educational practices. Students will complete a comprehensive Case Study project including assessment, curriculum and program development demonstrating a variety of instructional strategies and ongoing evaluation to assess student performance and respond accordingly. The project will be field-based with skill development activities in the course.
EDSP 542b Clinical Practice (6 credits)
Clinical Field Practicum is placement that serves students who have been designated the categories of Moderate to Severe (M/S). Under the supervision of the classroom teacher, the candidate works with individuals, small groups, and the entire class.
Master's Degree Courses
Upon completion of the Preliminary credential program, the following courses are required for the Master of Science in Special Education degree:
EDGN 509 Introduction to Educational Research (3 credits)
A core course designed to introduce educational practitioners to educational research. Through an examination of the nature of research, ethical and philosophical principles, types of research, and characteristics of data students will explore quantitative and qualitative methods of designing and conduction research in the context of educational settings.
EDGN 510 Educational Research Design and Methodology (3 credits)
Drawing from qualitative, quantitative, and combined applications of research this core course is designed to guide students through a systematic study of the interrelated activities embedded in the development of an action research project. Construction a problem statement and research question will guide the preparation of a literature review and methodological plan.
EDGN 599 Thesis Research (3 credits)
Building upon the literature and methodological plan developed during EDGN 510, this class supports the implementation, analysis, and presentation of a research thesis.