Mild to Moderate Support Needs

Students with mild to moderate support needs require specialized assistance to address unique learning conditions resulting from a range of intellectual, behavioral, emotional, communication, sensory and/or motor impairments. This credential authorizes the teaching of individuals with autism, intellectual disability, emotional disturbances, multiple disabilities, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and orthopedic impairments (OI). Serves ages 5 to 22.

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Program Highlights

• Guaranteed course enrollment within cohort sequence means no wait listing
• Courses are held in the evenings with coursework taught in online, blended and traditional models
• Personalized advising with support by program director
• Mentoring provides candidates with customized individualized support during field. placements, practicums, and independent teaching experiences
• Integration of faith/teaching/learning
• Classes are small, allowing for a personalized learning experience
• Professors are current in the field of education, help problem-solve, and promote a dialogue of issues of practice within your setting
• Innovative and research based
• Option to complete a Multiple Subjects Credential
• Option to complete Master of Arts in Special Education

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Faculty

Sarah Johnson, Ed.D.

Associate Professor of Education

Special Education, Program Director

Catalog

Overview

This authorizes the holder to conduct Educational Assessments related to students' access to the academic core curriculum and progress towards meeting instructional academic goals, provide instruction, and Special Education Support to individuals with mild to moderate support needs in kindergarten, grades 1 – 12, through age 22, and classes organized primarily for adults in services across the continuum of program options available. 

(ELAE) The following instructional services may be provided to English learners within the specialty area(s) and grade/age level authorization of this document: (1) English language development defined as instruction designed specifically for limited-English¬ proficient students to develop their listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills in English; and (2) specially designed content instruction delivered in English defined as instruction in a subject area, delivered in English, that is specially designed to meet the needs of limited-English-proficient students. This English learner authorization also covers classes taught on the basis of other valid, nonemergency credentials or permits held within the settings or content/specialty area(s) listed at the grade or age levels authorized. 

This document authorizes the holder to teach reading to students in kindergarten, grades 1-12 through age 22, and classes organized primarily for adults in general education settings. (ECP 4-B February 2018)

Admissions Requirements

• Apply online: fpu.edu/gradapply
• Addendum to Graduate Application: Special Education
• Two graduate reference forms
• Official transcripts (all colleges/universities attended)
• Verification of negative TB test (within last 12 months)
• Certificate of Clearance or valid CA credential
• Education plan form
• Basic Skills Requirement/Official CBEST results
• Subject Matter Competency/Official CSET - One CSET passed for admission - All subtests passed prior to third term

Candidates may be admitted to the education specialist credential program in the spring, summer, or fall. Cohort begins in summer.

Credential Pathway

Mild/Moderate Support Needs Preliminary Credential Pathway  

Required Courses (31 minimum units)

• EDUC 642 - Language and Literacy: Theory and Practice I Credits 4 **
• EDUC 643 - Teaching Elementary Mathematics Credits 3 **
• EDUC 646 - Language and Literacy: Theory and Practice II Credits 3 **
• SPEC 601 - Foundations of Special Education and Health Credits 3
• SPEC 602 - Special Education Laws, Ethics and Inclusion Credits 3
• SPEC 612 - Curriculum and Technology for Mild Moderate Credits 4
• SPEC 659 - Assessments & the IEP Credits 3
• SPEC 684 - Special Education and General Education Fieldwork Credits 4
• SPEC 682 - Directed Final Practicum and Seminar Credits 4 or
• SPEC 692 - Intern Final Practicum and Seminar Credits 4
• SPEC 690A - Independent Teaching Support Credits 2 *
• SPEC 690B - Intern Teaching Support Credits 2 *
• SPEC 690C - Continuing Intern Teaching Support Credits 3 *

•     *SPEC-690A, B, or C is required each term for candidates employed as an intern or independent teacher (PIP/STSP). Independent teachers take SPEC-690A (2 units), interns take SPEC-690B (2 units), and continuing interns take SPEC-690C (3 units). 

•    

     **Candidates entering the MMSN program with a Clear Multiple or Single Subject credential and an English learner authorization not required to enroll in EDUC 642, EDUC 643, or EDUC 646

•     Note:

  • MMSN credential program completers who seek to add an Extensive Support Needs (ESN) credential will enroll in SPEC 616 Curriculum & Technology: Extensive Support Needs (4 units) following completion of the MMSN credential program.
  • MMSN credential program completers who seek to add a Multiple Subject credential will enroll in EDUC 637 Curriculum Perspectives and Design: Multiple Subjects (3 units), EDUC 645 Curriculum Perspectives and Design: Multiple Subjects (3 units), EDUC 609 Final Student Teaching (1 unit), and EDUC 647 Teaching Elementary Science (2 units), during the summer term following completion of the MMSN credential program.

Program Requirements

• Apply online: fpu.edu/applygrad
• Addendum to Graduate Application: Special Education
• Two graduate reference forms
• Official transcripts
  (all colleges/universities attended)
• Verification of negative TB test 
  (Within last 12 months)
• Certificate of Clearance or valid CA credential
• Education plan form
• Basic Skills Requirement/Official CBEST results
• Subject Matter Competency/Official CSET results
  • One CSET passed for admission
  • All subtests passed prior to third term

Cost & Financial Aid

Tuition & Fees

Career Opportunities

The Mild to Moderate Support Needs program equips students with mild to moderate support needs who require specialized assistance to address unique learning conditions resulting from a range of intellectual, behavioral, emotional, communication, sensory and/or motor impairments. This credential authorizes the teaching of individuals with autism, intellectual disability, emotional disturbances, multiple disabilities, traumatic brain injury (TBI) and orthopedic impairments (OI). Serves ages 5 to 22. Graduates are also positioned for leadership roles in special education and ongoing professional development.

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