Loyola Marymount University Bulletin 2011-2012 > School of Education > Educational Support Services > Special Education > Master of Arts in Special Education > Education Specialist Credential: Mild/Moderate Disabilities Program Elementary or Secondary Emphasis

Education Specialist Credential: Mild/Moderate Disabilities Program Elementary or Secondary Emphasis

Up one level:

Master of Arts in Special Education

Admission Requirements

Provisional Admission requirements for Master of Arts in Special Education and/or Credential:

Attendance at an Information Session (for credential candidates only): Contact the Admissions Coordinator at 310.338.7845 or soeinfo@lmu.edu to attend an information session. Applicants will receive an information packet that includes: Graduate Application; Candidate Information Sheet; three Recommendation Forms; Technology Self-Verification Form; Fingerprint information; program information
Submission of Graduate Application and Application Fee: Applicants may either submit the application to the Graduate Division or complete the online application.
Candidate Information Sheet: Applicants must submit the Candidate Information Sheet to the Graduate Division.
Statement of Intent: Applicants must write a 3- to 5-page essay describing how their experiences, qualities, and goals reflect the School of Education’s motto–REAL (Respect, Educate, Advocate, Lead). See website for additional information on REAL at http://soe.lmu.edu. The Statement of Intent should be submitted to the Graduate Division.
Letters of Recommendation: Applicants must submit three letters of recommendation to the Graduate Division. At least one letter must verify the applicant’s experience and familiarity with the age group appropriate to the candidate’s interest.
Grade Point Average (GPA) Requirement: A cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.8 or higher or a GPA of 2.85 or higher in the last 60 semester hours of the applicant’s undergraduate degree or a GPA of 3.0 or higher obtained in 9 semester hours of graduate work. Students who do not meet this requirement may be recommended to the Exceptions Committee by the Program Director.
Transcripts: Applicants must submit to the Graduate Division two sets of official transcripts with their bachelor’s degree posted. If applicants are in the process of completing the degree, they must submit official transcripts with their degree posted by the start of registration for the following semester. Candidates must submit two sets of official transcripts from each college/university attended.
Observation/Volunteer Hours Plan of Action: Candidates must complete at least 20 hours of experience working with culturally diverse youths in the required age level for the program (elementary,
5-12 years of age; secondary, 13-19 years of age).
Basic Skills Proficiency Requirements: All Multiple (Elementary) Subjects and Single (Secondary) Subject applicants must meet the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing requirements for basic skills by obtaining a passing score on the CBEST examination.
Subject Matter Competency Test (CSET) Plan of Action: Candidates must demonstrate mastery of the required subject matter by passing the appropriate subject matter exam (CSET). Candidates will provide a Plan of Action, written statement, on when the CSET will be taken. Candidates must provide an original passing score report to the School of Education.
Fingerprint Clearance: Information about fingerprint clearance (also known as Live Scan) is included in the Admissions information packet. Official results of the Certificate of Clearance must be received by the Credential Office prior to enrolling in education courses. All fees associated with fingerprint clearance are the responsibility of the student.
Tuberculin Test: Candidates must submit an official copy of their tuberculin skin test results, given within one year.
Technology Requirement: Candidates may satisfy the technology requirement by either completing a self-verification form or verifying the completion of an approved course through another institution. Candidates must register for LiveText during the first education course. The e-Portfolio fee is assessed during the first semester of enrollment.
Interview with the Academic Program Director/Assistant Director: Following the submission of all requirements to the Graduate Division, the candidate will be contacted to schedule an admissions interview with the Program Director or Assistant Director.
Admission Status: Following the interview, the candidate’s application will be reviewed by the Associate Dean. Candidates are admitted on either Controlled or Provisional Admission to the appropriate Master of Arts and/or Credential Program.
Advisement: Academic Advising: Immediately upon admission, the student must schedule an appointment with the Academic Advisor. The Academic Advisor advises candidates on appropriate course sequence and program information. All candidates are required to meet with the Academic Advisor once a semester.

Professional Advising: All candidates are required to meet with the Professional Advisor (Program Director or Assistant Director) once a semester. Candidates will discuss academic course progress, career plans and goals, dispositional issues, and other issues related to the teaching profession.

Formal Admission Requirements for Master of Arts in Special Education and/or Credential

Review by Committee (pending approval)

U.S. Constitution Requirement: Candidates may satisfy the U.S. Constitution requirement in one of the following ways:
- Taking one of the following LMU courses: HIST 161, HIST 162, or POLS 135;
- Completing an equivalent course at another institution. The course must be approved by the School of Education Admissions Coordinator. Candidates must present a course syllabus and course description;
- Passing an approved examination offered through LMU’s History Department.
CSET: Candidates must submit official passing score report to the Academic Advisor. Students who have not taken the CSET, must submit their CSET registration as proof of their intent to take the CSET.
Disposition Rubric: (approval pending)

Teacher Advisory Review Committee (TARC): After all the steps outlined above have been completed, the candidates’ file will be submitted to the Teacher Advisory Review Committee (TARC) for review. It is the candidates’ responsibility to ensure that all items have been completed, including the resolution of any incomplete grades received in any courses. Candidates will be notified of the committee’s decision in writing.

Field Experiences

Students in the Mild/Moderate Credential program choose one of three routes to the credential/Master of Arts Degree.

Traditional Candidates

Students following this path will complete all coursework before beginning their field experiences as student teachers. LMU will facilitate the candidates’ placement as student teachers. All prerequisites requirements apply to the candidate choosing the traditional route.

University Intern Candidates

A candidate following this path is employed full-time at a public school in a district that has a partnership with LMU. The candidate takes courses while teaching full-time. This employment status, along with additional supervision in the classroom provided through LMU, fulfills the field requirements of the credential. Candidates seek out their own employment as Interns unless the candidates are in a cohort program where placement is facilitated through the program (e.g., Teach for America). Interns must be employed to teach at least 60% in the area of the credential, and the contract must state that the teacher is contracted to teach in the area in which the candidate is seeking a credential.

It is necessary that the student holds a University Intern credential and complete the program pre-service requirement in order to be enrolled in the Intern program. University Intern credentials are issued for new placements at the beginning of the fall semester only. Candidates must submit a Verification of Employment form, signed by the School District that holds a partnership agreement with Loyola Marymount University.

Teacher Practitioner Candidates

The teacher practitioner candidate is employed full-time at a non-public school. The candidate takes courses while teaching full-time. This employment status, along with additional supervision in the classroom provided through LMU, fulfills the requirements of the credential. The candidate seeks out his/her own employment as a teacher practitioner. The teacher practitioner must be employed at least 60% in the area of the credential. The teacher practitioner must fulfill all the field requirements listed including the program pre-service requirements.

Culminating Program Requirements

Additional Coursework Required for the Master’s Degree

Enroll in and complete EDSS 6995 Comprehensive Exam (0 semester hours)—fee required.

Exit Interview

The candidate must schedule an exit interview with the Special Education Director or Assistant Director. The exit interview must be completed prior to submitting an application for a credential and Master’s degree.

Application for Credential

When all requirements have been completed, candidates must complete an application for a preliminary teaching credential (fee required, see SOE website for more information).

Intern/Practitioner Credential Requirements

Eligibility for the Intern Credential is determined by the following guidelines set by the California Commission on Teacher Credential (CCTC).

Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA)

After completing EDES 6201 (Foundations of Elementary Literacy Instruction), or EDES 6250 (Improvement of Literacy in Single Subject Classroom) candidates are required to take, pass and submit an original score report of the RICA to the Special Education program advisor.

Application for Master of Arts Degree

Candidate must complete an application for a Master of Arts degree with the Office of the Registrar the semester prior to the completion of degree requirements.

Course Sequence

Traditional Candidate Course Requirements

Complete the following courses with a grade of "B" (3.0) or better prior to enrolling in student teaching (EDSS 5999):

EDLC 5002	Survey of Second Language Acquisition Theories (2 semester hours)
EDSS 5300	Introduction to Teaching and Learning in General and Special Education Programs (2 semester hours)
EDSS 5301	Managing Learning Environments
EDSS 6320	IEP Development
EDSS 6325	Foundations of Special Education
EDSS 6302	Assessment of Students with Exceptional Needs
EDSS 5998	Fieldwork Seminar and IEP Development
EDES 6201	Teaching Reading for Today's Learners (3 semester hours)
	or
EDES 6203	Reading and Content Learning in Middle and Secondary Schools (3 semester hours) (Secondary Emphasis)
EDSS 6200	Creating Effective Classroom in Diverse Setting (3 semester hours)
	or
EDSS 6301	Creating Collaborative Partnerships (3 semester hours)
EDLC 5200	Methodology in English Language Development and Specially Designed Academic Instruction in English for Elementary Educators
	or
EDLC 5250	Methodology in English Language Development and Specially Designed Academic Instruction in English for Secondary Educators
EDSS 6300	Creating Effective Classrooms in Diverse Settings (3 semester hours)
EDSS 6303	Teaching and Assessing Students with Mild/Moderate Disabilities (3 semester hours)
	Supporting Behavior and Social Skills for Students with Mild/Moderate Disabilities
	Research and Leadership in Special Education
EDCE 5978	Directed Teaching with Students with Mild/Moderate Disabilities
EDSS 6995	Comprehensive Examination (0 semester hours, fee associated)
EDES 8000	Health Education (1 semester hour)

Intern/Practitioners Candidate Course Requirements

Pre-Service Courses: The following courses must be completed with a grade of "B" (3.0) or better:

EDSS 5300	Introduction to Teaching and Learning in General and Special Education Programs (2 semester hours)
EDSS 5301	Managing Learning Environments (2 semester hours)
EDLC 5002	Survey of Second Language Acquisition Theories (2 semester hours)

All students entering the field as University Interns must complete the coursework for EDSS 5002, 5300 and 5301 within one of two options:

Teach for America (TFA) students complete coursework during Institute.
Non-cohort students entering as University Interns must complete these two course during an Institute prior to entering the classroom.

Prerequisite Courses: Candidates must complete the following courses with a grade of "B" or better:

EDCE 5981	Fieldwork and Seminar I (2 semester hours)
EDSS 6300	Creating Effective Classroom in Diverse Setting (3 semester hours)
EDSS 6302	Informal Assessment and Individual Education Program (IEP) Development Methods (3 semester hours)
EDCE 5982	Fieldwork and Seminar 2: Special Education (1 semester hour)

Literacy: Elementary Emphasis

EDES 6202

Teaching Reading for Today's Learners (3 semester hours)

Literacy: Secondary Emphasis

EDES 6203

Reading and Content Learning in Middle and Secondary Schools (3 semester hours)

RICA (Reading Instruction Competence Assessment)

Elementary and Secondary Emphasis: After completing EDES 6201 (Elementary Emphasis) or EDES 6250 (Secondary Emphasis), candidates are required to take, pass, and submit an original score report of the RICA to the School of Education prior to application for the preliminary credential.

Method Coursework: Elementary Emphasis

EDES 6200

Elementary and Curriculum and Teaching Methodology (3 semester hours)

Method Coursework Secondary Emphasis

One of the following two academic methods courses based on CSET qualifications:

EDSS 6251	Secondary Curriculum and School Methods for Math and Science (3 Semester hours)
	or
EDSS 6252	Secondary Curriculum and School Methods for Language Arts and Social Science (3 semester hours)

Program Requirements

EDSS 6301	Creating Collaborative Partnerships (3 semester hours)
EDCE 5983	Fieldwork and Seminar 3: Special Education (1 semester hour—Practitioner/Interns only)

Culminating Fieldwork Requirements: Elementary and Secondary Emphasis

EDCE 5984	Fieldwork and Seminar 4: Special Education - Practitioner/Interns only (2 semester hours)
EDSS 6303	Teaching and Assessing Students with Mild/Moderate Disabilities (3 semester hours)

Additional Coursework Required for the Master’s Degree

EDSS 6995

Comprehensive Exam in Special Education (fee required)

Exit Interview

An exit interview with the Special Education Program Director/Assistant Director must be completed prior to submitting applications for a credential and Master’s degree.

Application for Credential

When all requirements have been completed, candidates must complete an application for a preliminary teaching credential. An additional fee required. See website for more information.