Mar 29, 2024  
Loyola Marymount University Bulletin 2019-2020 
    
Loyola Marymount University Bulletin 2019-2020 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Special Education, M.A. with a Preliminary 2042 Education Specialist Credential–Traditional Program


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Contact Information


Acting Program Director: Morgan Friedman

Academic Advisor: Danielle West

Introduction/Overview


The Master of Arts in Special Education combined with the Education Specialist credential prepares candidates from a variety of academic backgrounds to work with students with exceptional needs. Completion of the program results in a Master of Arts degree in Special Education and a preliminary Education Specialist credential. The benefits of this combined M.A. and credential in the area of Special Education include:

  • Acquisition of the knowledge and skills needed to create access to learning for students with exceptionalities
  • Focus on removing barriers to learning for students with exceptionalities through the lens of social justice
  • Authentic connection and experience working with students with exceptional needs
  • Completion of a combined credential/M.A. program in two years.

All LMU School of Education credential programs meet the California state requirements as specified by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC). The institution has not made a determination as to whether the credential program meets the requirements of states outside of California.

Program Outcomes


As a result of this program, candidates will:

  • Demonstrate reflective praxis through a Social Justice lens while actively engaging with all stakeholders, including but not limited to, persons listed in CTC Program Standard 4 (e.g., children, parents, educators, etc.)
  • Exhibit knowledge and practice of professional, legal, and ethical standards to show evidence of engagement and educational practices to support all stakeholders
  • Cultivate inclusive educational environments for all PK-12 diverse learners through the development and use of positive behavioral, social, and environmental supports for learning
  • Apply knowledge of non-biased evidence-based principles of assessment and interpret data to make appropriate and equitable academic, behavioral, and instructional decisions
  • Design lessons based on Universal Design for Learning (UDL) guidelines that are aligned to California content standards
  • Utilize evidence-based differentiated strategies and implement engaging and developmentally appropriate culturally and linguistically sensitive instruction

Program Admissions Requirements


  • Graduate Application
  • Candidate Information Sheet
  • 3 Letters of Recommendation
    • At least 1 letter must verify the applicant’s experience and familiarity with the elementary school age group.
    • Letters cannot be written by family members or friends.
  • Technology Requirement Form
  • Statement of Intent
    • 3-5 page essay describing how applicant’s experiences, qualities, and goals reflect the School of Education’s conceptual framework: REAL (Respect, Educate, Advocate, Lead).
  • 2 sealed, official transcripts from all colleges and/or universities attended
  • Verification of 20 hours of experience working with culturally diverse youth in the age group applicant plans to teach.
  • Professional Resume
  • Proof of satisfying California’s Basic Skills Requirement
    • Official CBEST passing scores or equivalent
  • Subject Matter Competency Test (CSET) Plan of Action
  • Certificate of Clearance (COC), including fingerprinting
  • Proof of Satisfying the U.S. Constitution Requirement
  • Tuberculin Skin Test Results
  • Interview with Program Director
  • A cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0, or a 3.05 in the last 60 undergraduate units, or a 3.0 in at least 9 graduate units
  • For applicants who completed an undergraduate/graduate degree outside of the U.S.A.:
    • Transcript evaluations
    • TOEFL or IELTS minimum score

Program Requirements


And one of the following in alignment with target grade level for credential:


Total: 35 semester hours


Additional Requirements


  • Prerequisite Coursework
  • Student Teaching Requirements
  • Health Education for Educators
  • Professional Advising
  • CSET Score Report
  • Disposition Rubric
  • M.A. Coursework
  • Fieldwork Application
  • Culminating Fieldwork Requirements
  • Comprehensive Examination
  • Exit Interview
  • Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA)
  • Application for Credential
  • Application for Master of Arts Degree

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