Mild/Moderate Disabilities (K-12)
Specialist Credential Level 1, Track A

Mild to Moderate Educational Specialist Level II (Clear) Credential

Program Director: Nilsa Thorsos, Ph.D.
Phone: (626) 815-5425; (626) 815-5373; (626) 815-5430
Email: nthorsos@apu.edu

Those who successfully complete the program and earn the Level I credential must be admitted and develop a Level II Individualized Induction Plan (IIP) within 120 days after starting employment. The candidates develop an IIP under the supervision of their districts in collaboration with APU.

STEPS:

1. The candidate contacts Graduate Admissions at (626) 815-4570 for admission to the Level II program.
2. Information will be sent to the candidate informing him/her to contact the Level II coordinator to develop the IIP.

Criteria for Admission

NOTE: Candidates may not begin any Level II coursework until the above steps have been completed.

In order to be admitted into the Mild to Moderate (M/M) Disabilities Specialist Credential Level II, a candidate must have:

1. Employment in a special education M/M position that is likely to have sufficient duration for the Level II IIP to be completed.
2. A Preliminary Level I Mild to Moderate Disabilities Specialist Credential.

Criteria for Level II Program

In order to clear the Mild to Moderate Disabilities Specialist Credential Level II, candidates must complete the following requirements:

Development and Administration of the Individual Induction Plan (IIP)
As soon as possible, but no later than 120 calendar days of service under the Preliminary Level I Educational Specialist Credential, an IIP shall be developed in consultation among the candidate, employer, and APU. The Induction Plan shall identify and address individual candidate needs, college or university requirements, consultations and other activities with a district assigned support provider, and assessment of the plan’s completion. The IIP will be complete when the Level II specialist has completed an assessment of the plan.

Non-University Activity Option
The IIP may include other professional development activities sponsored by organizations other than APU. Completion of approved non-university activities may be included in the Level II IIP for up to 25 percent or one quarter of the total program in consultation with the candidate and the employer’s representative.

Support Activities
Consultations will be provided with an assigned support provider from the candidate’s district who will meet periodically with the candidate. As a basis for professional development consultations, the support provider and the candidate will also view one another’s classes from time to time.

A verified successful completion of a minimum of two years of teaching experience in a full-time special education position or the equivalent (form CL-41 EXP, signed by the district’s director of human resources) in a public school or private school of equivalent status while holding the Preliminary Level I Educational Specialist Credential is required.

Academic Requirements

NOTE: Candidates may not begin any Level II coursework until the above steps have been completed.

Complete the three core courses plus other experiences as defined below.

Other experiences:

• CCTC approved Educational Technology (EDUC 500)
• Health Education (PE 240), and CPR for Infant, Child, and Adult at APU or elsewhere