Coursework
- Criteria for Clear Credential Program
- Course Requirements
- Required Courses for Optional M.A.Ed. in Special Education
- Credential Analysts
Criteria for Clear Credential Program
In order to earn the Educational Specialist Clear Credential, candidates must complete the following requirements:
Development and Administration of the Individual Induction Plan (IIP)
The Individual Induction Plan (IIP) shall be developed in consultation among the candidate, employer, and APU academic advisor. The 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.
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 Clear Credential IIP for up to 25 percent or one quarter of the total program in consultation with the candidate and the employer’s representative. The California Beginning Teacher Support and Assessment (BTSA) Program can account for 20 hours of professional development.
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.
Students must complete 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 Mild/Moderate or Moderate/Severe Disabilities Specialist Credential.
Course Requirements
Note: Candidates may not begin any Clear Credential coursework until the above steps are completed and the admission requirements are met.
Students complete their Clear Credential in one of the areas of emphasis below:
Exit Interview and Apply for Credential
Required Courses for Optional M.A.Ed. in Special Education
| Core Courses | 15 units | |
|---|---|---|
SPED 581 Historical and Philosophical Perspectives of Disabilities Studies | 3 | |
SPED 582 Theories of Learning and Research in Disabilities Studies | 3 | |
SPED 583 Current Trends in Curriculum and Disabilities Studies | 3 | |
SPED 584A Guided Research Project: Procedures | 3 | |
SPED 584B Guided Research Project: Findings | 3 | |
Credential Analysts
Credential analysts are liaisons between graduate education candidates, school districts, and California’s Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC). They process requests for fingerprint clearance (Certificates of Clearance), and applications required to file credentials with the CTC. They review all potential candidate files as part of the admissions process. For more information, please contact (626) 815-5346.
