Course Requirements
The cohort model begins with entry in Module 1 in Fall I or Spring I. Candidates who enter at other times of the year will be advised regarding course enrollment prior to the next modular entry date. A maximum of nine units may be taken per term with the department chair’s prior written approval only. All courses are online.
| 1. Take modules 1, 2, and 3. |
|---|
| Module 1 | 6 units | |
|---|---|---|
SPED 511 Language Development for All Students | 3 | |
SPED 574 Literacy and Reading Instruction for Students with Moderate to Severe Disabilities | 3 | |
*Students must complete this course before taking the RICA, and the RICA must be passed before qualifying for a credential.
Students must also meet with advisor to develop a transition plan at the end of Module 2.
*Candidates may not register for this course without clearance by the Office of Student Services. This is a mentor-based course. Teacher candidates do not attend classes to meet regularly with an instructor. Teacher candidates must attend a mandatory Clinical Practice orientation meeting before the term begins.
| 2. Pass RICA. |
|---|
| 3. Apply for Clinical Practice by April 1 for spring and October 1 for fall. |
|---|
| 4. Take module 4. |
|---|
*Candidates cannot register for this course without clearance by the Office of Student Services. This is a mentor-based course. Teacher candidates do not attend classes to meet regularly with an instructor. Teacher candidates must attend a mandatory Clinical Practice orientation meeting before the term begins.
| 5. Clearance for Clinical Practice |
|---|
| 6. Placement by Office of Student Services with Master Teacher. |
|---|
| Total units for credential only | 27 units |
|---|
| 7. Apply for Preliminary Credential. |
|---|
| 8. Take Comprehensive Exam. |
|---|
| 9. Submit Intent to Graduate Form to Graduate Registrar. |
|---|
| 10. Take courses required for master's degree. |
|---|
| Required for Master of Arts in Education: Special Education (for combination programs only) | 18 units | |
|---|---|---|
SPED 532 Bilingual Special Education | 3 | |
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 | |
| Total units for both credential and master’s | 45 units |
|---|
TaskStream ePortfolios
Candidates are required to enroll in TaskStream, which includes an online portfolio assessment system to facilitate candidate evaluation. Candidates create electronic portfolios to showcase and document their competencies and experience with the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC), share artifacts or the entire portfolio with instructors and advisors for feedback and review online, submit sections of their portfolio or the entire body of work for evaluation online, and track their progress toward their degree. Courses include assignments, etc. that comprise the portfolio. A one-time assessment fee is levied at the program’s outset to cover these requirements.
Note: Up-to-date schedule of course offerings per term can be found through the university’s Web portal, or with the assistance of the site coordinator.
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.
“The special education program at APU develops you as a teacher and a person. The subject matter is integrated with Christian beliefs, making the education extremely personal. By example, I have learned how to weave my own faith into my teaching, even at a public school. I now pray over my class and each of their seats, and it has impacted my students greatly.”