Extensive Support Needs

Students with extensive support needs require specialized assistance to address unique learning conditions resulting from a range of intellectual, behavioral, emotional, communication, sensory and/or motor impairments. This credential authorizes the teaching of individuals with autism, intellectual disability, emotional disturbances, multiple disabilities, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and orthopedic impairments (OI). Serves ages 5 to 22.

View our State Professional Licensing and Certificate Disclosure

Program Highlights

• Guaranteed course enrollment within cohort sequence means no wait listing
• Courses are held in the evenings with coursework taught in online, blended and traditional models
• Personalized advising with support by program director
• Mentoring provides candidates with customized individualized support during field placements, practicums, and independent teaching experiences
• Integration of faith/teaching/learning
• Classes are small, allowing for a personalized learning experience
• Professors are current in the field of education, help problem-solve, and promote a dialogue of issues of practice within your setting
• Innovative and research based
• Option to complete multiple subjects credential
• Option to complete Master of Arts in Special Education

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Faculty

Catalog

Program Director: Sarah Johnson, Ed.D.

Overview

This authorizes the holder to conduct Educational Assessments related to students' access to the academic core curriculum and progress towards meeting instructional academic goals, provide instruction, and Special Education Support to individuals with significant support needs in kindergarten, grades 1–12, through age 22, and classes organized primarily for adults in services across the continuum of program options available. 

Admissions Requirements for Credential

• Apply online: fpu.edu/applygrad
• Addendum to Graduate Application: Special Education
• Two graduate reference forms
• Official transcripts (all colleges/universities attended)
• Verification of negative TB test (within last 12 months)
• Certificate of Clearance or valid CA credential
• Education plan form
• Basic Skills Requirement/Official CBEST results
• Subject Matter Competency/Official CSET results - one CSET passed for admission - all subtests passed prior to third term

Candidates may be admitted to the education specialist credential program in the spring, summer, or fall. Cohort begins in summer.

Basic Skills and Subject Matter Competency Requirements

• Verification of Basic Skills by degree
• Verification of Subject Matter Competency by degree, course work, or passing CSET

Accreditation

FPU's credentials are accredited by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC). The CTC website provides extensive guidelines pertaining to becoming a teacher in California (ctc.ca.gov).

Credential Program Student Learning Outcomes

Developed by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC), the Teacher Performance Expectations (TPEs) are aligned with the California Standards for the Teaching Profession (CSTP).

1.  Engaging and Supporting All Students in Learning
2.  Creating and Maintaining Effective Environments for Student Learning
3.  Understanding and Organizing Subject Matter for Student Learning
4.  Planning Instruction and Designing Learning Experiences for All Students
5.  Assessing Student Learning
6.  Developing as a Professional Educator

M.A. In Special Education Post-Credential Program

The M.A. in Special Education program begins in the fall term. 

M.A. in Special Education Post-Credential Pacing

Fall	Spring
SPEC 731 Issues in Teaching: Investigating Problems of Practice in Special Education (1st 8 weeks of the term)                           3 Units	SPEC 734 Research Methodology: Action Research (1st 8 weeks of the term)                       3 Units
SPEC 733 Literature Review (2nd 8 weeks of the term)                         3 Units	SPEC 735: Research Project (2nd 8 weeks of the term)                          3 Units

Locations Offered

Main Campus Fresno, Visalia

Required Courses (31 minimum units)

• EDUC 642 - Language and Literacy: Theory and Practice I Credits 4 **
• EDUC 643 - Teaching Elementary Mathematics Credits 3 **
• EDUC 646 - Language and Literacy: Theory and Practice II Credits 3 **
• SPEC 601 - Foundations of Special Education and Health Credits 3
• SPEC 602 - Special Education Laws, Ethics and Inclusion Credits 3
• SPEC 616 - Curriculum & Technology: Extensive Support Needs (ESN) Credits: 4
• SPEC 659 - Assessments & the IEP Credits 3
• SPEC 684 - Special Education and General Education Fieldwork Credits 4
• SPEC 682 - Directed Final Practicum and Seminar Credits 4 or
• SPEC 692 - Intern Final Practicum and Seminar Credits 4
• SPEC 690A - Independent Teaching Support Credits 2 * or
• SPEC 690B - Intern Teaching Support Credits 2 * or
• SPEC 690C - Continuing Intern Teaching Support Credits 3 * or

• *SPEC-690A, B, or C is required each term for candidates employed as an intern or independent teacher (PIP/STSP). Independent teachers take SPEC-690A (2 units), interns take SPEC-690B (2 units), and continuing interns take SPEC-690C (3 units).

•     **Candidates entering the ESN program with a Clear Multiple or Single Subject Credential and an English Learner authorization are not required to enroll in EDUC 642, EDUC 643, EDUC 646

• Mild Moderate Support Needs Add-On

  ESN credential program completers who seek to add a Mild Moderate Support Needs (MMSN) credential will enroll in SPEC 612 Curriculum & Technology: Mild Moderate Support Needs (4 units) and SPEC-693 Practicum (4 units) following completion of the ESN credential program.

  Multiple Subject Credential Add-On

  ESN credential program completers who seek to add a Multiple Subject credential will enroll in EDUC 637 Curriculum Perspectives and Design: Multiple Subjects (3 units), EDUC 645 Curriculum Perspectives and Design: Multiple Subjects (3 units), EDUC 609 Final Student Teaching (1 unit), and EDUC 647 Teaching Elementary Science (2 units) during the summer term following the ESN credential program.

Graduate & Degree Completion Admission

Phone: 559-453-3690

Email: GDC.admissions@fresno.edu

Program Requirements

• Apply online: fpu.edu/applygrad
• Addendum to Graduate Application: Special Education
• Two graduate reference forms
• Official transcripts
  (all colleges/universities attended)
• Verification of negative TB test
  (Within last 12 months)
• Certificate of Clearance or valid CA credential
• Education plan form
• Basic Skills Requirement/Official CBEST results
• Subject Matter Competency/ Official CSET results
  • One CSET passed for admission
  • All subtests passed prior to third term

Cost & Financial Aid

Student Financial Services

Phone: 559-453-2041

Fax: 559-453-5595

Cashier: 559-453-5586

Toll free: 866-321-7502

FAFSA code: 001253

Email: sfs@fresno.edu

Tuition & Fees

Career Opportunities

The Extensive Support Needs program equips you with the specialized skills and knowledge necessary to work with Students with extensive support needs who require specialized assistance to address unique learning conditions resulting from a range of intellectual, behavioral, emotional, communication, sensory and/or motor impairments. This credential authorizes the teaching of individuals with autism, intellectual disability, emotional disturbances, multiple disabilities, traumatic brain injury (TBI) and orthopedic impairments (OI). Serves ages 5 to 22. Graduates are also well-prepared for leadership roles in educational settings and for pursuing advanced degrees in education.

Career Development Center

Phone: 559-453-2073

Email: career.services@fresno.edu

Career Development Happens Here