MA.LTMM - MA Education: Learning and Teaching: Mild to Moderate Sup

The Mild to Moderate Support Needs Special Education program prepares individuals to teach students with mild to moderate disabilities and students with autism spectrum disorders in grades K–12 settings and in classes organized primarily for adults through age 22. The Dual Credential program prepares individuals to teach students with mild to moderate disabilities and students with autism spectrum disorders in grades K–12, as well as classrooms serving general education in PreK-8 or grades 6-12. Candidates take coursework and engage in field experiences concurrently from the very beginning of the program. The course content prepares candidates to know and understand various types of disabilities and their causes; design, adapt and differentiate instruction for students with a wide range of abilities and disabilities; design and implement positive behavior support plans for students’ behavioral challenges; and administer and interpret a wide variety of assessment instruments for referral and progress monitoring of struggling students and students with mild to moderate disabilities. The combined coursework and fieldwork experiences require candidates to think critically and reflectively about the theory to practice continuum. The capstone experience in this program consists of an intensive student teaching experience in a special education classroom or setting, plus the presentation of a summative portfolio of assignments and case studies to address the Teacher Performance Expectations (TPE) required by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CCTC). Completion of these requirements, along with successful completion of all coursework with a GPA of 3.0 or higher, is required for recommendation for the credential.

Online Master of Arts in Education in Learning and Teaching: Mild to Moderate Support Needs Special Education 

The Online Master of Arts in Education in Learning and Teaching Mild to Moderate Support Needs Special Education program is delivered in two stages: the first is composed of six (6) 7-week foundations and methods courses. Upon successful completion of the first stage of the program, candidates advance to the second stage of Master’s research, student teaching internship, or residency experience, and classroom instruction. Students may start the first stage of the program at several times during the year. Please contact Graduate and Professional Enrollment for details. 

Additional Requirements for Credentials

Prior to completion of the credential program, students must complete the following additional requirements (unless otherwise stated by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing or by Executive Order):

• U.S. Constitution requirement. Introduction to American Politics (POLI 111) or American History to 1877 (HIST 121), in the College of Arts and Sciences, or their equivalents, satisfy the requirement.

• CPR certificate requirement. Candidates must have a current CPR certificate that covers infants, children, and adults.

• Complete an Individualized Development Plan during fieldwork.

• Pass CalTPA instructional cycles I and II.

• Multiple Subject and Mild to Moderate Support Needs Special Education candidates must pass the Reading Instruction Competence Assessment® (RICA®) (or assessment equivalent). Refer to the RICA webpage for more information.

• Pass the Teacher Performance Expectations (TPE) portfolio

• Subject Matter Competency met.