Special Education

Division Chair: Megan Chaney, Ed.D.

Director, Mild/Moderate Support Needs and Master of Arts Programs: Lisa Keith, Psy.D.

Director, Extensive Support Needs, Early Childhood Special Education and Adapted Physical Education Added Authorization Programs: Sarah Johnson, Ed.D.

Site Director, Visalia and Merced: Claudia Norris, M.S.

Overview

The Special Education Division prepares education specialists through Christ's example and evidence-based practice to serve individuals with exceptionality in an ethical, professional and compassionate manner. These professionals lead and inspire environmental and curricular innovations that model exemplary pedagogical principles for an inclusive learning community. They empower learning communities toward greater independence, self-reliance and personal fulfillment. Candidates seek opportunities for personal and professional growth as they integrate their faith and stewardship into practice.

The special education program offers coursework for the preliminary education specialist credentials in mild to moderate support needs, extensive support needs, and early childhood special education. The division also offers the Adapted Physical Education Added Authorization Program.

Independent teaching coursework is completed at the candidate's employment site or a directed teaching experience may be completed under a master teacher for those who are not yet employed. Multiple credentials (mild to moderate support needs, extensive support needs, early childhood special education and multiple subjects) may easily be obtained due to the integrated design of the program. However, candidates may pursue only one credential at a time. Students may also earn a Master of Arts in special education. Academic/research writing skills are a high priority for program candidates as well as the use of technology in all coursework. All program candidates are encouraged to have access to a laptop for all class sessions. Specific instructional supports are available and may be required for some candidates.

Accreditation

State of California Commission on Teacher Credentialing
1900 Capitol Avenue
Sacramento, California 95814-4213

Program Student Learning Outcomes

Engaging and supporting all students in learning
Creating and maintaining effective environments for student learning
Understanding and organizing subject matter for student learning
Planning instruction and designing learning experiences for all students
Assessing student learning
Developing as a professional educator
Scholarship -candidates will exhibit scholarship in their field with a focus on inquiry, reflection, and skilled practice
Professionalism -candidates will exhibit professionalism including and articulating a commitment to lifelong learning and effective communication
Peacemaking -candidates will articulate a commitment to peacemaking through the facilitation of communities and bridgebuilding to schools or other agencies
Leadership -candidates will exhibit skills and characteristics of a leader including collaboration and advocacy
Written and oral communication -candidates will exhibit written and oral communication skills appropriate to their profession

Locations Offered

Main Campus Fresno, Visalia Campus, Merced Campus and Online