About Our Program…

The Special Education Initial Certification Program is designed specifically for the individual who has an undergraduate degree (BA, BS) in a field other than a teacher preparation program who would like to become a special education teacher. We are seeking individuals who have current or recent experience in an educational setting with children experiencing disabilities.

Prerequisites

The program consists of up to 15 credit hours of prerequisite courses:

       EDSE 212       3 cr.     Human Growth & Development

       EDFN 303       3 cr.     Foundations of Teaching & Learning

       EDEL 426       3 cr.     Teaching Mathematics in Elementary Schools

       EDSE 482       3 cr.     Inclusive Classroom for All Children

       EDSE 483       3 cr.     Language & Literacy: Assessment & Intervention     

As part of the application process, your advisor will evaluate your transcripts, work experience, and any additional inservice training you have received. Based on this evaluation it may be possible for one or more of these prerequisite classes to be waived.

 We require that all prerequisite courses be completed with a minimum final grade of “B” in order to progress to the 600-level graduate certificate courses. Additionally, we require that students pass either the Praxis I or other test acceptable to the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development (EED) (see their website for specifics http://www.eed.state.ak.us) at the level specified by the State of Alaska:

       Praxis I:    Writing 175; Reading 174; Math 173

In order to continue in the program, passing scores on one of these tests must be obtained during the first trimester in which you begin taking classes. Once the prerequisite courses have been completed and you have passed one of the required tests you will be formally admitted to the Graduate Certificate Program and can begin taking 600-level classes.

All Graduate Certificates in Special Education require 6 credits advanced internships (EDSE A695E). 

Internships are taken the last one or two semesters of the program

Prior to beginning an internship, candidates who do not currently hold a teaching certificate must obtain a student authorization required by the State of Alaska which includes fingerprinting and a background check.  Fingerprint clearance may take up to 6 months to complete so plan on submitting the internship application 2 semesters prior to desired placement.  Failure to comply with the requirement, falsification of information, or evidence of a criminal conviction that is named in the law or that the Professional Teaching Practices Commission (PTPC) considers an ethics violation will result in your being denied access to field placement in Alaska school districts.  If we have not received your student authorization you will not be given departmental approval to register for any EDSE A695.

When you have met all the application requirements, you will be provisionally admitted to the Special Education Initial Certification Program. In order to continue in the program, passing scores on an acceptable test must be obtained during the first trimester in which you begin taking classes. Once the prerequisite courses have been completed and you have passed one of the required tests (listed above) you will be formally admitted to the Graduate Certificate Program and can begin taking 600-level classes

This program is offered entirely via a distance delivery format. This allows a great deal of flexibility for students in rural and remote areas, as well as minimizing the impact of classes on work and family schedules.

The distance format of this program requires that you have a basic working knowledge of computer technology, and familiarity with our primary learning technologies – Elluminate (eLive) and Blackboard. Tutorials are available for both of these programs at the Blackboard login website: http://technology.uaa.alaska.edu/blackboard.

In addition, it is critically important that you have available a computer that has the following minimum capabilities and software applications:

       Computer connection speed (internet speed) of at least 256 kbs

       Software Installed: Office Suite; Adobe Reader; Media Player

       Purchase of a headset with microphone is highly recommended (~$10-$20)

Our expectation is that students will begin our program having completed the tutorials, have the necessary computer hardware and software, and are ready to begin learning via the exciting and flexible modality of distance education.

The Graduate Certificate Courses

Once you have completed at least 12 prerequisite credits at a grade of A or B and have passed the Praxis I, CBEST, or WEST-B at the minimum standards listed, you will be able to begin taking the 24-credit graduate courses that will complete your program.

       EDSE 610   3 cr.  Clinical Assessment: Eligibility & Program Planning

       EDSE 623   3 cr.  Language & Literacy: Best Practices in Assessment & Intervention

       EDSE 624* 3 cr.  Social/Emotional Development, Assessment, & Intervention

       EDSE 625   3 cr.  Teaching Mathematics to Special Learners

       EDSE 632* 3 cr.  Special Education Law: Principles & Practices

       EDSE 634* 3 cr.  Supervision & Support of Paraprofessionals

       EDSE 695   6 cr.  Advanced Internship in Special Education (Elem. or Secondary)

*These 3 courses are recommended as the first 3 courses you would take in the graduate program.

Once you have completed the Graduate Certificate courses and requirements successfully you will be issued an Institutional Recommendation (IR) for an initial teaching certificate in special education, either elementary or secondary. If you choose to earn both an elementary and secondary certificate you will need to successfully complete 12 credits of EDSE 695 (6 credits at the elementary level and 6 credits at the secondary level).