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Admission Requirements /

Recognizing that academic qualifications alone are not sufficient factors for determining program admission, multiple measures are used to determine acceptance into the Special Education Program.

4.1 Scholarship

Minimum acceptable GPAs based on undergraduate major has been established by CSU System. GPA is determined based on all cumulative undergraduate coursework completed at the time of application.The minimum GPA requires the candidate for admission to the Special Education Credential Program shall have attained a grade point average of at least 2.67 in all baccalaureate and postbaccalaureate course work or a grade point average of at least 2.75 in the last 60 semester units.

Written request for exception to GPA criteria must be included in the application to the program. Applicants who wish to be considered as exceptions because they do not meet the GPA standards should submit verification of passing CBEST, show completion of Subject Matter Preparation Program, pass the CCTC-approved exam(s) at the time of application, and/or submit a letter of intent that identifies the factors that better reflect their ability to complete the Special Education Program successfully. Exceptions are limited by Executive Order No. 547, California State University Chancellor's office.

4.2 Subject Matter Preparation and Verification

The Education Specialist Preliminary Level I Credential is a K-12 credential. Therefore, subject matter requirements for the Level I Education Specialist Credentials are: (a) completion of approved subject matter preparation program or (b) passage of adopted subject matter assessments CSET Multiple Subject or CSET Single Subject test. Students who wish to pursue the Special Education and Multiple Subject Credentials are advised to complete the Liberal Studies Subject Matter Preparation Program. Students who wish to pursue the Special Education and Single Subject Credential are advised to complete the Single Subject Matter Preparation Program.

4.2.1 Multiple Subject Matter Preparation/CSET

a. Applicants who have completed the Liberal Studies Subject Matter Preparation (waiver) Program at CSU Stanislaus can receive verification through the Liberal Studies Office in C-125. The form that is required is located in that office.

b. Applicants who have completed an approved Liberal Studies Subject Matter Preparation Program at an accredited California university or college other than CSU Stanislaus must obtain written verification of having completed the requirement at that institution. Applicants should contact the Credentials Processing Center, Demergasso-Bava Hall Building, Room 303, to find out what information and signatures must be included in the letter of verification.

c. Applicants who have not completed an approved Liberal Studies Subject Matter Preparation Program must pass the Multiple Subjects Test. The CSET application, is available in the Credentials Processing Center on the Turlock Campus or in the Administration Office at CSU Stanislaus Stockton campus.

4.2.2 Single Subject Matter Preparation/CSET

a. Applicants who have completed an approved Subject Matter Preparation Program at CSU Stanislaus can receive verification by taking the Form V (verification form, available in the Credentials Processing Center, to the academic program advisor for signature.

b. Applicants who have completed an approved Subject Matter Preparation Program at an accredited California university or college other than CSU Stanislaus must obtain written verification of having completed the requirement at that institution.

c. Applicants should contact the Credentials Processing Center, Demergasso-Bava Hall Building, Room 303 to find out what information and signatures must be included in the letter of verification

d. Applicants who have not completed an approved Subject Matter Preparation Program must take the CCTC-approved exam, the CSET Single Subject test, in the subject area they plan to teach. The original score report, must be submitted with the applicant's folder.

4.3 Early Field Experience

The program's admission criteria require the candidate to have prior experiences in which suitability for the specialist or service area is demonstrated. Prior to applying to the Special Education Program, applicants must complete EDMS 4100 Foundations of Education in a Diverse Society .

4.4 English Composition

Applicants must satisfactorily complete an upper division English composition course verified on an applicant's transcript. This standard may also be met by achieving a minimum score of 41 on the writing portion of CBEST.

4.5 U.S. Constitution Requirement

PSCI 1201 or its equivalent (minimum two semester units) is necessary to qualify for a teaching credential. Applicants should check with the Credentials Processing Center to see if they have met this requirement by way of coursework previously completed. Recent graduates from a campus of the California State University system have met this requirement as part of their regular undergraduate requirements.

4.6 Child Development

Prior to beginning the Special Education Program, applicants must satisfactorily complete a course which focuses on child growth and development. PSYC/CDEV 3140 Human Development I or PSYC/CDEV 3240 Human Development II or its equivalent is required.

4.7 Professional Liability Insurance

The University does not provide professional liability insurance to students. Therefore, it is the responsibility of students to obtain this type of insurance. All students must carry professional liability insurance before entering student teaching. The following are some of the sources available for securing professional liability; student subscription rates are often available through the following organizations:

Council for Exceptional Children
California Teachers Association
National Education Association

4.8 Application

Applicants are required to complete an application packet, to be submitted in a 9 x 12 manila file folder, (Appendix B) (Download PDF file titled: Special Education Preliminary Level I Handbook & Application.PDF ) that includes the following documents:

a. Application (Form I, IA & IB): Application form requesting admission to the Education Specialist Preliminary Level I Credential Program.

b. Receipt Verifying Payment of Application Fee.

c. Transcripts: One set official, sealed transcripts from each college or university attended, other than CSU Stanislaus, must be submitted with the application.

d. Statement of Intent (Form II): A statement of career objectives, experiences with children, personal strengths and weaknesses. If previous collegiate records do not substantiate the GPA established for the CSU System, students must identify the factors that better reflect their ability to complete the Special Education credential program successfully.

e. Recommendations (Form III): Two recommendations from University faculty and one personal recommendation.

f. Vita/Resume.

g. Copy of CBEST Scores (Form IV): The original transcript showing passage of CBEST scores must be submitted at the time of application.

h. Certificate of Clearance/Finger Print Requirements.

i. Copy of TB Clearance (taken within last 4 years).

j. Subject Matter Preparation (Waiver) (Form V): For a Multiple Subject waiver, Form V must be completed by the Liberal Studies Coordinator. Applicants taking MSAT must submit a copy of the canceled check, application form, or admission ticket. For a Single Subject waiver, Form V should be signed by the academic discipline advisor and department. If the waiver has not been completed, applicants must include a letter stating when Form V is expected to be completed.

k. Copy of Valid California Teaching Credential (if applicable).

l. Ethnic Identity (Optional) Form VI).

4.9 Participation in an Admission Interview

Admission interviews are conducted by special education faculty and members of the Advisory Committee. Admission interviews are generally held one month after the application closing date. Students are notified of times during which interviews are held. Two weeks after the interview, students are notified in writing of the decision regarding their admission. The interview team considers information in the application packet and responses to questions during the interview in recommending admission, conditional admission, or rejection. An Admission form is completed by each interviewer who evaluates, in part, the applicants communication skills, commitment to special education, sensitivity to diverse populations, and the applicant's academic preparation. The University serves a diverse population and every effort is made to recruit and retain students representative of the University's service region.

Program faculty review carefully all information provided in the application packet and weigh the recommendation of the interviewers before an offer of admission is tendered. The Special Education Coordinator assumes responsibility for regularly reviewing the program admission criteria and procedures.

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