California State University, Long Beach College of Education- Graduate Studies

1250 Bellflower Boulevard, EED-7 Long Beach, CA 90840-2201

562-985-8476

Last updated: July 2017

INFORMATION AND APPLICATION PACKET

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN SPECIAL EDUCATION AND/OR

CLEAR CREDENTIAL PROGRAM

Website: www.ced.csulb.edu/programs/master-science-special-education-degree-program

APPLICATION DEADLINES

FOR SPRING 2018 ADMISSION: 11/01/2017

FOR FALL 2018 ADMISSION: 06/01/2018

*PLEASE NOTE THAT INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS MUST APPLY TO THE UNIVERSITY BY 10/01/2017 FORSPRING 2018 CONSIDERATION, AND BY 04/01/2018 FOR FALL 2018 CONSIDERATION

PROGRAM INFORMATION

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CSULB College of Education offers a Clear Credential program as well as a Master of Science in Special Education. The Clear Credential program may be completed alone or with the master’s degree; the master’s degree may be completed alone or with the Clear Credential program. Please note that CSULB does not offer a combined initial credential and master’s degree. If you are interested in earning the initial credential to teach Special Education, please visit www.ced.csulb.edu/special-education-programs for information about the Education Specialist Preliminary Credential.

CLEAR CREDENTIAL PROGRAM Candidates who have completed their Education Specialist Preliminary credential in Mild/Moderate and/or Moderate/Severe can earn the Education Specialist Clear Credential at CSU Long Beach. The Clear Credential program prepares candidates to meet the academic, behavioral, and social-emotional learning needs of all students with disabilities from K-12 and adults through age 22 under IDEA categories. Candidates must earn the Clear credential within 5 years of completing the Education Specialist Preliminary credential.

The Clear Credential program emphasizes 3 program features: 1) Professional development through coursework (12 units, completed in 1 academic year) 2) Ongoing, intensive, and individualized mentoring 3) Formative assessment practices based on the California Standards for the Teaching Profession and the candidate’s

teaching assignment

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN SPECIAL EDUCATION The Master of Science in Special Education degree program is an advanced academic program that develops advanced knowledge and skills in current research in special education and promotes reflective inquiry in special education practice. Candidates receive multiple opportunities to develop critical thinking and writing skills through coursework and the culminating capstone experience i.e., either a comprehensive exam or a thesis. While an Education Specialist credential is not an eligibility requirement for the Master's degree in Special Education, core courses in the program are at a graduate level and build on preliminary special education credential coursework. Candidates who have not had this coursework will work with the program advisor in developing their program plan. See specific course requirements below.

COLLEGE OF EDUCATION MISSION STATEMENT The College of Education at CSULB is a learning and teaching community that prepares professional educators and practitioners who promote equity and excellence in diverse urban settings through effective pedagogy, evidence-based practices, collaboration, leadership, innovation, scholarship, and advocacy.

PROGRAM GOALS 1. To provide candidates with the skills necessary for program review and development, and research analysis and

utilization that will benefit individuals with disabilities and their families. Consistent with the CED mission, our goal is to nurture life-long learners who engage in program development and evaluation reflective of best practices in special education as documented in the current research base.

2. To expand the scope and depth of the candidate’s understanding about and experience with individuals with disabilities and the system of special education which serves them. The majority of our candidates already have general education and/or specialist credentials for teaching school age children. Candidates need to understand the demands that individuals with disabilities encounter prior to formal education and in their adult years as well as consideration of the life-span adjustments (K-12 and adults through age 22) of individuals with disabilities. Our candidates also need to understand a greater number of service delivery models and emerging research and practice which supports the knowledge base in special education. We build upon the understanding our candidates gained in

their credential programs by continuing to emphasize our program themes: Individualized Education, Collaboration, Cultural Responsiveness, Evidence-based Practices, and Advocacy & Leadership.

3. To increase the candidate’s awareness and understanding of the multiple roles through which professionals meet the needs and interests of individuals with disabilities and their families. Our candidates are competent and caring teachers and service providers, who are partners with parents and others in the development of high quality intervention programs for individuals with disabilities. The degree program prepares candidates to look beyond their current positions as teachers and practitioners and to consider leadership roles in education, policymaking, and service delivery.

CLEAR CREDENTIAL PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES · Use effective assessment and pedagogy, including universal access, to ensure equity for all students · Demonstrate understanding of current trends and issues in special education · Engage in action research in order to improve practices within the classroom or at the school site

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN SPECIAL EDUCATION LEARNING OUTCOMES · Effectively apply theory to practice · Analyze data to guide instructional decision-making · Determine effective behavioral, emotional, and environmental supports for student learning · Effectively plan for transition · Effectively collaborate and consult with teachers, parents, and other school professionals · Demonstrate leadership skills in systems change efforts · Analyze and synthesize research in special education through written and verbal communication

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

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Admitted students will complete a program planner with the program coordinator regarding appropriate course selection. It is important that candidates take courses in the advised sequence. Candidates will therefore need to be available to take courses at the day, time, and semester they are offered.

Core EDSP courses are typically offered on weeknights beginning at 4:00PM or 7:00PM, subject to change.

CLEAR CREDENTIAL PROGRAM PREREQUISITES · Overall GPA of 2.85 in college and university course work · Completion of Preliminary/Level I Credential or Certificate of Eligibility · CPR certification

CLEAR CREDENTIAL PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS The Clear credential requires 12 units of graduate courses that must be taken at the 500/600-level at CSULB. Upon acceptance to the program, candidates will attend a mandatory orientation meeting at which time they will complete an Individualized Induction Plan (IIP) with the Clear Credential program coordinator. This program planner will assist candidates in taking courses in an appropriate sequence. Clear Credential program requirements include the following courses:

FOUNDATION COURSES (6 UNITS) · EDSP 546A Induction in Special Education (2 units) · EDSP 546B Induction in Special Education (1 units) · EDSP 550 Emerging Perspectives in Special Education (3 units)

SPECIALIZATION COURSES (6 UNITS, SELECT ANY 2 OF THE FOLLOWING COURSES)

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· EDSP 535 Collaborative Partnerships and Effective Communication in School Settings (3 units) · EDSP 525 Advocacy and the Educational Context of Disability (3 units) · EDSP 582 Research in Special Education: Assessment, Curriculum and Instruction (3 units)

Courses taken as part of the Clear Credential program may be used toward the Master of Science in Special Education.

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN SPECIAL EDUCATION PREREQUISITES · Minimum 2.85 overall grade point average in last degree (not credential or certificate) earned from an accredited

institution of higher education. Applicants whose overall GPA is less than 2.85 but meet the University minimumGPA requirement (2.50 for a completed baccalaureate degree or 2.70 for a baccalaureate degree in progress) andwho present compelling evidence of academic and professional potential either through recent academicperformance and/or experiential background, may be considered for admission at the discretion of the programadmission committee.

· Special education teaching credential or equivalent experience.· Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university, to include 24 upper-division units in 4 areas of

study. Deficiencies may be completed during the first year in the program at the discretion of the advisor.· Human development: EDP 301 or 302 (or equivalent)· Introduction to Educational Research: EDP 400 (or equivalent)· Individual differences: EDSP 350 or 355A or 355B (or equivalent)· Special Education Assessment: EDSP 564 (or equivalent)· Additional 12 upper division units in the four areas of study

· Prerequisite courses may be completed the summer prior to or during the first year in the program at thediscretion of the advisor.

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN SPECIAL EDUCATION PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS A minimum of 30 units of upper division and graduate courses with a minimum of 21 units at the 500/600-level taken at CSULB, as follows:

FOUNDATION COURSES (9 UNITS) · EDSP 546A Induction in Special Education (2 units) · EDSP 546B Induction in Special Education (1 units) · EDSP 550 Emerging Perspectives in Special Education (3 units) · Research Methods, choose one of the following:

· EDP 520 Quantitative Research Methods in Education (3 units) (prerequisite: EDP 400 or equivalent)· EDP 595 Qualitative Research Methods in Education (3 units) (prerequisite: EDP 400 or equivalent)

REQUIRED SPECIALIZATION COURSES (9 UNITS) · EDSP 525 Advocacy and the Educational Context of Disability · EDSP 535 Collaborative Partnerships and Effective Communication in School Settings (3 units) · EDSP 582 Research in Special Education: Assessment, Curriculum and Instruction (3 units)

ADVANCED METHODS COURSE (3 UNITS) · Choose one from:

· EDSP 577 Instructional Methods and Strategies for Individuals with Mild/Mod Disabilities (3 units)· EDSP 578 Instructional Methods and Strategies for Individuals with Mod/Severe Disabilities (3 units)

EXIT REQUIREMENT (3-6 UNITS)

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· Choose one of the following pathways with advisor consultation: · Written Comprehensive Exam and EDSP 695S: Seminar in Special Education (3 units) · Thesis, ED P 698: Thesis (6 units)

ELECTIVES (3-6 UNITS) · Take 3-6 units of electives, as needed dependent on exit requirement, with advisor consultation to reach the 30

unit requirement

ADVANCEMENT TO CANDIDACY Advancement to candidacy takes place after you have completed at least one or two semesters of the program. All pre-requisite courses must be completed in order to advance to candidacy. Please note that full admission to a master’s degree program occurs once you are advanced to candidacy. Advancement to candidacy signifies approval of a plan of study by your department and the College of Education, and grants you assurance of Catalog rights as a formal graduate student in a program.

REQUIREMENTS TO ADVANCE TO CANDIDACY · Fulfill the Graduate Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR). Visit www.csulb.edu/GWAR for details. · Resolve all incomplete grades, if applicable. · Maintain a minimum 3.00 cumulative and program grade point average. · Complete all pre-requisites: EDP 301 or 302; EDP 400; EDSP 350 or 355A or 355B; EDSP 564; and additional 12

units. · Complete 6 units of program requirements. · Complete Advancement to Candidacy form with advisor and submit signed form to the Office of Graduate Studies

(EED, room 7). It is highly recommended that you become familiar with the California State University, Long Beach University Catalog (www.csulb.edu/catalog). It will assist you in the planning of your program as well as understanding the policies and procedures governing the University. It is your responsibility to know and follow those policies and procedures.

ADVISING INFORMATION Prospective students for Spring 2018 may contact Graduate Studies Office at 562/985-8476 or ced-gradstudies@csulb.edu.

Information about the program may also be found on the program website http://www.ced.csulb.edu/programs/special-education

APPLICATION PROCESS Graduate applicants must apply to the university AND to a specific graduate program simultaneously by the deadline listed on the first page of this packet. Admissions decisions are made at the program level by the faculty. It is essential to follow the guidelines for applying to both the university and program. Failure to do so, and to do so in a timely manner, may result in not being considered for program and/or university admission. If you have questions about completing either application, please contact the Graduate Studies Office at 562-985-8476 or ced-gradstudies@csulb.edu.

Admission cannot be deferred. If an applicant who is admitted to the program is unable to attend for the semester and year they were admitted, they will need to re-apply to both the university and the program for a future semester and year.

APPLICANT ELIGIBILITY

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CLEAR CREDENTIAL PROGRAM · Overall GPA of 2.85 in college and university course work· Completion of Preliminary/Level I Credential or Certificate of Eligibility· CPR certification· International applicants have additional university application requirements including meeting the English

language proficiency requirement. Please visit The Center for International Education (CIE) website atwww.csulb.edu/cie for more information.

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN SPECIAL EDUCATION The following are required for admission to the program:

· Minimum 2.85 overall grade point average in last degree (not credential or certificate) earned from an accreditedinstitution of higher education. Applicants whose overall GPA is less than 2.85 but meet the University minimumGPA requirement (2.50 for a completed baccalaureate degree or 2.70 for a baccalaureate degree in progress) andwho present compelling evidence of academic and professional potential either through recent academicperformance and/or experiential background, may be considered for admission at the discretion of the programadmission committee.

· Special education teaching credential or equivalent experience· Baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university, to include 24 upper-division units in 4 areas of

study. Deficiencies may be completed during the first year in the program at the discretion of the advisor.· Human development: EDP 301 or 302 (or equivalent)· Introduction to educational research methods: EDP 400 (or equivalent)· Individual differences: EDSP 350 or 355A or 355B (or equivalent)· Special Education Assessment: EDSP 564 (or equivalent)· Additional 12 upper division units in the four areas of study

· International applicants have additional university application requirements including meeting the Englishlanguage proficiency requirement. Please visit The Center for International Education (CIE) website atwww.csulb.edu/cie for more information.

UNIVERSITY APPLICATION PROCEDURES You must submit a Graduate/Post-Baccalaureate Admissions Application online at Cal State Apply www.calstate.edu/apply accompanied by the $55 nonrefundable application fee by the program application deadline. Important: You must submit 1 set of official transcripts for ALL colleges and universities attended (including community college(s), bachelor’s degree(s), all post-baccalaureate and extension coursework) to:

California State University, Long Beach Enrollment Services 1250 Bellflower Boulevard, Brotman Hall 123 Long Beach, CA 90840-0106

You are not required to submit transcripts to the College of Education, but it is critical that you submit your university application and the transcripts prior to the program application deadline. This will allow the College of Education faculty and staff access to your transcripts as part of the review of your program application.

TIPS FOR WWW.CALSTATE.EDU/APPLY APPLICATION

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The Graduate Studies Office has created a tutorial for submitting the university application on www.calstate.edu/apply. If you are applying for the MS-only program or the MS + Clear credential program, please follow this tutorial: http://www.ced.csulb.edu/documents/how-submit-csa-application-master-degree.

If you are applying for the Clear credential-only program, please follow this tutorial: http://www.ced.csulb.edu/documents/how-submit-csa-application-advanced-credential

For technical assistance contact the Cal State Apply Tech Help Desk, Call: (857) 304-2087 or Email: CalStateApply@liaisoncas.com

PROGRAM APPLICATION PROCEDURES The program application may be found on pages 10-14 in this packet. All materials must be received by the program application deadline. Applications may be submitted in-person or via traditional mail. Electronic submissions are not accepted. Send materials to the Graduate Studies Office as one complete packet containing all documents listed on the Application Checklist (Please do not submit items separately):

California State University, Long Beach College of Education, Graduate Studies Office 1250 Bellflower Boulevard, EED-7 Long Beach, CA 90840-2201

All Program Admission Application documents must be received as one complete packet by the Graduate Studies Office in EED-7. Application packets must be submitted on or before the deadline for enrollment consideration. Applicants will receive an email notification once their application has been processed by the Graduate Studies Office.

INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS

We encourage international applicants to consider our graduate degree and advanced credential programs. International applicants planning to attend on a J1 or F1 VISA have additional requirements for admission, and can find admission information at the Center for International Education.

APPLICATION PROCESS – TWO STEPS 1. STEP ONE: Apply to the university

a. Complete an application through Cal State Apply www.calstate.edu/applyb. See this checklist from the Center for International Education for all items required

http://www.ccpe.csulb.edu/International/about.aspx?pID=62. STEP TWO: Apply to the program

a. Read all pages of this information and application packet.b. Complete pages 10 & 11 of this packet.c. Gather all of the items listed in the “Application Checklist” on page 11 of this packet.d. Mail the program application materials (such as letters of recommendation and personal statement) to the

College of Education Graduate Studies Office by the deadline:California State University, Long Beach

College of Education, Graduate Studies 1250 Bellflower Boulevard, EED-7 Long Beach, CA 90840-2201

e. Please note that some programs have earlier deadlines for international (F1 or J1 VISA) applicants. Pleaseverify all deadline dates in the application packet on the Program Deadlines and Application Packets page.

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ADMISSION PROCESS FOR ALL APPLICANTS

PHASE 1: PROGRAM APPLICATION PAPER REVIEW You must submit all of the items listed on the program application (see pages 10 & 11 of this packet). The Special Education Admissions Committee will review the program application materials 4-6 weeks after the deadline. You will be notified by email regarding the status of your application. You will either be invited for an interview or receive formal notification that you were not accepted to the program.

PHASE 2: INTERVIEW

Candidates who successfully complete Phase 1 of the application process including having completed all paperwork, will be contacted for an interview with the Special Education Admissions Committee. The interview will consist of a writing component. Interviews for Spring 2018 admission will be on November 27, 2017. Notices will be sent approximately one week prior.

PHASE 3: ORIENTATION

Candidates who are invited for admission will be invited to a mandatory orientation meeting. During orientation, an Individualized Induction Plan and/or Master’s program planner will be developed for each student and each student will be advised as to the appropriate sequence of classes. It is important that students attend carefully to the advised sequence of classes as course offerings are limited in the Master’s program. Many required courses are offered only one semester each year.

UNIVERSITY POLICIES

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DISCLAIMER CSULB admits students of any race, religion, age, color, creed, gender, disability, sexual orientation, or national or ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at CSULB. CSULB does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, age, color, gender, disability, sexual orientation, or national or ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, admission policies, employment policies, or any other programs administered by the University.

In addition to meeting fully its obligations of nondiscrimination under federal and state law, CSULB is committed to creating a community in which a diverse population can live and work, in an atmosphere of tolerance, civility, and respect for the rights and sensibilities of each individual, without regard to economic status, ethnic background, political views, sexual orientation, or other personal characteristics or beliefs.

POLICY STATEMENT California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) recognizes its affirmative and continuing responsibility to protect the confidentiality, maintain the integrity, and ensure the availability of its information assets. Unauthorized modification, deletion, or disclosure of information assets can compromise the integrity of the mission of CSULB, violate individual privacy rights, and possibly constitute a criminal act. It is the policy of California State University, Long Beach to ensure:

Confidentiality of personally identifiable information; Integrity of data stored on or processed by CSULB information systems; Availability of information stored or processed by CSULB information systems; Maintenance and currency of applications installed on CSULB information systems; and Compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and CSU/CSULB policies, standards, and procedures governing information security and privacy protection.

STUDENT DOCUMENT RETENTION All records, which include recommendations, shall be kept by the campus in accordance with the requirements of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, as amended, which allows students access to their records.

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APPLICATION FOR ADMISSION Master of Science in Special Education

and/or Clear Credential Program California State University, Long Beach

The information on pages 10-11 of this packet may be typed or hand-written.

SEMESTER: YEAR:

OBJECTIVE: Clear Credential Program ONLY (please note that if you later decide that you want the master’s degree, you will need to reapply to the university and program)

Master of Science in Education ONLYMaster of Science in Education AND Clear Credential Program

PERSONAL INFORMATION First Name: Last Name: MI:

Other Names, if applicable (for example, maiden name):

Home Address:

City: State: Zip Code:

Preferred Phone: Alternate Phone:

Email Address:

Languages Spoken Other Than English (optional):

ACADEMIC BACKGROUND College/University Program/Major Dates Attended GPA Degree Earned

CREDENTIALS HELD, IF ANY Credential Issuing Agency Date granted Expiration date

EMPLOYMENT EXPERIENCE

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Employer Location Position Full/Part Time Dates

VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE

Agency / Organization Location Nature of Experience Hours per week Dates

REFERENCES (MAY BE THE SAME AS THOSE WRITING LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION) Name Title Relationship Contact Information

PROGRAM APPLICATION CHECKLIST: You must provide all of the items listed below. Please do not submit pages 1-9 of this packet. r Application for Admission (pages 10 & 11 of this packet) r Résumé r Personal Statement (guidelines on page 12 of this packet) r Two completed recommendation forms (pages 13 & 14 of this packet) r For applicants to clear credential-only or MS+ clear credential program: Copy of CA teaching

credential

Applicants will receive an email once their application has been processed.

My signature below certifies that I have read the program information and I am familiar with the program's goals, mission, requirements, and procedures as posted.

Applicant’s Signature: Date:

PERSONAL STATEMENT

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Master of Science in Special Education and/or Clear Credential Program

California State University, Long Beach

Please respond to the prompt below in no more than 4 pages typewritten, double-spaced with 12-point font. This is a presentation of you as a prospective professional, thus a clear and comprehensive written sample is essential.

Describe your educational background along with your interests and special skills. Describe how your past experiences with family, friends, education, work, or any other experiences have influenced your decision to enter the field of special education. Explain why you are seeking an advanced credential and/or master’s degree in special education at CSULB and what you hope to accomplish upon completion.

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RECOMMENDATION FORM

Master of Science in Special Education and/or Clear Credential Program

California State University, Long Beach

Make two copies of this recommendation form, one for each of your recommenders. Have them return the completed forms to you and include them in your application packet. Recommendations are due by the application deadline

APPLICANT: Please initial the following and sign below: I do I do not waive my right to access this confidential letter of recommendation and similar evaluative statements received in connection with my application.

RECOMMENDER: Thank you for providing your candid assessment of this applicant as part of their application for graduate study in our program. Please assist us and the applicant by completing this form, placing it in an envelope, sealing it, and signing over the seal. Please return the sealed envelope to the applicant so they may submit it as part of their complete application packet prior to the deadline. Additional written comments are extremely helpful, particularly in cases when personal attributes distinguish the candidate in a way not revealed by transcripts and test scores. Please attach a letter for narrative comments. Thank you for helping us evaluate this candidate.

How long and in what capacity have you known this applicant?

ASSESSMENT OF APPLICANT’S COMMUNICATION SKILLS

Based on my knowledge of this applicant (Check one): I think this applicant has exceptional written communication skills.I think this applicant has adequate written communication skills.I think this applicant has difficulty with written communication skills.

Based on my knowledge of this applicant (Check one):

I think this applicant has exceptional oral communication skills.I think this applicant has adequate oral communication skills.I think this applicant has difficulty with oral communication skills.

(Continued on the next page . . .)

Printed Name:

Applicant’s Signature: Date:

ASSESSMENT OF APPLICANT’S POTENTIAL FOR SUCCESS IN GRADUATE SCHOOL:

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Based on my knowledge of this applicant (Check one): I think this applicant will be successful, efficient, and independent in graduate school.I think this applicant will be able to complete graduate school with support, and at an average/slow pace.I think this applicant will struggle academically in graduate student.

Based on my knowledge of this applicant (Check one):

I think this applicant will develop into an excellent practitioner.I think this applicant will become an adequate practitioner given a reasonable amount of supervision.I think this applicant will have difficulty with some aspects of practical work.I have no basis to judge this applicant’s suitability for practical work.

Based on my knowledge of this applicant (Check one):

I think this applicant has exceptional qualities and will demonstrate leadership and enthusiasm.I think this applicant will be a capable participant in graduate school.I think this applicant may have difficulties as a graduate student.

We thank you for taking the time to complete this Recommendation Form.

Additional written comments are extremely helpful, particularly in cases when personal attributes

distinguish the candidate in a way not revealed by transcripts and test scores. Please attach a letter for narrative comments.

Recommender Name:

Recommender Signature: Date:

Institution: Position:

Email Address: Phone: