Each of the three Education Specialist Options (MMSN, ESN, ECSE) have required courses specific to that emphasis. However, all Special Education program courses related to the M.S. in Special Education are listed here:
ESPE 5530. Introduction to Special Education
Characteristics and educational implications of physical, intellectual, social and emotional deviations among exceptional individuals. Ethical and legal aspects of special education. Observations in educational settings. For classification in any Special Education program, candidates must obtain a grade of B or better. Formerly ESPE 530. (3 units)
ESPE 5531. Methods and Procedures in Special Education
Introductory methods for planning, assessment of student learning, basic instructional strategies, differentiated instruction, and classroom management in special education. Policies and procedures related to the implementation of federal and state legislation governing the delivery of special education services. Introduction to the dispositions of effective special education teachers and teacher leadership. For classified admission to any of the Special Education programs, candidates must obtain a grade of B or better. Formerly ESPE 531. Prerequisite/corequisite: ESPE 5530. (3 units)
ESPE 5532. Language Development in Diverse Learners.
Characteristics of typical/atypical language development and academic language acquisition in children with and without disabilities. Functional communication and augmentative/alternative communication needs of the exceptional child. Includes the unique linguistic features and needs of the EL learner with disabilities. Formerly ESPE 5514; ESPE 514. (3 units)
ESPE 6601. Critical Issues in Special Education
Legal, historical, and ethical foundations of special education including legislation, regulations and case law that govern the provision of special education. Critical trends and issues affected by current social, political, and economic conditions will be addressed, including education reform, multicultural and language issues, inclusion, access to core curriculum, and transition. Prerequisite: Classified admission to Master of Science in Special Education program. (3 units)
ESPE 6602. Research in Special Education
Introduction to qualitative and quantitative research methods, including single subject design. Formulation of research questions and preparation of research documents. Understanding descriptive and inferential statistics in education research. Reading and understanding current research in special education. Formerly ESPE 602. Prerequisite: Classified admission to the Master of Science in Special Education program. (3 units)
ESPE 6631. Assessment for Planning and Instruction
Valid and reliable assessment practices and data analysis to inform evidence-based decisions regarding special education eligibility, program planning, progress monitoring, and learning outcomes for diverse learners. Formerly ESPE 6611; ESPE 611. (3 units)
ESPE 6632. Supportive Learning Environments
Establish, maintain, and monitor positive behavioral and environmental supports in diverse educational settings. Includes system-level support practices. Practicum in approved settings required. Formerly ESPE 6612; ESPE 612. (3 units)
ESPE 6633. Methods to Support Inclusive Learning
In the context of the California school structure, application and synthesis of teaching methods including universal design for learning (UDL) and integrating unique linguistic features and needs of English language (EL) learners with disabilities across subject matter including core subjects as well as visual and performing arts. Technology for teaching and learning including assistive technology to support student access to learning in inclusive settings. Students will be introduced to coordinating and collaborating with other professionals and paraprofessionals in inclusive educational settings. Concurrent enrollment is required in ESPE 6634. (3 units)
ESPE 6635. Seminar in Literacy Learning for K-12 Students with Disabilities
Differentiated teaching methods and specialized assessment in literacy learning for students with special needs, including English learners. Must be taken concurrently with ESPE 6636 (formerly 6614). Formerly ESPE 6613; ESPE 613. (3 units)
ESPE 6637. Seminar on Language and Literacy in Early Childhood Special Education
An intensive study of early language and literacy skills including English language development, assessment, instruction, and curriculum guidelines as related to infants, toddlers, preschool, and kindergarten children with special needs. Formerly ESPE 6615; ESPE 615. (3 units)
ESPE 6639. Collaboration and Consultation in Special Education
Competencies and skills for collaborative and consultative roles to develop partnerships with students, professionals, paraprofessionals, families, and community agency personnel. The role of the education specialist as a teacher leader will be addressed. Formerly ESPE 6625; ESPE 625. (3 units)
ESPE 6642. Methods for Students with Mild to Moderate Support Needs I
Responsive, explicit, and systematic teaching and behavioral practices to collaboratively provide optimal learning opportunities for students with mild and moderate support needs to develop essential 21st-century skills. Formerly ESPE 642. (3 units)
ESPE 6643. Methods for Students with Mild to Moderate Support Needs II
The development of the knowledge and skills to promote social and emotional well-being of students with mild and moderate support needs and to empower students and families for a successful transition to post-secondary education, career, independent living, and community participation. Formerly ESPE 643. (3 units)
ESPE 6662. Methods for Students with Extensive Support Needs I
Person-centered planning, strength-based, and ecological assessment to develop IEP and ITP; evidence-based instructional supports for students with ESN; address the unique learning, sensory and access needs of students with physical/orthopedic disabilities, other health impairments, and multiple disabilities; environments that support communication and social interactions. Formerly 662. (3 units)
ESPE 6663. Methods for Students with Extensive Support Needs II
Transition planning and implementation for students with ESN; use of assistive technology and AAC to facilitate communication, curriculum access, and skills development; supporting mobility, sensory and/or specialized health care needs; community-based instructional environments; collaboration with other service providers. Formerly ESPE 663. (3 units)
ESPE 6665. Seminar in Special Education
Advanced seminar designed to review current issues and empirical research findings relating to the education of students with disabilities in preparation for the Comprehensive Exam in special education. Review of information regarding assessment, development and delivery of quality instruction, and providing appropriate support for use in regular and special education settings. Prerequisite: Classified admission and advanced to candidacy in the MS Special Education program for candidates who have declared the Comprehensive Exam option. (3 units)
ESPE 6672. Birth to Age Three Methods in Early Childhood Special Education
Contemporary theoretical, philosophical, legal, and empirical influences in Early Intervention. Screening, assessment, intervention and instructional strategies that are responsive to the individual needs of families who have children between birth and age three with disabilities (including children at risk and with low incidence disabilities). Special consideration of the assessment of parent priorities and resources, models of service delivery, collaboration, and supportive learning environments. Requires 45 hours of practice in early intervention settings. Formerly ESPE 672. (3 units)
ESPE 6673. Preschool through Kindergarten Methods in Early Childhood Special Education
Assessment, intervention and instructional strategies that are responsive to the individual needs of students in preschool through kindergarten with disabilities (including children with low incidence disabilities). Special consideration of models of service delivery, collaboration, and supportive learning environments. Formerly ESPE 673. (3 units)
ESPE 6980 Comprehensive Examination or ESPE 6960 Master’s Degree Project/Thesis
An assessment of the student's ability to integrate the knowledge of the area, show critical and independent thinking and demonstrate mastery of the subject matter. Prerequisites: advancement to candidacy, approval of department, completion of course work in the master's program, and in good academic standing. ESPE 6665 required for candidates who have selected the comprehensive exam option. (3 units)
Note: Education Specialist Credential holders returning for the M.S. degree will be required to complete an approved program of study consisting of a minimum of 21.0 additional semester units and a culminating experience (i.e., the comprehensive exam or thesis).