Education Specialist Credential in Mild/Moderate Disabilities
Intern
Interns participate in a 4-semester supervised experience while teaching in their own classrooms under an intern credential. Interns are part of a cohort that meets every other week throughout their four-semester experience.
Student Teaching Requirements
Interns participate in 4 semesters of supervision while teaching in their own classrooms, Interns receive assistance and guidance from a credentialed, experienced teacher at their work site, as well as a university supervisor who leads their cohorted seminars.
Preparatory Coursework
Interns complete all their special education coursework during their internship. They are expected to develop a solid understanding of the skills and competencies of the special education professional while participating in their 4-semester experience.
Assessment of Interns
Observation Requirements
Interns are observed a minimum of 2 times each semester by their University Supervisor, and a minimum of 3 times by their Support Provider. The observer will fill out an Education Specialist Feedback Form, and discuss it with the student teacher before distributing the copies as indicated on the form. Informal observations and feedback should be conducted throughout both semesters as appropriate.
Expected Competencies
Interns are expected to achieve high levels of competency in each of the 6 California Standards for the Teaching Profession over the course of their internship.
- By the end of the fourth semester, they should be able to plan and implement all of the instructional, assessment and management responsibilities inherent in their job with proficiency.
Evaluations
Interns are evaluated on-line twice during each semester by their University Supervisor.
- Support Providers are not required to do formal evaluations for interns.
- By the end of their second semester, interns must receive an average score of 2.5 on the final evaluation, completed by their University Supervisor in collaboration with the Support Provider.
- By the end of their fourth semester, interns must receive an average score of 3.0 on the final evaluation, completed by their University Supervisor in collaboration with the Support Provider, with no scores of 1 on any competencies.
Inclusive Experiences
Interns must participate in at least 25 hours of observation/participation in an inclusive classroom environment during their 4-semester experience.
Other Expectations
Interns are expected to demonstrate competency in assessment of students with disabilities, writing of IEPs, IEP meetings, and other responsibilities of the special educator during their 4-semester internship.