Academic Requirements

Course Descriptions

The following course descriptions are intended to assist you in determining which classes can be used to fulfill specific requirements.

Curriculum, Methods, and Remediation Techniques Relating to Individuals with Reading and Learning Differences - Three courses, 3 units each

These courses must include program planning, remediation techniques, adaptation of curriculum, and program evaluation. One course must specifically address the identification and remediation of reading disorders and include a multi-sensorial technique or program for remediation. This reading remediation course cannot be counted towards the General Reading requirement. Examples of course titles may include:

  • Diagnosis and Remediation of Reading Disabilities
  • Reading Disabilities
  • Reading for the Special Needs Child
  • Adapting Reading Strategies for the Special Needs Child
  • Remediation of Reading Disabilities
  • Correcting Reading Disabilities
  • Math Instruction for Special Needs Students
  • Strategies for Remediation of Reading Disabilities
  • *Orton-Gillingham
  • *Lindamood-Bell LIPs
  • *Slingerland
  • *Wilson Reading System
  • *Language!
  • Technology Strategies for Special Needs Classes
  • Adaptation of (curriculum area) in Special Education
  • Language Learning – Language Instruction In Special Education

*Activities with asterisks are specific programs that are taught in workshops as opposed to semester-long classroom courses. To fill one of the three Remedial Curriculum requirements, the applicant may combine workshops to add up to 40 hours.

Diagnosis & Assessment of Individuals with Reading & Learning Differences - Two courses, 3 units each

The courses must cover the foundations of formal (standardized) and informal test development, administration, and interpretation. These courses are usually presented sequentially, beginning with a basic course and followed with an advanced and/or practicum course. Examples of course titles may include:

  • Assessment in Special Education
  • Tests and Measurement in Special Education
  • Foundations in Educational Assessment
  • Assessing the Special Needs Child
  • Woodcock-Johnson Test Administration and Interpretation

Human Learning - One course, 3 units

This type of course focuses specifically on the learning process, meaning how do we learn. It can include the psychological and emotional aspects of learning as well as such things as information processing, and social impacts. Piaget's perspective is often covered in a course such as this.  Examples of course titles may include:

  • Human Learning
  • Cognitive and Psychological Development
  • Human Development and Learning
  • Psychology of Learning
  • Educational Psychology (focused on Learning)
  • How Children Learn/Develop

Overview of Special Education - One course, 3 units

This course must cover the characteristics of children categorized as having learning differences such as being gifted, mentally retarded, emotionally disturbed, or neurologically impaired. Sensory and motor disturbances and speech and language impairments are included. The course must also incorporate information regarding federal laws for individuals with special needs. Examples of course titles may include:

  • The Exceptional Child
  • Mainstreaming the Exceptional Child
  • Overview of the Child with Special Needs
  • Introduction to Special Education

Psychoeducational Interventions Combining Educational and Psychological Techniques- One course, 3 units

This requirement in particular does not need to be met with an actual class, but can be experience related

This area is typically fulfilled by an applicant’s practicum experience. Documentation should include counseling techniques for working with the family, school, and student, which help support the student’s learning. Documentation (such as supervisor’s notes, practicum or field work requirements, and/or coursework) should demonstrate that supervised experience was obtained in working with schools, families and allied professionals. Some examples of courses in this area are titled:  

  • Principles of Educational Therapy
  • Working with Parents of Special Needs Children
  • Counseling Techniques in Special Education
  • Special Education Child and Family
  • Behavioral Strategies in Special Education
  • Guidance of the Special Needs Child and Family
  • Advocacy in Special Education

General Reading—One course, 3 units

This course must be related to teaching general reading, not reading remediation, and must include phonological skills. 

Child/Adolescent (Human) Development—One course, 3 units

This course is broader than Human Learning, and typically involves the physical, cognitive, emotional, and psychological stages of development from birth to adulthood. Examples of course titles may included

  • Human Development
  • Child Development
  • Adolescent Development