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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 & 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:

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:

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:

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:  

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