Prepares K-12 special educators at the graduate level with specific training in the areas of disabilities, assessment, interventions strategies, current law and the implementation of programs including development of legally defensible federal IDEA documents.

Graduates will have mastery of the Council for Exceptional Children standards for special education teachers: learner development and individual learning differences, learning environments, curricular content knowledge, assessment, instructional planning and strategies, professional learning and ethical practice and collaboration. The program will provide individuals who already possess, or are eligible for, a current Alaska teaching certificate or a bachelor’s degree and the necessary prerequisites, with specific training in the area of special education. The program prepares K-12 special education teachers who can effectively understand state and national education issues and respond appropriately. Special education candidates will progress through a series of developmentally sequenced field experiences for all ages, types and levels of abilities, including collaborative opportunities.

The program provides development in collaboration/consultation models and program development in multicultural settings. Completion of this program meets requirements for Alaska licensure as a K-12 special education teacher.

Admission Requirements for Certified Teachers

Complete the following admission requirements:

• Admission requirements for the graduate program.
• Current teaching certificate or equivalent course work towards an Alaska teaching certificate.

Prerequisite or corequisite: EDSE F482 or comparable transfer course from another institution

Admission Requirements for Initial Certification

1. Complete the following admission requirements:
   1. Admission requirements for the graduate program.
   2. Baccalaureate degree along with the following prerequisites:
      1. Documented recent experience (minimum 12 hours) in an educational setting with children experiencing disabilities.
      2. Submit ACT, SAT or GRE scores.
      3. UAF prerequisite or corequisite courses or comparable transfer courses. Courses may be completed prior to admission or during the program:

         Course List

         Code	Title	Credits
         ED F245	Child Development	3
         EDSE F482	Inclusive Classrooms for All Children	3
         Complete one of the following:		3
         ED F201	Introduction to Education
         ED F624	Foundations of Education in Alaska: From Segregation to Standards
         EDSC F205	Introduction to Secondary Education
         EDSC F415	Foundations of Modern Educational Practice

      4. An Alaska studies course approved by the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development. See http://education.alaska.gov/teachercertification/.
      5. A multicultural education/cross-cultural communication course approved by the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development. See http://education.alaska.gov/teachercertification/.
      6. Passing scores on the Praxis Academic Skills for Educators text (or Praxis I) or another test acceptable to the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development before or during the first semester of classes. Current test numbers and minimum scores can be found at https://education.alaska.gov/teachercertification/praxis
      7. Passing scores on the appropriate Praxis II Exam(s) required before entering EDSE F678. Current test numbers and minimum scores can be found at https://education.alaska.gov/teachercertification/pdf/content_area_exams.pdf. Candidates should consult the employing school district to determine preferred tests based on teaching assignment.
2. The following are recommended prior to admission or during the program. They are not required for the degree, but they are required for Alaska teacher certification:
   1. An Alaska studies course approved by the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development. See http://education.alaska.gov/teachercertification/.
   2. A multicultural education/cross-cultural communication course approved by the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development. See http://education.alaska.gov/teachercertification/.
3. All prerequisite or corequisite courses must be completed with a minimum final grade of B. 

Program Requirements for Certified Teachers

Minimum Requirements for Certification: 24 credits

Program Requirements for Initial Certification

Minimum Requirements for Certification: 27 credits

Note: Students who do not have a current Alaska teacher certificate must take 6 credits of clinical practice. Clinical practice courses are taken the last two semesters of the program. To enter the clinical practice, students must apply for authorization from the State of Alaska. This includes fingerprinting and a background check. Fingerprint clearance may take up to six months to complete. Submit the clinical practice application two semesters prior to the desired placement. Failure to comply with the requirement, falsification of information, or evidence of a criminal conviction that is named in the law or the Professional Teaching Practices Commission is considered an ethics violation. This will result in denied access to field placement in Alaska school districts. Authorization is required before clinical practice can begin.