Moderate/Severe Disabilities Credential FAQ
- What is the focus of the credential in Moderate to Severe Disabilities?
What students will I be more likely to teach? - I know I want to be a teacher but I am still not sure if I want to focus on working with students with Moderate to Severe Disabilities. What should I do?
- Who are the Main Course Instructors in the Moderate to Severe Credential Program?
- Who will be my faculty advisor?
- How can I get further information?
- Can I transfer credit from an out-of-state credential or degree, or from another California University?
What is the focus of the credential in Moderate to Severe Disabilities?
What students will I be more likely to teach?
Candidates who complete the requirements for the Specialist Credential in Moderate to Severe Disabilities are able to teach students enrolled in grades Kindergarten through Grade 12 who are considered to have moderate to severe disabilities. Candidates who are interested in working with young children with moderate to severe disabilities in early intervention or preschool settings only may be interested in the Specialist Credential in Early Childhood offered by the Department of Special Education. The department also offers a Certificate in Early Childhood for those teachers who have completed the requirements for a K through 12 credential in moderate to severe disabilities but would like the option of also working with younger children. Candidates who are interested in working primarily with students who have physical disabilities may be interested in the Specialist Credential Program in Physical and Health Impairments offered by the Department of Special Education.
The State of California describes the following disabilities as those categorized as moderate to severe: autism, moderate to severe mental retardation, deaf-blindness, multiple disabilities, and serious emotional disturbance. The State acknowledges that individuals with emotional disturbance can have mild, moderate or severe disabilities, and requires that information relevant for teachers of these students be a part of both Mild to Moderate and Moderate to Severe credential programs. Although all credential candidates in the Department of Special Education at SDSU take some courses together so that they are introduced to general education curriculum and modifications, there is a greater emphasis on reading, math and other curriculum issues in the Mild to Moderate credential program and therefore, we recommend candidates who are interested in teaching students with emotional disturbance obtain the Mild/Moderate Credential. Students with autism may have mild to severe disabilities. However, there are courses offered in the Moderate to Severe credential program in the Department of Special Education that are relevant for students with this classification, such as Adapting Communication Systems for Students with Moderate/Severe Disabilities. Therefore, we recommend that candidates who are interested in working with students with autism obtain the credential in Moderate to Severe Disabilities. Candidates enrolled at SDSU as well as teachers and other specialists who are interested in a focus on autism can enroll in the elective courses on autism offered by the Department.
It is frequently very helpful if teachers of students with moderate to severe disabilities know how to identify curriculum and modify materials in order to best meet the student's individual needs. Therefore, the focus of the program is on working with each student's strengths in order to arrange for an educational environment that maximizes learning. Candidates learn to work with families, students and other team members in order to prioritize objectives, create relevant lessons and monitor student progress. Courses in all department credential programs were developed according to the State Standards for Teacher Credentialing.
I know I want to be a teacher but I am still not sure if I want to focus on working with students with Moderate to Severe Disabilities. What should I do?
One of the prerequisite courses (see General Information) for all of the credential programs, SPED 502, is a course that requires you to complete field visits to classrooms. You can use this opportunity to visit a variety of classrooms and meet the teachers and students. This will help you decide what type of teaching experience is right for you.
Who are the Main Course Instructors in the Moderate to Severe Credential Program?
There are three full-time faculty members that have their main focus on teaching individuals with moderate to severe disabilities. They both act as student advisors in this program.
Dr. Laura J. Hall's focus is on young children and elementary-aged students with a particular interest in communication and social interaction. See her faculty web-page for background and research interests. Although courses taught by faculty change from year to year, Dr. Hall is most likely to teach the following courses in the Moderate to Severe credential program: Assessment: Early Childhood Special Education and Moderate/Severe Disabilities: Adapting Communication Systems for Students with Moderate/Severe Disabilities; Curriculum and Instruction for Students with Moderate to Severe Disabilities; Issues in Autism: and Communication and Collaboration in Special Education. She also supervises Masters students who conduct their Masters projects with a focus on moderate to severe disabilities.
Dr. John Johnson's focus is on older students and issues related to transition to employment. Dr. Johnson is clear that we need to begin to address vocational skills and career planning when students are young and that self-determination is a process that is never too early to begin. See his faculty web-page for background information and research interests. Although courses taught by faculty change from year to year, Dr. Johnson is most likely to teach the following courses in the Moderate to Severe credential program: Curriculum and Instruction for Students with Moderate to Severe Disabilities; Characteristics and Education of Students with Physical, Health, and Sensory Impairments; and Adapting Curriculum for Community Involvement and Generalization. He also supervises Masters students who conduct their Masters projects with a focus on moderate to severe disabilities.
Dr. Bonnie Kraemer is the Coordinator of the Moderate/Severe program.
Who will be my faculty advisor?
After you apply to the Department of Special Education and complete the prerequisite requirements you will receive a letter of acceptance from the department that will be either an unconditional acceptance (when all the requirements have been completed) or conditional (most frequently the case) when you need to complete some requirements. This letter will also indicate the name of your faculty advisor.
How can I get further information?
Your first step towards further information would be to attend a group advising session offered by the Department of Special Education when the requirements and courses for all the credentials will be described.
Can I transfer credit from an out-of-state credential or degree, or from another California University?
This question is addressed on an individual basis. If you plan to teach students with moderate to severe disabilities, make an appointment with Dr. Bonnie Kraemer, (619) 594-3492 and bring copies of your transcripts and course descriptions in order to begin to discuss the process of accepting course substitutions from outside SDSU.