Requirements for Entrance into the Alternative Licensing Program

1. Candidates must have earned a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university.
2. Candidates must apply and be accepted to the Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction (MACI) .
3. Candidates must apply to the Colorado Department of Education (CDE) for a Statement of Eligibility (SOE) to be admitted to an alternative licensing program. The CDE determines the areas in which a candidate is qualified to teach.
4. The candidate must pass the state approved elementary content exam.
5. After a candidate has received the Statement of Eligibility (SOE) and secured a full-time teaching position in a public or private school, the candidate may apply for the Alternative Licensing Program: Special Education Generalist at CCU.

Alternative Licensing Professional Core Prerequisites

All applicants are required to have a background in the areas listed below. This background may be obtained through undergraduate or graduate coursework as demonstrated by the student’s official transcript or taken at CCU.

Introduction to Special Education - An introduction to the profession of special education focusing on the foundations of special education and current trends/issues. A candidate may start CCU’s Alternative Licensing SPED program before completing this requirement, but must complete it prior to registering for the second semester.

Reading Literacy - An introduction to scientifically-based methods of teaching reading to all students. A candidate may start CCU’s Alternative Licensing SPED program before meeting this requirement, but must finish prior to program completion and recommendation for licensure.
 

Alternative Licensing Program: Special Education Generalist Professional Core (23 credit hours)

• SED 502 - Collaboration, Partnerships, and Secondary Transition in Special Education (3)
• SED 503 - Classroom Management for Special Needs Students (3)
• SED 517 - Advanced Math Strategies for Intervention (3)
• SED 521 - Internship in Teaching I (1)
• SED 522 - Internship in Teaching II (1)
• SED 548 - Diagnostic Assessment/Evaluation of Students with Mild/Moderate Needs (3)
• SED 560 - Curriculum & Instruction for Students with Mild/Moderate Needs (3)
• SED 580 - Assistive and Technological Devices (3)
• SED 609 - Language Development: Disorders of Individuals with Special Needs (3)

Master’s Degree

Upon successful completion of the Alternative Licensing Program: Special Education Generalist, candidates may elect to apply 21 graduate education credits towards a Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction (MACI)  degree by submitting a Change of Program form.
 

Program Completion Requirements

1. Completion of 23 credits of professional core requirements.
2. A cumulative CCU grade point average of 3.0 or higher on the university’s 4.0 scale.
3. A grade of C or better in all professional core courses, and must consistently demonstrate professional disposition qualities, knowledge and skills in all coursework.
4. Compliance with CAGS residency requirements .
5. Completion of a License Completion Form.
6. A passing score on the state approved Special Education Generalist content exam.
7. Recommendation by the CAGS Division of Curriculum and Instruction Education dean for an Initial Teaching License by the Colorado Department of Education.
8. No outstanding financial obligations to the university.