Special Education
Special Education: Paraprofessional to Teacher
The Collaborative Online Paraeducator-to-Teacher Alternate Route has been approved to start in January 2008. At the present time, it will be offered as a one-time opportunity, with the possibility of continuing in the future if there is sufficient interest in the program. Twenty-eight Idaho paraeducators will be selected to participate in a one-time cohort of students, with seven candidates selected by each of the four participating institutions: Boise State University, Idaho State University, Lewis Clark State College, and University of Idaho. We are looking for qualified candidates who have a commitment to completing the program within four years. Interested paraeducators are encouraged to submit applications as soon as possible.
Special Education Minor and Standard Exceptional Child Certificate With Generalist Endorsement, Grades K-12
The Special Education Program prepares generalists rather than specialists in any one area of special education. The Exceptional Child Certificate enables a special education teacher to work with students with special and individual needs in grades K-12. This certificate allows teachers to work in a resource program or through inclusion in a regular classroom.
Students interested in the Exceptional Child Certificate must integrate the special education courses and internship into their elementary or secondary teacher education program. Teacher candidates must also complete certification in either elementary or secondary education. The Special Education Program may be integrated with a Reading minor. Students must pass both Praxis II exams for “Education of Exceptional Students” #0353 and #0542. Effective September 1, 2006, students must also pass the Praxis II exam #0014 “Elementary Education: Content Knowledge” for the Exceptional Child Certificate.
Early Childhood Special Education
This Special Education Program prepares individuals to work with young children with special and individual needs in K-12 school and early childhood settings. This program prepares generalist not specialists in any one area. Students interested in this minor will need to integrate the special education courses into their program and complete a 6 credit internship. Courses should be taken in order listed. Minor does not lead to K-12 Special Education Certification.