Special Education Endorsement

Program details

Total credit hours: 18
Program length: Part time (summer and evening classes)
Program start date: June
This program is offered on the Lewis & Clark campus only
View the current program of study in the course catalog
Faculty coordinator: Vern Jones  503-768-6050 (contact directly with advising questions)

Lewis & Clark’s Special Education Endorsement Program was designed by a team of public school special educators collaborating with college faculty to provide a highly practical, skill-based program based on current research for educators interested in serving students with special needs. Faculty members are practicing special educators who have extensive backgrounds in current theories, research, and practice.

Lewis & Clark taught me how to challenge myself in ways I never knew possible, and the professors were like family. When you walk away, you know you have acquired something no one else will have.Program alumna

In the Special Education Endorsement Program, you will work with leaders in the field to:

• Observe, analyze and document the educational impact of disabilities
• Determine the applicability of scientifically based research to a variety of educational environments
• Analyze and use current assessment strategies
• Learn about instructional practices with demonstrated effectiveness in improving academic achievement and socially acceptable behavior of students with special needs.

Throughout the program, your knowledge and skills will be applied in school-based special education settings with eligible special education students. Endorsement candidates may use their current special education teaching assignment site as a practicum setting.

What to Expect

The Special Education endorsement provides 18 semester hours of opportunities to learn and/or refine skills in each aspect of the special education process from referral to reevaluation. Faculty are practicing special education professionals who approach courses and practica as opportunities to examine and solve the day-to-day questions and concerns of educating students with disabilities in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. Each course emphasizes research-based, interactive problem solving that is effective, efficient, practical, up-to-date, and skill-based; designed to ensure that graduates of the program are well equipped to serve students with special needs.

Why Study at LC?

The special education program is flexible, respecting the busy schedules of practicing educators, and providing an individualized course of study that accepts credit for a candidate’s previous special education coursework and/or special education experience. Small classes emphasize problem solving and collegial discussions.

About the Endorsement

Find out more about which Special Education endorsement is right for you, based on which teaching license you possess, using a special About the Endorsements page we have prepared for you.

Expectations for Admission

The Special Education Endorsement Program is primarily designed for educators who have or are eligible for an Oregon Initial or Continuing teaching license. The initial 8 credits of the special educator endorsement (SPED 510/626, SPED 511/629, SPED 516/628) may be taken before your application for formal admission has been accepted. You will need to complete a Special Student Application/ Registration Form for registration.

Teachers who hold an Initial Teaching License, Continuing Teaching License, Conditional Assignment Permit (CAP), or restricted license should apply for the Special Education Endorsement.

Before Lewis & Clark can recommend you to Oregon’s Teacher Standards and Practices Commission for an endorsement, you must apply and be admitted to the Graduate School of Education and Counseling.

Other Licenses

Teachers who hold a Basic or Standard teaching license can earn their Basic Exceptional Learner I endorsement at Lewis & Clark by completing the coursework required for the Special Education endorsement. TSPC then requires the completion of an additional 10 semester hours of coursework in special education to earn the Standard Exceptional Learner I endorsement. If you hold a Basic or Standard teaching license, we recommend contacting the program coordinator to discuss your course of study.

More about the Special Education and Basic Exceptional endorsements is available on the “About the Endorsements” page.

Apply Now

To find out more about the admissions process, as well as the requirements for admission, you can contact the Graduate School Office of Admission s at gseadmit@lclark.edu or 503-768-6200.

Talk to the Program Coordinator

For more information or to speak with the Special Education programs coordinator, please contact Vern Jones, jones@lclark.edu 503-768-6050.

For Current Students

 Program Planning Sheet

 Program Planning Sheet (Basic and Standard Exceptional Learner)

Required Test: NES (ORELA): Special Education (required after September 1, 2010) OR the PRAXIS II: Special Education: Knowledge-Based Core Principles (#20351) OR the PRAXIS II: Education of Exceptional Students: Core Content Knowledge (#20353) test (PRAXIS II tests must have been taken prior to Sept. 1, 2010).

 Program completed? Apply for your endorsement