Asynchronous Cross-Categorical Special Education

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Asynchronous Cross-Categorical Special Education, Licensing: Intellectual Disabilities, Emotional Disabilities and Learning Disabilities

Edgewood’s Asynchronous Cross-Categorical license program is for those interested in teaching Elementary, Middle, or High School Special Education for Middle Childhood through Adolescence (ages 6-21, typically grades 1-12). Our program is geared toward emergency-licensed teachers, career changers, recent college graduates, and working adults.

The initial licensure sequence includes 24 credits of coursework, supervised clinical field experiences, and supervised student teaching. These credits can then be applied toward a 30-credit Master of Arts in Education degree.

Classes are offered in 8-week sessions through an asynchronous format, which allows flexibility for students to access class materials based on your schedule. There will be a structure of lessons and submission deadlines, but no mandatory whole-class meetings in real time.

Program Requirements

The initial license sequence pairs foundations coursework with teaching methods classes, along with developmental pre-student teaching practicums and a semester of supervised student teaching.

Completion of this program is contingent on fulfilling the requirements of the 24-credit course sequence for licensure with a 3.0 cumulative GPA or higher, positive clinical and instructor evaluations, demonstrated growth through practicums and student teaching, a passing score on either the Wisconsin Foundations of Reading Test (FoRT) or the DPI-approved Edgewood College Alternative FoRT Reading Portfolio (see below), and successful passage of the teacher performance assessment in the final semester of the licensure sequence.

An additional 6 credits are required for a master’s degree in education.

DPI-approved Edgewood College Alternative FoRT Reading Portfolio

Successfully completing the approved FoRT Alternative requires that candidates pass AREDU 606 and AREDU 608 with a 3.0 grade point or above in each course. Students who earn a lower grade in one of those courses will need to retake that course. Students must complete a reading portfolio in each course documenting proficient ratings in Reading Assessment and Reading Planning and Instruction. During pre-student teaching practicum placements, students will be observed implementing reading instruction and assessment, and will receive reading coaching and feedback from a licensed Reading Specialist.

Required Courses

AREDU 603 - Development&Disability Child&Youth Minimum Credit(s) Awarded: 3
AREDU 605 - Diversity Transition Family Process Minimum Credit(s) Awarded: 3
AREDU 606 - CCSE Reading Literacy I Minimum Credit(s) Awarded: 3
AREDU 608 - CCSE Reading Literacy II Minimum Credit(s) Awarded: 3
AREDU 610 - Lang/Communication Development CCSE Minimum Credit(s) Awarded: 3
AREDU 612 - Assessment & Analysis of Disability Minimum Credit(s) Awarded: 3
AREDU 614 - CCSE Methods and Materials Minimum Credit(s) Awarded: 3
AREDU 751 - Reflections on Teaching Practice AR Minimum Credit(s) Awarded: 1.5

Required Clinical Experiences

AREDU 620 - Initial 8-Wk Practicum, AR Programs Minimum Credit(s) Awarded: 0
AREDU 622 - Advanced 8-Wk Practicum AR Programs Minimum Credit(s) Awarded: 0
AREDU 753 - CCSE Student Teaching AR Programs Minimum Credit(s) Awarded: 1.5
These clinical hours fulfill degree completion and certification requirements for licensure as a teacher. Clinical evaluations are aligned to the Wisconsin Educator Standards. The Office of Clinical Experiences coordinates practicum placement, observation, and assessment, and can be contacted via email at DivisionofEducationClinicalOffice@edgewood.edu.