Special Education Endorsement Requirements
Students who wish to earn the Washington State primary endorsement in Special Education must already hold a Washington State teaching certificate. Applicants must also complete a total of 24 credits of required special education coursework. Specific courses include SPED 540, SPED 541, SPED 542, SPED 543, SPED 545, SPED 547, SPSY 564, and SPED 549. These courses may be completed through the M.Ed., Ed.S., or Endorsement Only programs in Special Education.
After August 2005, in order to obtain the special education endorsement, students must also pass the WEST-E test in special education. Students within the M.Ed. and Ed.S. programs may obtain their special education endorsement prior to the completion of their respective programs. For more information about the WEST-E, click here.
Requirements in each course specified above have been linked with competencies required by the State. Under limited circumstances, specific courses may be waived depending upon prior background and experience. In order to waive specific courses, applicants must document that requirements in each course were met. This documentation at a minimum must include official transcripts, course syllabi, and any other documentation regarding previous background or experience.
Students with extensive prior coursework in special education, who would like to know how many credits they are lacking towards a special education endorsement, may have their transcripts reviewed by the special education program director, Cinda Johnson. This may be done prior to or after admission to the program. To have transcripts reviewed, students should contact Cinda at cinda@seattleu.edu or 206-296-5888. Students without extensive prior coursework in special education do not need to fulfill this requirement.
Once students are admitted into the program, a plan of study will be set with the student’s advisor in order to complete the required coursework for the special education endorsement.
Note: Endorsements will only be granted for those students who have consistently demonstrated the professional conduct requirements listed in the Special Education Student Handbook.