Introduction

The Special Education Generalist Endorsement is designed for currently licensed teachers seeking career advancement and the expertise needed to work effectively with students with special needs and from diverse backgrounds. The program is fully accredited by the Colorado Department of Education and guided by the Council for Exceptional Children's Professional Preparation Standards.

Recommendations for endorsements are made by the Special Education Program, but endorsement is granted by the state of Colorado. Individual state requirements vary and may include teaching experience and examinations in addition to a valid teaching credential. Students should consult with the Colorado Department of Education or if you’re applying for endorsement in another state, see https://education.ucdenver.edu/academic-services/student-resources/teacher-licensure

Students are responsible for reviewing the Special Education Resources website regularly, including the Handbook and SPED course rotation.

SPED Courses may be offered in online, hybrid, remote, or face-to-face formats. SPED course formats can vary by semester and some courses are offered only once per year.

If you’re required to complete internship, the Praxis Exam - 5354 “Special Education Core Knowledge & Application” must be passed prior to final internship.  Click here for information about preparing for the Praxis 5354.

CDE requires several Praxis exams for the Special Education Generalist Endorsement.  Full information of all of the Colorado Department of Education Praxis requirements for the Special Education Generalist Endorsement, can be found here by scrolling down to “Special Education Generalist Ages 5-21”.

Program Requirements

This course plan does NOT lead to MA degree.

Course List

Code	Title	Hours
Courses
Listed in recommended sequence
SPED 5030	Understanding (dis)Ability in Contemporary Classrooms 1	3
SPED 5300	Family, Professional, and Community Collaboration	3
SPED 5151	Slashing Stigmas: Promoting Positive Behaviors	3
SPED 5500	Transition and Secondary Methods in Special Education	3
SPED 5740	Intersections of Literacy, Culture, & Exceptionality	3
SPED 5780	Literacy Intervention for Exceptional Learners	3
SPED 5140	Assessment: Inquiry, Instruction, & Intervention	3
SPED 5010	Intentional Interventions for Exceptional Learners	3
Additional Courses as Necessary 2
Total Hours		24

¹

Waived if SPED 5030 Understanding (dis)Ability in Contemporary Classrooms or SPED 4030 was already completed via a different SEHD program

²

Based on a comprehensive record review (i.e. teaching experience & classroom placements), UEDU 5932 Internship & Lrng Comm II and/or UEDU 5933 Internship & Lrng Comm IIImay be required at the discretion of SPED program faculty.  Some students may also be required to complete prerequisite coursework in content areas, which is determined upon faculty review of program applicants.

Active Status

Students must complete their programs within seven years, maintaining a GPA of 3.0 (B average). Please refer to the Student Handbook for information on Academic Probation. Students typically take four courses each calendar year. Failure to enroll over three continuous semesters will result in a requirement to submit readmission materials.