USBE's Minimum Special Education Content Competencies

USBE has designed multiple pathways to ensure all Special Education teachers have the preparation, knowledge, and skills necessary to provide a free and appropriate education for all students. All educators working toward an associate educator license in Special Education (K-12) need to complete ONE of the pathways listed below. USBE tracks progress and completion of an educator's chosen pathway within the modules. Once you have chosen a pathway, please follow the steps below to begin the tracking process. At the successful completion of your chosen pathway, you will then apply for the associate license.

These options below are in addition to completing the Educator Licensing Pedagogical Modules, Special Education Law Training, Background Check, and Ethics Review.

Special Education K-12 License Area:

Option #1: DirectSTEP & USBE IEP Framework Training

Option #2: USBE Running Start (only available in the summer)

Option #3: Proof of Equivalency (BA or MA in special education)

Option #4, 5, & 6: Pass a Praxis Test

For K-12 Special Education (either endorsement area)- 5535

For K-12 Special Education with Mild/Moderate Endorsement- 5543

For K-12 Special Education with a Severe Endorsement- 5547

Preschool Special Education License Area:

Option #1: USBE SpEd Preschool Preparation Program (Canvas course)

Option #2: Pass a Praxis Test

For Preschool Special Education- 5692

To begin and for more detailed information, please sign up for the Minimum Special Education Content Competencies course:

Canvas Course:

If you do not yet have a USBE Canvas account: https://usbe.instructure.com/register and use the following join code: 7AB88B

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