Support urged for proposed special ed credential  

The California Commission on Teacher Credentialing is accepting comment this month on a proposed Education Specialist: Communication Development Credential that would help reduce the acute shortage of speech and language credentialed teachers and make it easier to provide the specialized services needed for students with intense speech and language needs.

The existing Speech and Language Credential offered through the Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Board requires a master's degree and major training in a clinical setting. Few of those programs are available, and many professionals who earn that license find employment in hospitals and private clinics instead of choosing to work in public schools.

"The new credential would not require the master's degree and hospital-oriented training that essentially causes schools to compete with the more richly paid clinic and hospital environments," noted Stephanie Farland, senior research and policy consultant in CSBA's Policy Analysis Department.

"Training for this new credential would not require the advanced degree and would focus on the full range of communication and language development skills taught and remediated in the schools. The curriculum would focus on school-based issues and the knowledge and skills necessary to work with children who have language delays and disorders."

The CTC will consider the proposed credential and other special education issues at its Dec. 5-6 meeting in Sacramento. Farland urged supporters of the proposed Education Specialist: Communication Development Credential to write to CTC chair David Pearson, Ph.D. and recommend that the commission proceed with the development of the skills, knowledge and abilities and standards needed.

Letters must be either faxed or postmarked by Nov. 30. Faxes may be sent to 916-445-0570; the address for letters is:

Dr. David Pearson, Chair
Commission on Teacher Credentialing
1900 Capitol Avenue
Sacramento, CA 95811