Special Education Alternative Licensure Program

About this Program

The Special Education Alternative Licensure Program (ALP SED) is a two-year program designed for candidates teaching special education.

 

PRIOR TO ENROLLMENT

ALP SED candidates must:

• Have been hired as a full-time teacher in any Colorado Front Range area public school district, public or private charter school, or accredited private school
• Pass the PRAXIS #5901 – Three Subtests in Mathematics, Social Studies, and Science
• Meet the Colorado Department of Education ALP requirements
• Attend a two-week Summer Seminar in July

 

ALP SED REQUIREMENTS

Year 1

• Attend MSU Denver ALP SED classes and complete Special Education coursework
• Demonstrate proficiency on all Colorado Teacher Quality Standards for Colorado Special Education Generalist
• Complete a four-week summer practicum at the end of Year 1
• Face-to-face coaching
• Face-to-face with some online classes

Year 2

• Attend MSU Denver ALP SED classes and complete Special Education coursework
• Complete a Teacher Work Sample and Portfolio
• Pass the PRAXIS #5354 Special Education Core Knowledge
• Pass the PRAXIS #5205 Teaching Reading: Elementary
• Face-to-face coaching
• Face-to-face with some online classes

 

CURRICULUM

• Teacher Candidates enrolled in ALP SED complete 48 hours of special education coursework during the two-week summer seminar in July of the first year, at weekly classes for two years and during a four-week summer practicum between years one and two.
• Teacher Candidates will be eligible for the Initial Special Education Generalist License from the Colorado Department of Education when they have successfully completed the ALP SED program and achieved a passing score on the Special Education PRAXIS #5354.
• MSU Denver course curriculum includes:
  • Classroom procedures and routines
  • Behavior management
  • Short and long-range lesson planning
  • Methods for teaching students with disabilities
  • Special education law
  • Assessment
  • Literacy and mathematics instruction
  • Differentiated instruction

 

CLASS SCHEDULE

• All ALP SED candidates are required to attend a two-week summer seminar in July.
• During the school year, candidates must attend classes held every Tuesday from 5:15pm – 8:15pm.

Program Accreditation

MSU Denver’s teacher licensure programs are approved by the Colorado State Board of Education and the Colorado Department of Higher Education.