Welcome to the Special Education Department
Program Philosophy
The Deaf/Hard of Hearing specialization in the Department of Special Education is committed to providing students with an understanding of various communication/educational approaches and current applications, emphasizing the research basis for each approach. The program strongly supports a bilingual/bicultural approach, and facilitates the development of sensitivity on the part of future teachers in the field of Deaf Education toward the communication and cultural needs of deaf individuals. Candidates seeking a teaching credential in Deaf Education must demonstrate communicative competence in expressive and receptive American Sign Language. We are further committed to the appropriateness of a continuum of service options in order to meet the needs of deaf individuals, and believe that the individualization of placement and programs in the foundation of quality education.
The Education Specialist Credential in DHH is typically 49 units. All of our courses within the DHH Specialization are offered in the afternoons and evenings. The program begins with coursework in Special Education and General Education methods. Following that foundational coursework, students begin taking classes in the DHH Specialization area.
The Credential Office at CSUN provides a variety of services for people interested in obtaining credential information. While the faculty in DHH do the advising for DHH credential students, admission to the credential program begins with an application through the Credential Preparation Office. Forms and guidelines are available on their website. View that website for important information about admission criteria, dates of tests, and other frequently asked questions.
Traditional Course of Study
This is a post BA program for candidates in non-teaching or teaching positions interested in flexible scheduling.
View the Traditional Course of Study
Intern Course of Study
This is a post BA two-year Program (including summers) designed for teachers who are eligible for an intern credential and are hired in a cooperating school district.
View the Intern Course of Study
American Sign Language Proficiency Interview
The American Sign Language Proficiency Interview (ASLPI) is an evaluation adapted from the Language Proficiency Interview (LPI) developed by the Foreign Service Institute (FSI). The basic idea with this type of evaluation is to find out through an interview what an individual can do with the knowledge and skills he/she has in the target language at a given point in time.
View the ASLPI page
Faculty
Ellen Schneiderman, Ph.D.
Professor, Specialization Coordinator
Rachel Friedman Narr, Ph.D.
Professor
Professional Memberships
We advocate active participation in a variety of membership organizations. As a student, you may be eligible for a reduced membership fee. Consider joining:
Want more information about our programs? Please send us an inquiry.
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