The Special Education add-on endorsement prepares teachers for working with students with disabilities in P-12. The program focuses on the use of specially designed instruction in school settings.

Through this program, certified Washington educators will be eligible to earn a P-12 Special Education endorsement upon successful completion of the WEST-E in Special Education (test 070) to add to their teaching certificate.

Admission Requirements

1. Have earned a baccalaureate degree (either a BA or BS) from an accredited institution of higher education.
2. Have earned a grade point average ≥3.0 on a 4-point scale during the final 90 quarter credits (or 60 semester credits) of enrolled coursework.
3. Submit a copy of an educator certificate.

Plan of Study 

Courses could be offered in different terms, checking with the academic department is paramount in keeping an individual plan current.

Expedited Pace Plan

Typical Pace Plan

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First half of term.

²

Second half of term.

Students who earn a Graduate Certificate in Special Education from EWU should be able to:

• Demonstrate advanced knowledge of theories, research, and practices in special education - Graduates will understand theoretical foundations, research‑supported instructional practices, and contemporary issues in special education, including equity and social justice for individuals with disabilities;
• Design, implement, and evaluate evidence‑based instructional and behavioral interventions - Graduates will develop and apply evidence‑based academic, behavioral, and social‑emotional interventions tailored to learners with diverse needs, including those with mild, moderate, and severe disabilities;
• Use assessment data to inform instructional decisions and monitor learner progress - Graduates will select, administer, and interpret formal and informal assessments to evaluate eligibility, guide instructional planning, and track the effectiveness of interventions;
• Design inclusive, culturally responsive, and developmentally appropriate learning environments - Graduates will create inclusive environments that support academic growth and social‑emotional learning and demonstrate culturally responsive educational practices that affirm learner identities;
• Understand and apply legal principles and policies related to special education - Graduates will demonstrate knowledge of IDEA/IDEIA, federal and state regulations, ethical obligations, and legal requirements governing special education services and student rights;
• Collaborate effectively with professionals, families, and community stakeholders - Graduates will work as part of multidisciplinary teams to support learners with disabilities and engage families and communities as partners in the educational process;
• Advocate for equitable, high‑quality educational opportunities for learners with disabilities - Graduates will demonstrate leadership and advocacy to promote inclusive practices, equitable policies, and access to effective services for individuals with disabilities across educational contexts;
• Demonstrate competence in specialized content such as RTI/MTSS, UDL, behavioral supports, transition, and early childhood or adolescent special education - Graduates will apply specialized knowledge across areas such as response‑to‑intervention, universal design for learning, behavioral health practices, transition planning, or age‑specific instructional strategies;
• Use research methods to inform practice and contribute to the improvement of special education services - Graduates will analyze and conduct educational research, engage in data‑based decision‑making, and apply research findings to improve teaching and learning outcomes;
• Engage in reflective, ethical, and professional practice - Graduates will demonstrate ethical decision‑making, reflective practice, and professional responsibility while working to meet the diverse needs of students with disabilities.