Requirements

We welcome paraeducators currently working in Idaho schools who want to obtain their teacher certification in special education. To be accepted into the program, you will need to fulfill the following requirements:

  • Recommendation of your school district administrator
  • Completion of AA/AS or higher degree, or equivalent credit (approximately 64 semester credits, or more)
  • Core certification in Idaho may be required
    • Core certification typically includes 6 credits of English 101/102, 12 credits in Arts and Humanities, 12 credits in Social Sciences, and 12 credits in Natural Science and Mathematics
    • If you have an academic associate degree from a regionally accredited college or university, you will be considered "core certified" in Idaho. However, students are still responsible for meeting all graduation requirements, including specific "core" courses required by the institution or department of your major.
    • If you haven't completed an associate degree, you will be granted credit based on a course-by-course review of your transcript. If you are transferring from an Idaho school, you may still be considered "core certified" when your transcript is stamped "core certified" by the Registrar's Office of your original institution.
  • 2.75 cumulative grade point average
  • Meet or exceed cut score on Praxis II Elementary Content Knowledge #0014 (cut score 143)
    • Information about this and other Praxis tests can be found on the following website: www.ets.org/praxis The site provides a description of the test, sample test items, information about test dates and locations, and advice on how to prepare for the exam.
    • It is recommended that you request that your scores be sent to all four of the participating institutions.
    • You may wish to consult with your institutional contact if you have questions about Praxis tests.
  • Successful completion of course content in a) Development and Individual Differences and b) Introduction to Special Education
    • If you not yet taken these courses, you must complete them within one year, in addition to other course offerings.
    • If needed, these two courses may be taken at the institution awarding your degree or at the College of Southern Idaho (CSI). The CSI courses are available online. Contact Tracey Meyerhoeffer at CSI for more information:

If you meet the above requirements, then you should apply for admittance to one of the following universities:

Boise State University
http://admissions.boisestate.edu/

Idaho State University
http://www.isu.edu/enroll/admissions/

Lewis Clark State College
http://www.lcsc.edu/admissions/

University of Idaho
http://www.students.uidaho.edu/admissions/

It is recommended that interested paraeducators apply to the institution of their choice as soon as possible.

Candidates must meet any additional requirements established by the institution. Upon acceptance by the institution and the alternate route, candidates must also apply for admission into the teacher education program at the institution. This will include demonstrating competence in using technology in the classroom. Additional requirements will vary; candidates should consult with the institutional contact for further information.