Learning Disabilities Endorsement

Certified teachers may obtain an endorsement in learning disabilities (Code SM) by pursuing a master of arts in education degree with a concentration in learning disabilities (LD). Those not seeking the master of arts in education degree may elect to pursue the endorsement only. The faculty adviser will offer direction to the student in creating a plan for each program and, if applicable, evaluate undergraduate and graduate credits to determine equivalencies of any prior work.

Students entering this preparatory program are required to have taught for at least one year.

Courses listed below are required of all students seeking the endorsement.

For department information or additional degree requirements, go to the Education, Leadership and Public Service department page.

Total Credits Required 33 Credits

Tier 1 Courses 12 Credits

ED 560 - Issues and Trends in Special Education Credits: 3
*Exempt if taken with prior endorsement and department approval
ED 561 - Collaboration in Special Education (Courses) Credits: 2
ED 562 - Introduction to Learning Disabilities Credits: 3
ED 571 - Diagnosis and Treatment of Reading Disabilities Credits: 4 (approved by the State of Michigan to meet the PA 32 reading requirement for professional certification)

Tier 2 Courses 17 Credits

ED 558 - Teaching of Reading: Methods for Students with Learning Disabilities Credits: 4
ED 566 - Classroom Management: Methods for Students with Learning Disabilities Credits: 3
*Exempt if taken with prior endorsement and department approval
ED 567 - Teaching of Math: Methods for Students with Learning Disabilities Credits: 3
ED 581 - Oral and Written Expression: Methods for Students with Learning Disabilities Credits: 3
ED 587 - Assessment in Special Education: Methods for Assessing Students with Credits: 4

Tier 3 Courses 4 Credits

NOTE: All courses from Tier 1 and Tier 2 must be completed before starting Tier 3

ED 568 Internship for Teaching Students with Learning Disabilities Credits: 3
ED 569 Seminar in Teaching Students with Learning Disabilities Credits: 1

NOTE: ED 568 and ED 569 must be taken during the same semester

* Students who already satisfy these requirements, whether from undergraduate preparation or through another area of endorsement, would not be required to include them in their plan, and appropriate electives, if needed, would be substituted.

Note: To obtain the additional endorsement in learning disabilities (K-12) from the State of Michigan, students must pass the Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC) in Learning Disabilities and file the appropriate application at www.michigan.gov/moecs