The Master of Science in special education program is ideal for both students and professional teachers wishing to specialize in one of several areas of emphasis. You will study theory, research and best practices as you work toward additional teaching endorsements, an initial Illinois professional educator license or national certification, as determined by your specialization.This specialization prepares candidates to obtain an initial Illinois Professional Educator License with the crosscategorical Learning Behavior Specialist I endorsement. Candidates who successfully complete the program requirements and pass the state mandated Teacher Performance Assessment will have completed all required ISBE and CAEP standards for receiving university recommendation for licensure and special education endorsement in Learning Behavior Specialist I. This includes completing the Safety Tutorial prior to the first early clinical course, passing the Learning Behavior Specialist I content test and the General Education Curriculum test prior to student teaching, and passing the Teacher Performance Assessment (edTPA) during student teaching. Candidates who do not receive a passing score on the edTPA may opt to receive a degree without university recommendation for licensure or defer graduation until the edTPA is passed.