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Human Development and Child Studies

Human Development and Child Studies
456 Pioneer Drive
Rochester , MI 48309-4482
(location map)
(248) 370-3077
Fax: (248) 370-4242
kid looking at the camera with two women and one other kid in the background

SPECIFIC LEARNING DISABILITY CERTIFICATE (SLD ENDORSEMENT)

The graduate certificate in Specific Learning Disability (SLD) is an 18-24 month program designed for individuals who currently have or are eligible to receive a teaching certificate in Michigan, and who wish to receive state certification (endorsement) in Specific Learning Disability.

All coursework/credits may apply to the M.Ed. in Special Education, if the requested transfer is made prior to completion of the certificate. A practicum in an approved classroom is required and included in the program. All graduate certificates in special education are now financial aid-eligible.

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Field Experience (practicum)
In partial fulfillment of the requirements to earn this credential, the Michigan Department of Education requires that candidates complete a minimum of 180 clock hours in an approved, supervised field experience, teaching students with specific learning disabilities. The field experience is offered as the final experience required for K-12 certification in SLD. The specific nature of the experience will be individually determined at the time of approval of the field experience request. For additional information and practicum requirements, visit the Field Experience/Endorsement Requirements webpage.

Admissions Criteria

  • Completion of an undergraduate or graduate degree
  • Minimum 3.0 (or higher) GPA
  • Hold (or be eligible for) a valid Michigan Teaching Certificate (elementary or secondary certification)
  • Demonstrate potential for success in the program

Locations
Most courses in this program are offered online. Two courses are held on campus in Rochester, and the practicum is completed in an approved SLD site.

Additional Information
Erica Ruegg, Ed.D.
425F Pawley Hall
(248) 370-2894
[email protected]

Endorsements can only be added to active teaching certificates. If your certificate has expired or you have applied for renewal, your renewal must be complete before the endorsement can be added. Once your endorsement program is complete and your official passing MTTC score has been released, follow the steps below to add your new endorsement.

  1. Apply for the new endorsement in MOECS.
  2. Submit a request for Recommendation for Additional Endorsement, as this begins the official audit process.
  3. Applications will typically be processed within 2-6 weeks from the date the application and all documentation are received - this timeline is dependent upon the number of applications in queue for audit at the time.
  4. MOECS will send an email prompting you to pay the state fee once your application has been approved. You can also log into MOECS and check the status of your application.
  5. Once MDE processes your payment, you can print your new certificate from within MOECS. Applications that include felony and misdemeanor paperwork require additional MDE review and will take longer to process. Refer to the following document for additional guidance: Adding Endorsements – Detailed MOECS Instructions.

If your program results in a university issued degree or certificate, you will also apply to Oakland for your degree or certificate to be awarded. Please contact Graduate Education or the program coordinator should you have questions regarding this process.