Frequently Asked Questions
Make sure you have a list of the requirements for the Diploma in Special Education. This can be found on the web here. It is suggested that you print the Program Planning Guide found on the Diploma Web site and use it to record the courses completed along with the dates of completion. In this way you can always be sure that all of the pertinent information is available without needing to look up transcripts.
Why do I need 2 years of teaching experience before I can apply for admission to the special education diploma program? We believe that students with special needs present challenges that require the support of teachers with at least 2 years of classroom experience.
Can I complete the special education diploma through Distance Education? While some of the core courses and potential electives are available online, most are not at the present time.
What course should I take first? If possible, choose either EPSE 312 or 317 first, both of which are accepted as part of the core set of courses. These are introductory courses designed to give an overall view of Special Education. Both are considered prerequisites to other courses offered in the diploma program. Of the two, EPSE 317 is especially recommended since it focuses on teachers in regular classrooms. If neither EPSE 312 or 317 are available during your first semester, you may begin with another course.
What if I took EPSE 312, 317, or one of the core requirements as part of my B.Ed.? If you have already taken any of the core courses, you do not need to take them again. For every core course you have already taken, add 3 credits to the number of Special Education electives you need to take to meet the diploma requirements. For example, if you have already taken EPSE 317 and 403 (both core courses), you would need to add 6 additional credits of Educational Psychology/Special Education electives. In the end, you must have 30 credits in total to complete the diploma.
Do I need to take the introductory course, EPSE 312 or 317, if I have been teaching in a resource room? If you have a minimum of 2 years experience in a resource room or equivalent, send an email to Bette Shippam describing the school (name/location etc.), when you worked there as a resource teacher, and the types of students you supported. In most cases, the introductory course will be waived. You will then need to take 3 extra credits of Educational Psychology/Special Education electives.
What electives can I take? Do they all need approval? The credits of electives in Educational Psychology/Special Education are flexible, since this Diploma was designed to meet a variety of teaching needs. Any course with an EPSE designation is automatically approved. Courses from other departments in the Education Faculty are generally approved as long as they fit into the overall intent of Special Education. For example, courses in Reading, Composition, Math, Drama and Classroom Management for teachers are often recommended at all grade levels. The techniques offered in these classes will often address issues that are problematic for children with special needs. Other courses that appear to fit the needs of special education teachers range from ESL to how to use computers in content areas. Outside the Faculty of Education, courses within Human Kinetics, Psychology, Family Studies, or Social Work often provide background necessary for some teachers. An example of a questionable course would be a primary teacher wanting permission for an English course on "Chaucer and Old English." Please keep in mind the intent of the Diploma. As long as a course is directly applicable toward Special Education you do not need to ask for permission. However, if you are in doubt, please contact the diploma coordinator to inquire (Bette Shippam).
Can I use a course that I have already completed as an unclassified student? Yes, you can – if the course is a core course or an appropriate elective and and the credits were not used towards a degree or a previous diploma. The five year time limit for the completion of Diploma requirements will then start at the date you began this course. If you believe a course meets all of these criteria, email the Diploma Coordinator (bette.shippam@ubc.ca) to request that the course be considered part of your diploma program. When you make the request, be sure to include all pertinent information (course name and number, where completed, date completed, etc.)
Can I take a course from another University? If you’ve already completed a course from another university, it cannot be counted toward the Diploma. However, if you plan to take a course from another university in the future, complete the Letter of Permission to Transfer Coursework and send it to the Diploma Coordinator (bette.shippam@ubc.ca). You must do this at least 6 weeks in advance of registering for the course. This not only confirms that the course is approved toward the Diploma but gives information about arrangements needed to ensure that the credit appears on your UBC transcript. A sealed official transcript will be required from the offering university for every course completed there, for credit transfer.
What about Distance Education courses? You can take distance education courses through the Office of External Programs and Learning Technologies (EPLT) in the Faculty of Education, through UBC Distance Education or through other institutions such as the Thompson Rivers University (Open Division) or Athabasca University. All non-UBC courses require a Letter of Permission prior to registration. (See previous question).
When I have finished all my coursework, how do I make sure I am on the next graduation list? Graduation is NOT automatic. In January and July of each year you will be notified by the UBC Student Services of the deadlines in order to apply for graduation. When relevant to your completion date, you are required to follow the on-line instructions to apply for May or November graduation. These deadlines are strictly enforced.
Which school districts in British Columbia accept the diploma as qualification for special education positions or salary advancement? We do not know. Please contact the individual school district to get this information.
Can I take the diploma courses through Distance Education? Only two of the core courses (EPSE 317 & EPSE 403) are offered through Distance Education. All other core courses are offered at the UBC Vancouver campus only. Some elective courses may be offered online -- see http://www.eplt.educ.ubc.ca/.
