Elementary Education Academic Behavior Strategist
Academic Behavior Strategist Special Education Licensure Options
The Academic Behavior Strategist (ABS) Special Education Licensure Option at MSUM prepares candidates to work as special education teachers in K-12 settings. The ABS license in Minnesota is a cross-categorical special education license covering four disability areas at the mild to moderate level: specific learning disabilities, emotional/behavioral disorders, high-functioning autism, and developmental/cognitive disabilities. In combination with a regular education major, ABS coursework prepares teacher candidates to serve K-12 students with any of the four disabilities in a variety of settings.
Teacher candidates who want to pursue the ABS licensure option must declare a Secondary/K-12 Teacher Education major (e.g., Communication Arts and Literature, Art Education) or Elementary Inclusive Education. Depending on student’s choice of major (Secondary/K-12 or Elementary) students will complete additional course requirements to meet qualifications to apply for an ABS license. Below is a sample of required courses for the Secondary/K-12 option and the Elementary Inclusive Education option:
*Note: The classes listed in the table are not the official requirements and are subject to change.
Academic Behavior Strategist Special Education Licensure Option Requirements
Currently, the state of Minnesota requires individuals who hold the ABS license as an initial special education license to add-on a specific license in one of four disability categories (specific learning disabilities, emotional/behavioral disorders, autism, or developmental/cognitive disabilities) within five years of initial licensure. This requirement provides the opportunity for teachers to extend their knowledge and expertise in each specific disability area across the span of mild to severe. Opportunities to complete this requirement are available at MSUM through our online graduate programs.
Teacher candidates who are interested in pursuing the ABS licensure option should speak with their academic advisor. Teacher candidates should also speak with the ABS undergraduate coordinator to determine an appropriate course sequence to meet the ABS requirements.
Enrollment in a MSUM teacher licensure program means candidates meet specific requirements to enable licensure application at graduation.