Special Education Educator Preparation Program
The Special Education Educator Preparation Program (SpEd EPP) is a specialized educator certification program focused on preparing candidates to effectively support students with disabilities across diverse educational settings. The program provides comprehensive preparation in special education law, instructional design, assessment practices, inclusive education, and collaborative service delivery to ensure educators are equipped to meet the academic and functional needs of learners with disabilities.
The curriculum is aligned with educator preparation standards established by the Texas Education Agency and prepares candidates for the TExES Special Education Specialist EC–12 (186) certification examination. Through structured coursework, supervised clinical experiences, and professional competency development, candidates gain the knowledge and practical skills necessary to implement compliant Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), utilize data-driven instructional practices, and collaborate effectively with families, administrators, and multidisciplinary teams.
Through this comprehensive preparation model, the SpEd EPP seeks to develop highly skilled, ethically grounded educators who are prepared to deliver effective, inclusive, and legally compliant special education services that improve outcomes for students with disabilities.
Special Education
Specialist (EC-12) Texas 186 EXAM
The TExES Special Education Specialist EC–12 (186) is the state certification examination required for educators seeking to serve as special education specialists for students from early childhood through grade 12 in Texas public schools. The exam evaluates whether candidates possess the knowledge, skills, and professional competencies necessary to effectively support students with disabilities and implement legally compliant special education services.
The exam is computer-administered and consists of 90 selected-response questions and one constructed-response question, with a total testing time of approximately five hours. The assessment measures a candidate’s readiness to perform the responsibilities of a beginning special education teacher, including instructional planning, assessment, legal compliance, and collaboration with families and multidisciplinary teams.
TExES Special Education Specialist EC–12 (186)
FIVE CONTENT DOMAINS
The test framework is organized into five content domains, each representing critical areas of professional practice in special education:
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Legal and Ethical Guidelines and Knowledge of Learners – Focuses on federal and state special education laws, including IDEA and related policies, as well as understanding the characteristics and needs of students with disabilities.
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Assessment and Program Planning – Examines the educator’s ability to conduct and interpret assessments, determine eligibility, and develop individualized programs such as IEPs.
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Curricular Knowledge and Instructional Practices – Evaluates strategies for delivering specialized instruction, modifying curriculum, managing behavior, and promoting student learning across content areas.
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Professional Collaboration, Learning, and Responsibilities – Measures the ability to collaborate with families, educators, and service providers while fulfilling ethical and professional responsibilities.
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Analysis and Response – Requires candidates to analyze student data and develop written responses outlining instructional strategies, interventions, and progress-monitoring approaches.
Overall, the TExES Special Education Specialist EC–12 (186) exam ensures that educators entering the field of special education in Texas demonstrate the professional knowledge required to design individualized instruction, support inclusive educational environments, and improve outcomes for students with disabilities.
Courses Catalog
Special Education Educator Preparation Program
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