Roosevelt University specializes in preparing teachers to teach children with exceptional learning needs within the LBS1 spectrum. The addition of an LBS1 endorsement to a teaching license is very useful for CPS teachers because the district utilizes a model of inclusion for students with disabilities.

Two core courses are required for the LBS1 endorsement.  The first of these two courses is typically waived since most teachers complete it when they earn their teaching license.

SPED 319/419, Survey of Exceptional Children (3 credit hours)

SPED 340/440, Assessment in Special Education (3 credit hours)

Two other four credit hour courses are required. Students must choose one course from Category A below, and one course from Category B.

Category A

SPED 342/442: Characteristics and Methods of Teaching Students with Disabilities: Cognitive Disabilities (20 field hours)

SPED 345/445: Characteristics and Methods of Teaching Students with Disabilities: Physical Disabilities and Other Health Impairments (20 field hours)

Category B

SPED 343/443: Characteristics and Methods of Teaching Students with Disabilities: Behavior Problems (20 field hours)

SPED 346/446: Characteristics and Methods of Teaching Students with Disabilities: Perception and Other Specific Learning Disabilities (20 field hours)

Effective until December 31, 2018, Roosevelt will waive all fees and provide CPS teachers with a 57% tuition reduction on the courses that count toward the LBS1 endorsement.  CPS teachers pay only $360 a credit hour for these courses.  A typical LBS1 endorsement is 11 credit hours, or $3,960.  This is the total cost of this non-degree program.

All of the requirements to obtain an LBS1 endorsement from the State of Illinois can be completed during the summer semester, or over the duration of the academic year. During the summer semester, all LBS1 endorsement courses are offered either in a 1-week, intensive format, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. or online in a semester long format. During the fall and spring semesters, courses are offered online. Both undergraduates and graduate students may enroll in these courses.