Special Education Advocacy and Business Program - EDC-X700AA

Course Description

Credit Validation for NASET (The National Association of Special Education Teachers) Participants Only

Over 8 million students are currently IDEA-eligible, and a compliance crisis exists in the majority of states—trained, credentialed advocates are needed now more than ever.

The NASET Board Certification for Advocacy in Special Education (BCASE) with Business Certificate prepares practitioners with the legal knowledge, assessment literacy, and negotiation skills to advocate effectively at every stage of the special education process—from IEP meetings and evaluation reviews to mediation and due process hearings—while also developing the business and practice management skills needed to build a sustainable advocacy career.

Comprising 9 modules totaling 109 study hours, the program covers FAPE, LRE, IDEA, the Endrew F. standard, disability identification across all 13 categories, dispute resolution, and professional practice operations.

The program is delivered 100% online and is self-paced, utilizing video lectures, PowerPoint presentations, supplemental readings, and module exams requiring an 80% passing score.

Learner Outcomes

• Analyze federal special education law including IDEA, FAPE, LRE, and the Endrew F. standard and apply advocacy strategies to achieve equitable educational outcomes for students with disabilities
• Implement negotiation, mediation, and dispute resolution strategies including state complaints and due process proceedings to resolve special education conflicts effectively
• Establish and manage a sustainable special education advocacy practice through sound business planning, billing structures, marketing strategies, and professional client relationship management

Course Details

Number of Units: 0.5 - 8.5 graduate level extension credit(s) in semester hours. Please select your units at checkout. 

Who Should Attend: This course provides continuing education for NASET (The National Association of Special Education Teachers) Participants.

PLEASE READ ALL COURSE DETAILS

University of San Diego – Graduate-Level Extension Credit Information

The University of San Diego partners with this program to offer graduate-level extension credit(s) in semester hours through the Credit Validation Program. To earn units, participants must register for and successfully complete coursework through the external program provider.

Credits earned through USD’s Credit Validation Program are widely accepted by many school districts and universities across the United States for purposes such as license renewal, required professional development hours, short-term skill building, salary advancement, credentialing, and potential advanced degree pathways.

These units do not apply toward a master’s or higher degree program at the University of San Diego; however, they may be transferable to advanced degree programs (e.g., MA, EdD, PhD) at other institutions that accept external graduate-level credits.

Participants are responsible for confirming acceptance, transcript requirements, deadlines, and applicability of units with their employing district or intended institution prior to enrollment.

Directions to Enroll for Credit 

Step 1: Register with the Partner Organization (NASET)
NASET (The National Association of Special Education Teachers) Complete your registration directly with the partner organization. Follow their instructions to begin the course and pay any required enrollment fees.

• Homepage: NASET (The National Association of Special Education Teachers)
• Enroll: Become a Certified Advocate for Special Education
• Contact: careercenter@naset.org

Please Note: USD does not provide course materials, manage instruction, or assign grades. All coursework is evaluated by the program’s instructor or coordinator.

Step 2: Register for University Credit
After confirming your registration with the partner organization, return to USD’s website.

• Locate the same course on our listings page
• Click Add to Cart
• Click Check Out
• You will be prompted to either log into your USD Student Account or create one, and then pay for your units

If this course displays Request Information, it means the course is either not yet open for enrollment (please check the enrollment dates) or enrollment has already closed. If enrollment has closed, you may still contact the organization directly to see if they will accept a late enrollment or if the course will be offered again in the future.

Step 3: Complete the Course
Participate fully in the course through the partner organization and complete all required assignments, activities, and assessments.

Step 4: Submit your Certificate of Completion
After completing this course, you are required to submit your certificate of completion, which will be provided by your program. Please be sure to purchase your credits first, then email your certificate to pce-cv@sandiego.edu, including the course number in your message.

Step 5: Receive Your Transcript
Once your grade has been processed, USD will issue an official transcript reflecting your earned credit. Transcripts are mailed to the address listed in your USD student account. 

Transcript Process: Final grades submitted by the program provider will initiate the transcript process. Grades should be submitted within 7 days of the official course end date or the course enrollment deadline—whichever comes last. Participants are responsible for ensuring their mailing address is accurate and up to date in their USD student account to avoid delays in transcript delivery.

Transcript Delivery Timeline:

• U.S. addresses: 2–3 weeks
• International addresses: 3–4 weeks

For detailed information regarding the University of San Diego Credit Validation Program, please consult our Participant Guide.