Research & Projects

The Special Education Department has obtained federal grant funding designed to increase the number of highly qualified special education teachers and school counselors who are prepared to meet the educational needs of the diverse student population of the Southern California region.

The grants provide scholarship support to students pursuing a Preliminary or Clear Education Specialist special education teaching credential, or an M.A. in Special Education at San Diego State University.

Each grant focuses on cultural and linguistic diversity as well as an additional specialized emphasis. Each grant provides significant scholarship support to students who are admitted to the grant cohort. 

Descriptions of the grants are provided below:

  • CAPTAIN San Diego/Imperial County
    The California Autism Professional Training and Information Network (CAPTAIN) is a cross-agency network developed to support the understanding and use of evidence-based practices for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) across the state of California. CAPTAIN San Diego/ Imperial Counties is the regional branch of the statewide organization.
  • LEND
    The purpose of the San Diego LEND program is to provide interdisciplinary and leadership training to graduate and post graduate trainees, practicing professionals, family members, and self-advocates focused on promoting equity in access to evidence-based services for individuals with autism spectrum disorder or other developmental disorders (ASD/DD).
  • Project OCEANSIDE
    Is a five-year initiative funded by the Office of Special Education Programs at the U.S. Department of Education. The federal grant supports the development of a new dual credential program that is committed to increasing the number of dual-credentialed educators. Through this initiative, it will develop a new teacher preparation program at SDSU for candidates to receive their preliminary teaching credentials in both the Multiple Subject (general education) and Education Specialist (special education).
  • Project PARTNERS
    Funded by a federal grant, this initiative supports doctoral students specializing in special education at SDSU and partner universities strategically chosen to address leadership needs in urban and rural communities. SDSU’s Ed.D. program in educational leadership prepares school principals, district superintendents, and other administrators. Collaborating with Ph.D. students at partner institutions, the program seeks to create a nationwide network of future university and school leaders committed to enhancing educational opportunities for students with disabilities.
  • Project PERSPECTIVES
    San Diego State University offers two pathways aspiring early childhood special education teacher candidates with full financial support: a bachelor's degree and preliminary teaching credential in just four years through the Integrated Teacher Education Program (ITEP), or a one-year post-bachelor credential program. Project PERSPECTIVES supports students every step of the way.
  • Project PIPELINES
    Project PIPELINES (Preparing Intervention Personnel as Early LearnIng Navigators using Evidence-based Strategies) provides professional development and support to community college faculty who are preparing early childhood educators so that they have the knowledge and skills to teach students enrolled in their courses how to maximize the potential of young children with disabilities, including dual language learners, and provide support to families living in the diverse communities served by the college. 
  • SPLASH!
    Funded by a federal grant, Project SPLASH! addresses the critical shortage of special education teachers in high-need San Diego County districts through a collaborative effort involving SDSU and local school districts. The program recruits and prepares community-based candidates for the Educational Specialist Instructional Credential, emphasizing culturally and linguistically responsive pedagogy. This initiative seeks to enhance educational equity for students with disabilities and strengthen the capacity of local educational systems.
  • US PREP

Past Projects - Archive

Learn about past projects of the Department of Special Education.