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The Crucial Piece in Special Ed Diagnosis: Certification

Wednesday, November 13, 2024 | 8:00 AM

Educator helping student

Without the right certification, many educators are left feeling stuck—constantly referring students out for testing rather than stepping in to offer support themselves.  

It’s a frustrating cycle.  

And while they’re tied up in red tape, students with special needs are left waiting for help that should be immediate. 

So, what’s the missing piece? The answer lies in becoming an Educational Diagnostician. 

Understanding the Role of an Educational Diagnostician 

Educational diagnosticians aren’t just “another” type of educator. They are the experts who specialize in uncovering learning challenges and figuring out why some students struggle while others soar.  

Consider this: when a student in a regular classroom shows signs of a learning disability, teachers many times have few options. They can adapt lesson plans, suggest new strategies, and provide emotional support, but without the right certification, they can’t make an official diagnosis. So, educators find themselves referring students out for evaluations—kicking off a process that can sometimes take months, if not longer. 

Another thing that’s concerning is who ends up being evaluated and how their needs are categorized. In a recent study, white students are more likely to receive special education services for what are considered “higher-status” disabilities, like autism or learning disabilities, while Black, Latinx, and Indigenous students are funneled into categories like “emotional disturbance” or “intellectual disability.” The distinction may seem small, but it has a big impact. This can determine how much support a student gets to how they are treated by other students, teachers, and even their own families. 

What’s more, boys—regardless of race—are more likely to receive special education services than girls, highlighting another concern that doesn’t get talked about as much. This is where an Educational Diagnostician can make a difference. Having someone trained and certified to conduct these assessments on-site doesn’t just mean faster evaluations—it means fairer ones too.  

The Growing Need for Educational Diagnosticians 

The demand for educational diagnosticians has surged in recent years. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, 7.5 million children between the ages of 3 and 21 received services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act during the 2022-2023 school year—equivalent to 15% of all public school students. 

As awareness of learning disabilities continues to grow and school districts strive to meet the needs of their student populations, the demand for certified educational diagnosticians will only increase.  

Why Become an Educational Diagnostician? 

  1. Make a Significant Difference: As an educational diagnostician, you become an advocate and problem-solver for students with learning and behavioral challenges. It’s about identifying barriers and finding solutions that set students on the path to success, turning every assessment into a chance to unlock potential and transform lives.
  2. Lucrative and Rewarding Career: Educational diagnosticians can expect a competitive salary range. According to ZipRecruiter, the average annual salary for an educational diagnostician is $65,353, but salaries can reach as high as $97,000 depending on location, experience, and institution type.
  3. Bright Job Outlook: Given the shortage of certified professionals in special education, the job outlook for educational diagnosticians is bright. Many schools are in desperate need of these specialists, making this a great time to enter the field.
  4. Diverse Career Paths: Beyond working as an educational diagnostician, this certification can open doors to other roles, such as special education teachers, school counselors, and behavioral analysts. Your skills and expertise can be applied in various capacities within educational settings.

Why Choose UTRGV’s Educational Diagnostician Certification - Online Program? 

UTRGV’s Educational Diagnostician Certification - Online Program is designed to prepare certified teachers for certification as Educational Diagnosticians in Texas. The program follows the professional standards set by the Council for Exceptional Children, ensuring that you receive high-quality training that meets industry standards. 

The program consists of 15 credit hours, including courses such as: 

  • EPSY 6380: Introduction to Cognitive and Academic Assessment: This course provides an in-depth understanding of educational and clinical applications of individual assessments, as well as diagnostic measures of intelligence and academic achievement. 
  • EPSY 6381: Advanced Cognitive and Academic Assessment: Building on foundational knowledge, this course dives deeper into advanced diagnostic tools and techniques for assessing various cognitive and academic challenges. 
  • EPSY 6382: Bilingual and Multicultural Psychoeducational Assessment: This course is essential for educators in culturally diverse environments. It covers theories, issues, and strategies for assessing students from various cultural, ethnic, and linguistic backgrounds. 
  • EPSY 6390 & 6391: Practicum in Diagnostic and Intervention Procedures I & II: These two practicum courses provide hands-on experience, allowing students to apply what they’ve learned in real-world settings. 

After completing the coursework and a 6-hour practicum, graduates must pass the TExES Educational Diagnostician (253) certification exam to become certified.  

It’s About Making an Impact, Not Just Being Certified 

The educational landscape has transformed significantly in recent decades. Classrooms today are culturally vibrant, with students who each bring unique learning needs. Educational diagnosticians play a crucial role in ensuring that those with learning disabilities or academic challenges are not left behind. 

UTRGV’s certification program is designed to meet this need. It emphasizes multicultural and bilingual assessment strategies, equipping educators to effectively engage with a vareity of student populations. This focus sets UTRGV apart, addressing a vital aspect of education in Texas and beyond. 

Yes, the certification process is rigorous. But the value it brings is immeasurable. You’re not just ticking a box; you’re positioning yourself to create lasting change in your career but most importantly—You could be the reason a child who once struggled finally learns to thrive. 

So, is it a challenge? Absolutely. But it’s a challenge worth embracing. Because, at the end of the day, what’s more rewarding than turning a roadblock into a breakthrough? 

Apply now to start your journey toward becoming an Educational Diagnostician and make a difference in the lives of students. 

 


Source:

https://www.edweek.org/teaching-learning/the-number-of-students-in-special-education-has-doubled-in-the-past-45-years/2023/07#:~:text=The%20number%20of%20students%20in%20special%20education%20has%20been%20steadily,rebounded%20to%20pre%2Dpandemic%20levels.

https://nces.ed.gov/programs/coe/indicator/cgg/students-with-disabilities 

https://www.ziprecruiter.com/Salaries/Educational-Diagnostician-Salary--in-Texas 

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0277953622003458?via%3Dihub 


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