Learning Behavior Specialist 1 (LBS1) Endorsement

For teaching students in K-21 special education settings

The LBS1 (Learning Behavior Specialist 1) endorsement is for teaching students with a wide range of disabilities, ages 5–21, in several instructional delivery models that include teaching in inclusionary settings through consultation and collaborative teaching.

Students with disabilities might learn and show their knowledge in unique and very interesting ways, which makes the LBS1 endorsement valuable for teachers of all subject areas in both general and special education.

For those in general education licensure programs, you can be endorsed to teach in your academic content area and special education at the same time. By adding this endorsement you can broaden your teaching skills to the wide array of ways that special educators support youth and families, and teach either general or special education.

Earning the LBS I Endorsement with a Degree Heading link

Through our MEd in Special Education program, students can earn the LBS1 & LBS2 Endorsements.

Students in other UIC teacher prep programs are also able to earn the endorsement by taking the required courses. These programs include:

Earning the Endorsement Only (for licensed teachers) Heading link

Licensed teachers can complete the courses for the LBS1 endorsement as non-degree students through UIC Extended Campus. If you choose this option, as a non-degree student you will not be eligible for scholarships and financial aid.

See the UIC Catalog for SPED course descriptions. Courses in four (4) different areas are required:

1. Survey of Exceptional Children requirement*

SPED 410 | Exceptional Learners (3 hours)
Semester(s) offered: Summer (Session 2), Fall, Spring
*The State of Illinois may accept previous coursework in lieu of taking this course.

2. Characteristics requirement (choose one)

SPED 465 | Understanding Students with High Incidence Disabilities (3 hours)
Semester(s) offered: Summer (Session 1), Fall
or
SPED 467 | Understanding Students with Low Incidence
Disabilities (3 hours)
Semester(s) offered: Summer (Session 2)

3. Assessment requirement

SPED 462 | Assessment for Individuals with Disabilities (3 hours)
Semester(s) offered: Fall, Spring

4. Methods requirement (choose one)

SPED 563 | Adolescent Literacy for Diverse Learners (3 hours)
Semester(s) offered: Spring
or
SPED 471** | Curricular Adaptations for Learners with Significant Disabilities (3 hours)
**Requires you take SPED 467 first.

Endorsement Course Requirements Heading link

The endorsement consists of four total courses that correspond to the four ISBE requirements for LBS1:

Requirement 1: Survey of Exceptional Children

  • SPED 410 | Exceptional Learners (3 hours); offered Summer, Fall, Spring

Requirement 2: Characteristics (choose one course)

  • SPED 465 | Understanding Students with High Incidence Disabilities (3 hours); offered Summer or Fall
  • SPED 467 | Understanding Students with Low Incidence Disabilities (3 hours); offered Spring

Requirement 3: Assessment

  • SPED 462 | Assessment for Individuals with Disabilities (3 hours); offered Fall or Spring

Requirement 4: Methods (choose one course)

  • SPED 563 | Adolescent Literacy for Diverse Learners (3 hours); offered Spring
  • SPED 471 | Curricular Adaptations for Learners with Significant Disabilities (3 hours) **Needs prerequisite course SPED 467; offered Fall

Contact us with LBS1 questions: Heading link