Learning Behavior Specialist (LBS1) Endorsement

Karen A. Dowling, Ph.D., Director

In an ever changing diverse educational environment where there are crucial needs to support all learners in an inclusive environment and high demand teaching fields, it is critical to provide a licensing program specifically designed to meet the needs of educators including: 1) those who are licensed but new to special education who seek the LBS1 endorsement, and 2) those who are seeking to learn more about special education, but who are not applying for licensure or endorsement. The LBS1 will enable educators to work with students with disabilities and will assist educators in learning about a wide range of exceptionalities, assessment types, and differentiated and collaborative instructional delivery models. The program will combine a balanced approach of theory and application and will prepare educators to be culturally responsive educational leaders in the classroom.

Program Completion/Licensure Requirements:

• Must complete approved endorsement coursework and earn a grade of ‘C’ or better in each course.
• The endorsement is available for the following grade levels:
  • Grade K-Grade 3 (for educators who already hold an early childhood self-contained general education endorsement)
  • Grade K-9 (for educators who already hold an elementary education endorsement)
  • Grade 6-12 (for educators who already hold a secondary education endorsement)
  • Grade K-12 (for educators who already hold a special teaching (K-12), special education (PK-21), or ELS-TBE endorsement)
• Beginning Spring 2018, endorsement is available for the following grade levels:
  • Grade K-2nd
  • Grade 1st - 6th
  • Grade 5th - 8th
  • Grade 9 - 12 endorsements
• The LBS1 endorsement requires a passing score on the Illinois State Board of Education LBS1 Content Exam (155).

13 hours