Enhancing Capacity for Special Education Leadership (ECSEL)

A preparation program for directors of special education

The Enhancing Capacity for Special Education Leadership (ECSEL) program at the University of Washington Bothell prepares candidates interested in administering special education programs through a non-degree program that leads to the required Washington State Resident Program Administrator Certification.

• About the ECSEL program
• Program Structure
• Curriculum
• Seminar dates
• Application dates & information

About the ECSEL program

The Enhancing Capacity for Special Education Leadership (ECSEL) is a collaborative program for special education administrators that focuses on knowledge and skills needed for local education administration. Originally formed in partnership with the campuses of University of Washington and Washington State University, ECSEL is now led by university faculty and a statewide team of experienced special education administrators. The program qualifies candidates for the required Washington Residency Program Administrator Certification and graduates of the ECSEL program are recommended for Washington State Residency Certification as an Education Program Administrator.

ECSEL is a grant-funded program with instruction supported by Washington State OSPI. Students are responsible for approximately $500 per year.

Program structure

During each of the two years, the cohort-based program consists of three year-long seminars, a 400-hour internship requirement, and a set of performance tasks that allow candidates to demonstrate proficiency.

The year 1 and year 2 programs combine seminars, internship, and performance tasks focused on leadership for teaching, learning, and student services. The year 1 internship focuses on leadership for special education at the school level, while the year 2 internship focus shifts to leadership at the district level.

In both years, the program operates in a face-to-face model supplemented by e-learning resources. The Saturday sessions are at the University of Washington Bothell campus. The three, year-long, seminars include capabilities and skills needed to innovate and lead special education services in a school district.

Orientation for the new cohort will be held virtually in June 2026. Sessions are held one Saturday each month October – June.

Requirements

ECSEL requires all applicants to hold a Master’s Degree or higher upon application.

While the ECSEL program no longer offers a Master’s degree option, candidates may register for graduate-level credits (up to 21 credits each program year) as a non-matriculated student. Candidates may also earn clock hours. Information about the process for credits and clock hours will be shared with candidates at the first program session.

Curriculum

ECSEL’s curriculum is structured to incorporate both Washington State standards for the Residency Program Administrator certificate and the Council for Exceptional Children’s advanced standards for program administrators. The curriculum is organized around the responsibilities and leadership accomplishments that are expected of a successful local special education administrator (LSEA) who simultaneously addresses goals for procedural compliance, student outcomes, and equity. These responsibilities are outlined below in the LSEA Responsibility Model, which has been developed collaboratively by program faculty, candidates, and graduates. The model includes three foundational capabilities, six major responsibilities, and a total of 22 leadership accomplishments that contribute to ultimate goals of compliance, student learning, and equity. ECSEL engages candidates in study of each of the 22 accomplishments, addressing how LSEA leadership at the school level can enhance services received by students in year 1, and how leadership at the district level can create conditions that support high-quality services in year 2.

The LSEA Responsibility Model

Seminar dates

Below are the planned seminar dates for Cohort 8 are listed below. The Summer Institute dates are TBD, but will occur in late July or early August each year. If you will be unable to attend one of the seminars listed, please note this in the supplemental application form. We will give priority to applicants who can make arrangements to attend all sessions. Please note that dates are for planning purposes only and are subject to change based on unforeseen circumstances.

Application dates & information

• Cohort 8, will begin in Summer/Autumn 2026
• The application cycle for Cohort 8 opens September 1, 2025
• Application deadline to Cohort 8 is April 30, 2026
• Application details can be found here.

Questions?

ECSEL Advisor
ecselinfo@uw.edu

School of Educational Studies Professional Licensure Disclosure