This program is nationally recognized by the Association for Childhood Education International (ACEI) and is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).
Admission
In addition to general admissions requirements, admission to this degree program requires applicants to have a Grade Point Average (GPA) of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale or have a GPA in the top 50th percentile for coursework completed during the most recent two years of the applicant’s general education, whether secondary or post-secondary.
Admission to the Bachelor of Science K-6 degree program requires the following:
1. Complete and submit the Application for Admission, accompanied by a non-refundable application fee.
2. Submit an official high school transcript. With official transcripts, submit a copy of your Immunization Records.
3. Applicants are also asked to provide official and complete score reports from the Praxis Core exam and/or test results from the SAT or ACT demonstrating mastery of general knowledge, including the ability to read, write and compute. This is to provide the College of Education and Liberal Arts with data that can satisfy national program accreditation requirements.
NOTE: These test scores will NOT affect admissions decisions, but are used to comply with program approval and accreditation standards.
It is important for candidates to identify Wilmington University as an official score recipient. This enables scores to be sent directly, confidentially, and electronically. Otherwise, candidates must provide original copies of all official score reports. For more information about ETS exams (including how to register), go to www.ETS.org. Visit College Board to have SAT or ACT scores sent to Wilmington University.
4. Schedule an appointment with an Academic Advisor to discuss program requirements and expectations.
After completing all of the above, register for EDU 102 (E-Folio) and EDU 203 (Instructional Technology for Educators. EDU 102 is a prerequisite for all other courses in the program.
Content and Performance Assessment Requirements
State-approved degree programs contribute to eligibility for licensure/certification as an educator in Delaware public schools. As such, all applicants for a Delaware Initial Teaching License must meet the content and performance assessment requirements described in DE Administrative Code.
Content Assessment
By regulation, “Where a content readiness exam is applicable and available in area, subject, or category of specialization sought, the Candidate shall achieve a passing score on an examination as established by the Professional Standards Board, in consultation with the Department and with concurrence of the State Board.”
The assessments and minimum test score requirements established by the Delaware Department of Education for this degree program and for K-6 certification are:
ETS test #7811, Elementary Education: Content Knowledge for Teaching. (All four tests are required and can be taken separately or together in one sitting)
Candidates are also required to take and pass ETS test #5354 Special Education.
| Test |
Score |
| #7812 Reading and Language Arts Subtest |
156 |
| #7813 Mathematics Subtest |
143 |
| #7814 Science |
144 |
| #7815 Social Studies |
153 |
| Test |
Score |
| #5354 Special Education |
151 |
Please note that state-mandated licensure/certification exams and minimum score requirements are subject to change by the Delaware Department of Education. Any changes mandated by the Department of Education will be implemented as required by state regulation.
Performance Assessment
The College of Education and Liberal Arts at Wilmington University requires students pursuing teacher preparation degrees to take the Praxis Performance Assessment for Teachers (PPAT) in order to qualify for program completion and degree conferral. The performance assessment is not scored by any employees of the University. It is scored by Nationally Certified ETS Reviewers not associated with Wilmington University. Completing this assessment is a student teaching requirement. Candidates must check with their supervisors, program advisors or program chairs to obtain current and accurate information related score expectations.
Praxis Sequencing Requirements
| Undergraduate Candidates with Transfer Credits |
Candidates must provide Praxis II scores on the Social Studies and Math Praxis II subtests during their first semester of enrollment via Taskstream. Candidates must take all subtests by the end of Practicum II. Candidates who do not provide passing scores SHOULD enroll in the next available and relevant WilmU Praxis Preparation Course. |
| Undergraduate Candidates with No Transfer Credits |
Candidates must take all required Praxis II exams during their first year of enrollment. Candidates must take all subtests by the end of Practicum II. Candidates who do not pass one or more Praxis II subtests SHOULD enroll in the next available and relevant WilmU Praxis Preparation Course. |
Program Requirements
Teacher candidates must register for EDU 102 E-Folio and EDU 203 Instructional Technology as the first courses in the program. These courses are prerequisites for all other education courses.
Teacher candidates must complete all requirements associated with the Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education K-6, including all course work and clinical experiences. The College of Education and Liberal Arts sets a required minimum grade of “C-” for all Education core courses (ECE, EDU, RDG, and EPY) and an overall cumulative GPA (grade point average) of 3.0 or higher.
Teacher candidates must pass (using Delaware minimum score requirements) all four sections of PRAXIS II, test #7811 (Elementary Education: Content Knowledge for Teaching) and ETS test #5354 (Special Education) prior to receiving a student teaching/internship placement. The Praxis II Content Knowledge test must be taken by EDU 391, Practicum II and passed prior to EDU 451, Student Teaching/Teaching Internship as a condition of entry into EDU 451.
Teacher candidates must designate Wilmington University and the Delaware Department of Education as score recipients at the time the tests are taken, and also provide a paper copy of the ETS score report that includes all scores and sub-scores. COMPLETE score reports must be received by the College of Education and Liberal Arts main office, located in the Peoples Building at the New Castle site.
Fieldwork Requirements
Practicum Courses (Practicum I, II, III)
Each of these three courses require 60 hours of field experience in an approved school setting plus 30 hours of required seminars. Although Practicum courses only require candidates to register and pay for one (1) credit for each course, the courses are actually structured as three (3) credit courses. The reason for this approach is to keep the total credit hours required for the degree as low as possible and still meet state certification requirements. Otherwise, candidates would have to register and pay for an additional 6 credits. This benefit represents a tuition cost savings of more than $2,000.
All practicum placements are arranged by the Office of Clinical Studies in accordance with school district partnership agreements and placement protocols. Final placement decisions are made by school district officials. Candidates are not permitted to seek or make arrangements for their own placements. The 60 hours of field experience required for each practicum will usually take place in the county where the candidate attends the seminars, although this may vary depending on availability of practicum placement classrooms.
To be considered for placement in a K-12 school setting, teacher candidates must complete the Practicum Fieldwork application in Taskstream/Watermark by the deadlines of February 1 for placement in Fall (September) and August 1 for placement in Spring (January). At the time of application, a sealed Federal and Delaware CBC (Criminal Background Check) Report, a recent TB/PPD (less than a year old) and a completed CPR (Child Protection Registry Form) are required. Capstone Clinical Experience (Student Teaching/Internship)
Capstone Clinical Experience (Student Teaching/Internship)
The capstone clinical experience is a full-time, full-day, Monday through Friday placement of 80 school days in an approved setting and in a content area/grade level that corresponds to a candidate's program concentration. A full immersion, Yearlong Residency option may also be available. Check with a Program Advisor, Chair or Assistant Chair for more information.
Teacher candidates must apply to the Office of Clinical Studies for a Student Teaching/Internship placement for the Fall semester (September) by February 1 or for the Spring semester (January) by August 1. Student Teaching/Teaching Internship applications are to be submitted electronically in Taskstream/Watermark. Applications do NOT take the place of registering for Student Teaching/Internship. Registration and payment of all fees, including laboratory fees for Student Teaching/Internship, are still required. At the time of application, a new and sealed Federal and Delaware CBC (Criminal Background Check) Report, a new TB/PPD, a completed health form, and a completed CPR (Child Protection Registry Form) are required.
Placement and registration requirements include the following: Passing scores on the relevant PRAXIS II exam, a 3.0 grade point average, completion of all teacher preparation and content coursework, and a completed application in Taskstream/Watermark and all required clearance items. All placements are arranged by placement specialists in the WilmU Office of Clinical Studies in accordance with school district partnership agreements and protocols. However, final placement decisions are made by school district officials and are based on school and district needs and the availability of school-based mentors who are rated as highly-qualified and effective. Candidates are not permitted to seek or make arrangements for their own placements.
Curriculum
Praxis Preparation Courses (Optional)
These zero credit courses are designed to provide teacher candidates with individualized preparation for the Praxis Elementary Exam. Candidates may register for one or more courses at a cost of $25. each. Teacher candidates must take the exam prior to the end of Practicum I or during their first semester. Candidates are encouraged to take advantage of these preparation courses.
| 326 | Praxis Preparation in Reading/Language Arts | 0 |
| EDU 327 | Praxis Preparation in Science | 0 |
| EDU 328 | Praxis Preparation in Social Sciences | 0 |
| EDU 329 | Praxis Preparation Mathematics | 0 |
General Education Requirements (48 credits)
Fine Arts Requirements (6 credits)
Select 2 courses from:
Behavioral Science Core (6 credits)
Education Core (48 credits)
Candidates accepted into the accelerated option will complete the corresponding graduate level courses (requires program chair approval).
EDU 310/MSE 7204 Applied Behavior Analysis
EDU 311/MSE 7404 or MSE 8102 Assistive Technology or Legislative Policy and Procedure
EPY 201/MSE 7403 Diagnosis/Assessment/IEP Development for Exceptionalities
EPY 402/MSE 7405 Curriculum and Instruction for Special Education
RDG308/MRD 7901Diagnosis/Assessment of Reading Difficulties
| EDU 102 | E-Folio | 0 |
| EDU 203 | Instructional Technology | 3 |
| ECE 214 | Creating Environments for Learning | 3 |
| EDU 304 | Health and Physical Education | 3 |
| EDU 310 | Applied Behavior Analysis and Classroom Culture | 3 |
| EDU 311 | Assistive Technology | 3 |
| EDU 204 | Leadership and Collaboration | 3 |
| EDU 314 | Instructional Strategies in Elementary Education | 3 |
| EDU 315 | Learner Development and Numeracy | 3 |
| EPY 201 | Development and Implementation of IEPs | 3 |
| EPY 402 | Learning Differences and Assessment of Exceptional Children | 3 |
| RDG 203 | Learner Development and Early Literacy | 3 |
| RDG 308 | Diagnosis and Correction of Learning Differences in Reading | 3 |
| EDU 402 | Integrated Methods to Teaching Elementary Language Arts/Reading | 3 |
| EDU 403 | Integrated Methods to Teaching Elementary Social Studies | 3 |
| EDU 404 | Integrated Methods to Teaching Elementary Science | 3 |
| EDU 405 | Integrated Methods to Teaching Elementary Math | 3 |
Clinical Components (15 credits)
Transfer Credits: Accreditation requires our program to collect data on student performance in a variety of courses. For that reason, students will not be able to transfer in courses to cover the following coursework.
EDU 203, EDU 204, EDU 308, EDU 310, EDU 311 EDU 315, EDU 390, EDU 391, EDU 392, EDU 402, EDU 403, EDU 404, EDU 405, EDU 407, EDU 408, EDU 409, EDU 410, EDU 451, EDU 452, EPY 402, RDG 308
Accelerated Option - BS to MSE
The purpose of this option is to offer eligible BS K-6 candidates the opportunity to take five selected MSE courses in lieu of undergraduate courses. A BS degree is earned upon completion of the K-6 program. Courses taken at the graduate level while pursuing the BS degree will satisfy course requirements for their undergraduate program.
Candidates are identified as an undergraduate student until their BS degree is conferred, at which time they will be eligible to apply the 15 graduate level credits taken as part of the BS degree towards completion of the MEd Special Education Instruction degree.
Entry Requirements for this option include:
Successful completion of 75 undergraduate credits,
GPA of 3.0 or higher, and
Interview with the chair of the MSE program or academic advisor.
The BS K-6 to MEd Special Education Instruction accelerated option intent form is located in Taskstream. Upon submission of the form, initially eligibility will be checked- I.e., GPA and credits. Candidates will then be contacted by the MSE Program Chair or Academic Advisor to set up an interview. Once accepted into the program, candidates must follow all program advising recommendations identified in the Program Planning document and complete the requirements for each degree. Candidates must maintain a 3.0 while enrolled in the program and they must apply for entry into the MEd Special Education Instruction program during Practicum III, prior to conferral of their BS K-6 degree. At this point, the MED 6102 requirement is waived, which results in a cost savings for the candidate. Additionally, candidates receiving financial aid are advised to speak with a financial aid representative before enrolling in any graduate level coursework.
Candidates eligible and accepted into the 4+1 Accelerated master's level option must take all 5 of the MSE courses in lieu of the undergraduate courses. No substitutions can be made.
Candidate in this option must take the following in place of the undergraduate courses in the order listed below:
|
Undergraduate Course
|
Graduate Course Substitution
|
|
EDU 310 App. Beh. Analysis + Class Culture
|
MSE 7402 Applied Behavior Analysis
|
|
EDU 311 Assistive Technology
|
MSE 7404 Assistive Technology OR MSE 8102 Legislative Policy and Procedure
|
|
EPY 201 Development and Implementation of IEPs
|
MSE 7403 Diagnosis/Assessment/IEP Development for Exceptionalities
|
|
EPY 402 Learning Diff. and Assess. Of Exceptional Children
|
MSE 7405 Curriculum in Special Education
|
|
RDG 308 Diagnosis/Corr. of Learning Diff. in Reading
|
MSE 7901 Diagnosis/Assessment of Reading Difficulties
|
This is a state-approved degree program which contributes to eligibility for a State of Delaware Initial Teaching License and Certification as an elementary teacher, Grades K-6 (EPY 201, EDU 310, EDU 311, EPY 402, and RDG 308). The program also includes all the coursework necessary for Delaware certification as a Special Education teacher in all subjects Grades K-6. Candidates must also pass ETS Praxis II Exam #5354, Special Education: Core Knowledge and Applications. The minimum score requirement for Delaware is 151.