Special Education, Master of Education

Admission

Please refer to “The Graduate Admissions Process” section for general graduate admission information.

Admission to the Master of Education in Special Education (MSE) degree program requires the following:

1. Complete and submit the Graduate Application for Admission, accompanied by a non-refundable application fee. The application can be downloaded atwww.wilmu.edu/admission/documents/paperapp.pdf
2. Submit an official transcript or transcripts verifying completion of a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university. Transcripts and all application documents should be sent to Wilmington University Office of Graduate Admissions.
3. Submit official (complete with sub-test scores) score reports demonstrating mastery of general knowledge, including the ability to read, write, and compute. *This requirement can be met by providing an official score report showing scores (including all sub-test scores) on the ETS Praxis Series Core Academic Skills for Educators (ETS #5712, 5722, and 5732). Minimum acceptable scores are:

Test	Score
ETS 5712 Reading	156
ETS 5722 Writing	162
ETS 5732 Mathematics	150

*NOTE: Candidates admitted prior to July 1, 2014 have until July 1, 2015 to satisfy this requirement. For more information about these exams (including how to register), go to: http://www.ets.org/praxis/

4. If you are applying for admission to MSE Option B, provide a copy of your current state teaching license and/or certification.
5. International students must provide results from the Test of English as Foreign Language (TOEFL) that meet current minimum score requirements.
6. Schedule a program planning conference with a Graduate Program Advisor or the Program Chair.
7. Register for and activate MED 6102 (E-Folio) along with other courses selected.

All of the documents described above should be sent to the Office of Graduate Admissions.

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 candidates must meet the content and performance assessment requirements described in DE Administrative Code, Title 14, Regulation 290, in order to be eligible for program completion and degree conferral.

The regulation states, in part:

Content Assessment (This subparagraph shall take effect January 1, 2015).

“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 content assessments required by the Delaware Department of Education are:

For certification in Exceptional Children, Special Education Teacher (all grade levels and subject areas):

ETS Praxis II, test #5354, Special Education Core Knowledge and Applications (score of 151)

AND

Passing score(s) on the Praxis II Content Area Assessment(s) appropriate for the level(s) and subject area(s) to be taught.

For Elementary School Special Education Teachers, Grades K-6

ETS Praxis II test #5001, Elementary Education Multiple Subjects (All four tests are required and can be taken separately or in one sitting.)

For Middle and High School Special Education Teachers: the Praxis II assessment(s) in the subject area(s) and grade level(s) to be taught. For a complete listing of those assessments and score requirements, go to: https://www.ets.org/praxis/de/requirements

Performance Assessment (This subparagraph shall take effect July 1, 2016.)

“Where a performance assessment is applicable and available in an area appropriate to the Program in which a Candidate is enrolled, the Candidate shall achieve a passing score as a requirement to Exit the Program. The performance assessment may not be scored by any employees of the Educator Preparation Program or Unit, and shall be scored by Certified Reviewers.”

The assessment selected by Wilmington University to satisfy this requirement is the Praxis Performance Assessment for Teachers (PPAT). This assessment is administered and scored by ETS. Delaware minimum score requirements have not yet been set by the Delaware Professional Standards Board

Candidates must check-in periodically with a program advisor or program chair to obtain current and accurate information as to specific assessments and score requirements, because the Delaware Professional Standards Board sometimes modifies required tests and minimum acceptable scores. Candidates must pass all exit assessments in order to be eligible for program completion and degree conferral. All Delaware test score requirements can be accessed at this web address: https://www.ets.org/praxis/de?WT.ac=praxishome_states_121126

Program Purpose

The purpose of the Master of Education in Special Education licensure/certification degree program is to prepare candidates for positions teaching exceptional children in specific content areas and grade levels (grades 1-12).

Students with disabilities must be taught by professionals who are trained in the identification, assessment, and teaching of individuals with exceptionalities. To reach this goal, the Master of Education in Special Education program has two distinct options which allow the master’s candidate to focus on his/her individual needs and career goals. This non-categorical program reflects Wilmington University’s advocacy of an inclusion model of special education service delivery.

Program Changes

Master of Education degree programs in the College of Education which contribute to eligibility for initial licensure and certification as Delaware educators are approved by the Delaware Department of Education. Any changes that are mandated by the Delaware Department of Education or the Delaware General Assembly will be implemented in accordance with state regulations. Students will be notified of any changes that may affect program or degree completion/conferral requirements.

Program Competencies

The Master of Education in Special Education (MSE) degree program is built around standards developed by the Council for Exceptional Children, in addition to the InTASC standards, and reflects the College of Education Program Attributes and Conceptual Framework. Those standards can be accessed at:

CEC Standards:

www.cec.sped.org/~/media/Files/Standards/Professional%20Preparation%20Standards/Initial%20Preparation%20Standards%20with%20Elaborations.pdf

InTASC Standards:

http://www.ccsso.org/Documents/2011/InTASC%202011%20Standards%20At%20A%20Glance.pdf

Attributes and Framework: www.wilmu.edu/education/clinicalstudies/conceptframework.aspx

Outcomes Assessment

The assessment of content knowledge, pedagogy, learning theory, and performance competencies is accomplished through satisfactory attainment of specific course objectives; satisfactory performance on tests of general and content-related knowledge, as well as performance assessments, successful completion of assignments linked to program competencies and graduation competencies; fieldwork evaluations from advisors and school-based mentors; and evaluations and post-graduation surveys.

Program Design

The M.Ed. in Special Education offers two options:

Option A is for candidates who have completed a bachelor’s degree in a field other than education who wish to obtain a master’s degree and eligibility for a state of Delaware initial teaching license and certificate as a K-12 special education teacher and who also desires to meet the requirements for a standard certificate in a core content area. At entry, previous transcript(s) of teacher candidates will be carefully reviewed to determine if they have completed the necessary content area coursework - 15 credits - for which they intend to teach children with disabilities. Any omissions in such content area coursework must be completed before Student Teaching/Teaching Internship.

Option B is for candidates who already hold an initial teaching license and certificate who wish to obtain a master’s degree with an instructional focus on teaching children with disabilities. Candidates must provide a copy of their teaching license and certificate at time of entry. This option does not qualify the candidate for an initial Delaware teaching license.

Prerequisite Coursework

A minimum grade of “B” is required for all prerequisite courses.

To obtain a Master of Education degree in Special Education, candidates must complete five courses as program prerequisites. These courses include: EDU 402/407, EDU 405/410, EDU 306, PSY 201 or PSY 332 and EPY 401 or their graduate equivalents. Candidates who have completed a Wilmington University BS degree in Birth-Grade 2, K-6, or Middle Level Education or a Master of Education degree in Elementary Studies will have completed all program prerequisites. Candidates with education degrees from other institutions must have their transcripts evaluated to ensure that program prerequisites have been met. To fulfill the requirements of this program, candidates must complete all course requirements as specified, depending on the option which is chosen.

Praxis Testing Requirements

Teacher Candidates starting their programs on or after July 1, 2014, must pass - using Delaware minimum score requirements - the ETS Praxis Series Core Academic Skills for Educators (ETS #5712, 5722, and 5732), or other approved tests of general knowledge that satisfy Delaware Department of Education regulations, prior to registration for the first clinical experience, Practicum I, MSE 7991.

Candidates must also pass (by achieving Delaware minimum scores) appropriate PRAXIS II test(s) prior to registration for Student Teaching/Teacher Internship. In addition to the Delaware PRAXIS II Category test - Special Education: Core Knowledge and Applications - Code 5354, candidates must also take and pass a Delaware-approved ETS PRAXIS II Content Test of their choosing and complete their student teaching in an inclusion setting that aligns with the selected content area. Teacher Candidates should designate Wilmington University as a score recipient 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 in the College of Education main office (Peoples Building, New Castle).

Program Requirements

Teacher candidates are required to register for and activate MED 6102, E-Folio as the initial course in the program as this course will allow them to document various course requirements needed to satisfy individual program competencies.

Teacher candidates are expected to complete all requirements associated with the Master of Education in Special Education degree, including content course work, required special education courses, and clinical experiences. All sections of ETS Praxis Series Core Academic Skills for Educators (ETS #5712, 5722, and 5732), or other approved tests of general knowledge that satisfy Professional Standards Board regulations, (or relevant exemption tests), and prior to Practicum I, and the appropriate PRAXIS II category and content test must be satisfied prior to taking MSE 8802, Student Teaching/Teaching Internship. All courses have one or more goals for diversity in education and writing across the curriculum.

Teacher candidates must apply to the Office of Clinical Studies for a Student Teaching/Teaching Internship placement for the Fall semester by February 1 or for the Spring semester by August 1. Student Teaching/Teaching Internship applications are to be submitted electronically in Taskstream. Applications do NOT take the place of registering for Student Teaching/Teaching Internship. Registration and payment of all fees, including laboratory fees for Student Teaching/Teaching Internship, are still required. All sections of ETS PRAXIS Series Core Academic Skills for Educators and the relevant PRAXIS II category and content tests, a 3.0 grade point average, and approval from the Office of Clinical Studies are required for Student Teaching/Teaching Internship.

The College of Education sets a required minimum grade of “C-” for all education core courses as well as courses needed to satisfy the content major. However, an overall GPA of 3.0 is required for program completion.

Fieldwork Requirements

All fieldwork placements are arranged by the Office of Clinical Studies in accordance with school district partnership agreements and placement protocols. However, final placement decisions are made by school district officials and are based on the availability of qualified school mentors. Candidates are not permitted to seek or make arrangements for their own placements.

Practicum Courses (Practicum I, II, III)

These courses require 80 hours of commitment. This includes 50 clock hours of field experience during the regular school day in an approved setting, plus 30 clock hours of seminar-format classes. The 50 hours of field experience will usually take place in the specific county where the student attends the seminars. A sealed Federal and Delaware CBC (Criminal Background Check) Report, a recent TB/PPD (less than one (1) year old) and a completed CPR (Child Protection Registry Form) are required. For students entering the program Fall 2014, passing scores on the ETS Praxis Series Core Academic Skills for Educators (ETS #5712, 5722, and 5732), or other approved tests of general knowledge that satisfy Delaware Department of Education regulations are required.

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 as low as possible while still meeting state 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.

Capstone Clinical Experience (Student Teaching/Internship)

The capstone clinical experience (is a full-time, full-day placement for at least 80 school days in an approved inclusive setting and in a content area/grade level that corresponds to a candidate’s content area concentration.

Registration for the capstone clinical experience requires prior approval from the Office of Clinical Studies and the following: a 3.00 or higher cumulative GPA, no Incomplete grades in required courses, passing PRAXIS (CORE) and PRAXIS II scores, a sealed Federal and Delaware CBC (Criminal Background Check) Report, a recent TB/PPD (less than a year old), a completed CPR (Child Protection Registry Form) and a completed health form.

A new Federal and Delaware CBC (Criminal Background Check) Report sent / delivered to the Office of Clinical Studies in its original sealed envelope. A new TB/PPD, Health Authorization Form and completed CPR (Child Protection Registry Form) uploaded into Taskstream. A completed Student Teaching Fieldwork application in Taskstream by the deadlines of February 1 for placement in Fall and August 1 for placement in Spring. At the time of application, candidates must have submitted passing scores and subset scores for Praxis CORE and Praxis II Content Specific Examination. It is the responsibility of candidates to make sure that complete test score reports are provided to the College of Education. All test score requirements for Delaware certification can be viewed at https://www.ets.org/praxis/de/requirements. Chair approval is required for course registration.

Teacher Dispositions and Values

A significant element of programs for the preparation of teachers deals with developing a teacher candidate’s proficiency in working with students who present a wide variety of needs, learning styles and exceptionalities. Teacher candidates also learn to work with students from a wide variety of backgrounds in order to ensure that each student has an opportunity to learn. Clinical experiences associated with the MSE program require teacher candidates to interact with exceptional students and students from different socioeconomic, gender, racial, language, geographic and ethnic groups.

A second area of importance for teacher candidates is the realization that they work with students, families, and communities in ways that reflect the dispositions expected of teachers as delineated in professional, state, and institutional standards. MSE teacher candidates must recognize, develop, and model dispositions that are expected of professional educators.

Candidates are expected to participate in dispositional surveys and self-assessments at different program points. Because of the importance accorded to these surveys/assessments, candidates are expected to participate fully and to comply with these tasks as assigned.

Program Prerequisites

Each option requires five prerequisite courses which could be satisfied with either undergraduate or graduate level courses:

• Methods/Content in Elementary Reading/Writing
• Methods/Content in Elementary Mathematics
• Classroom Management/Strategies of Effective Teaching
• Introduction/Education of Exceptional Children or Education of Diverse Populations and Exceptional Children
• Adolescent or Child Growth and Development

In addition, fifteen (15) credits in the selected content area must also be satisfied prior to Student Teaching/Internship.

MSE Course Requirements

Each option requires the following core courses: 27 Credits

By option, those requirements are:

Option A - Licensure and Certification Program 18 credits

Option B - Instructional Program 18 credits

(Option B is only available for licensed/certified teachers.)

Electives (choose five) from the list below: (Courses used as prerequisites may not serve as electives)

Qualifications for Degree

To qualify for the Master of Education in Special Education (MSE) degree, a teacher candidate must complete all course work and clinical experiences with at least a “B” average (a cumulative grade point average of 3.0). An electronic portfolio - E-Folio - is required. The portfolio must provide evidence of mastery of program and graduation competencies. The program must be completed within five years.

Additional Certification in Autism and Severe Disabilities

Eligibility for the Delaware Certificate in Autism and Severe Disabilities requires:

• A valid initial teaching license
• Current content area certification
• Current certification as a Teacher of Exceptional Children – Special Education
• Completion of the Wilmington University courses listed below

Wilmington University courses approved for Delaware certification in Autism and Severe Disabilities:

Students taking courses to satisfy certification requirements are personally responsible for verifying with the Delaware Department of Education (or the appropriate licensure/certification authority in another state) that such course work is applicable and acceptable. Students are also responsible for meeting all state-mandated testing requirements (PRAXIS I, PRAXIS II, etc.), for fulfilling state-mandated degree and/or teaching experience requirements, and for applying for credentials.

Any changes in state regulations for certificates could cause Wilmington University to make course and/or program adjustments in order to align with new or revised state requirements. Wilmington University reserves the right to change requirements to comply with any licensure/certification mandates of the Delaware Department of Education