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 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 #5001, Elementary Education Multiple Subjects
(All four tests are required and can be taken separately or together in one sitting)
| Test |
Score |
| #5002 Reading and Language Arts Subtest |
157 |
| #5003 Mathematics Subtest |
157 |
| #5004 Social Studies Subtest |
155 |
| #5005 Science Subtest |
159 |
OR
ETS test #7811, Elementary Education: Content Knowledge for Teaching
(All four tests are required and can be taken separately or together in one sitting)
| Test |
Score |
| #7812 Reading and Language Arts Subtest |
156 |
| #7813 Mathematics Subtest |
143 |
| #7814 Social Studies Subtest |
144 |
| #7815 Science Subtest |
153 |
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 State of Delaware requires that new teachers achieve a passing score on a state-approved performance assessment in order to be fully licensed. The assessment selected by Wilmington University to satisfy this requirement is the Praxis Performance Assessment for Teachers (PPAT). The PPAT is administered and scored by ETS. Completing this assessment is a student teaching requirement. Candidates must check with their program advisors or program chairs to obtain current and accurate information related to the assessments and minimum scores that are required.
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 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 #5001 (Elementary Education Multiple Subjects), 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 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 by the deadlines of February 1 for placement in Fall and August 1 for placement in Spring. 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)
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 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/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, a completed application in Taskstream 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
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 candidates the opportunity to take up to 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 fulfill requirements for both programs.
Candidates are identified as an undergraduate student until their BS degree is conferred, at which time they will be eligible to continue in the MSE Instruction program they have chosen and been accepted to.
Eligibility criteria for this option includes:
- Successful completion of 75 undergraduate credits,
- Completion of all required lower level courses,
- GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Candidate will have completed a Dispositions, Attributes, and Proficiencies (DAP) interview, and the interviewing committee will have indicated that the candidate is suitable for the accelerated option, and
- Candidate will participate in a program planning conference with the chair of the MSE program.
The BS to MSE Instruction accelerated option intent form is located in Taskstream. Upon submission of the BS to MSE Instruction accelerated option intent form, candidates will be contacted by the MSE Program Chair to review the appropriate course sequencing, advisement, and preparation for graduate course work. Once approved for this option, the candidate must apply to the Master of Education Special Education Instruction program. Concentrations available include Early Childhood Exceptional Child OR Autism and Severe Intellectual Disabilities. This option waives the MED 6102 requirement that results in a cost savings for the candidate.
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. To qualify for the additional certification in Special Education, candidates need to take and pass ETS Praxis II Exam #5354, Special Education: Core Knowledge and Applications. The minimum score requirement for Delaware is 151.
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