Course Descriptions
Secondary Education
MAS 7204
Teacher Leadership and Collaboration
3 credits
This course has been designed to assist K-6 and middle/secondary level education teacher candidates in developing the attributes, knowledge, skills, and strategies necessary to serve as a teacher leader. The course will explore teacher leadership in a variety of capacities including but not limited to instruction/curriculum development, assessment, school reform, classroom management, technology, advisory/mentoring, on-going professional development, and collaboration. A strong emphasis will be placed on ethical issues related to teaching and learning. Appropriate and effective oral and written communication skills will also be discussed. Moreover, teacher candidates will apply research and critical thinking skills to demonstrate scholarship related to issues in teacher leadership.
Prerequisite(s): MED 6102 and MAS 7604
MAS 7601
Education of Diverse Populations and Exceptional Children
3 credits
This course will provide students with a variety of teaching strategies that enhance teaching and learning in an inclusive, multi-cultural classroom including students with exceptionalities. Students will explore ways to better understand how context and culture affect teaching and learning, and will acquire strategies to support learning for students whose first language is not English as well as for children of special needs. Emphasis will be placed on an understanding of how student learning is influenced by factors such as: poverty, prior learning, race, language of origin, culture, gender, health, family structure, religion, and community.
Prerequisite(s): MED 6102 and MAS 7604
MAS 7602
School in a Multicultural Society
3 credits
Students will examine schooling and the local, regional, and national demographics of cultures in American society. Concepts and strategies for infusing cultural understanding into the classroom will be presented, and standards for critiquing textbooks, videos, and library materials for cultural bias will be reviewed and applied. A research paper reviewing current efforts of school districts in this regard is required.
Prerequisite(s): MED 6102 and MAS 7604
MAS 7603
Instructional Strategies in Secondary Education
3 credits
Instructional Strategies in Secondary Education is designed to provide teacher education candidates with an opportunity to study about, reflect upon, question, become knowledgeable about, and develop skills in using a variety of instructional methods while applying and practicing these methods in a collaborative and constructive setting. Participants will learn how to plan and present instruction clearly, as well as how to establish and maintain an effective learning environment.
Major topics include: characteristics of effective instructional strategies and their impact on various learners; differentiated instruction; planning for instruction; developing effective lessons using a variety of approaches & technologies; assessment of student learning; and professional development. Attention is focused on the learner and the interpretation of physiological, psychological, sociological, emotional, cultural, linguistic, and environmental factors which influence learning.
Prerequisite(s): MED 6102 and MAS 7604
MAS 7604
Technology for Instruction
3 credits
This course prepares candidates to successfully integrate digital media and technology into learner curricula. Through demonstrations, hands-on use, and application projects, candidates gain experience with the roles digital tools play to support teaching methods and learning strategies associated with a continuum of learning approaches and goals. Candidates develop skills in digital citizenship and copyright, HTML, creating an online presence, social learning and collaboration, differentiation using technology, digital storytelling, use of Web 2.1 tools (e.g., content management systems, social networks, e-portfolios), digital video, and virtual worlds, and common software packages in order to design and formatively assess engaging learning communities. Embedded in the course are the skills needed to use close reading strategies both in personal use and in designing digital lessons around Common Core Literacy Standards with students. Candidates will also learn how to access and collect data.
Prerequisite(s): MED 6102
MAS 7651
Adolescent Growth and Development
3 credits
This course provides a comprehensive study of human development from the prenatal period through adolescence. Areas that are studied include physical, social-emotional, and intellectual development. Major development theorists are reviewed. The interrelationship of heredity and environmental factors that influence change are also considered.
Prerequisite(s): MED 6102 and MAS 7604
MAS 7652
Reading in Content Areas
3 credits
Theories about the reading process and reading to learn are explored. Emphasis is on practical strategies for acquiring knowledge through reading in a variety of subject areas. The relationship of listening, speaking, reading and writing, plus implications for instruction are included. Clinical observation and study of the reading behavior of a secondary student is an optional requirement.
Prerequisite(s): MED 6102 and MAS 7604
MAS 7701
Classroom Culture and Student Behavior
3 credits
This course is an in-depth study of practical techniques applied by teachers to deal effectively with high school and middle level student behavior problems when such problems arise in classrooms and schools. Different students misbehave in different ways and for different reasons. As a result, not all misbehavior can be handled by teachers in the same way. In this course, middle level and secondary level teacher candidates will learn about reasons for misbehavior and about several discipline models or options appropriate for middle and high schools that can be used by teachers when students misbehave.
Prerequisite(s): MED 6102, MAS 7604 and MAS 7603
MAS 7801
Practicum/Pedagogical Approaches to Teaching in the Middle and High School
4 credits
This course provides candidates with the pedagogical approaches and methods needed to effectively construct and deliver lessons in middle level and high school classrooms. The course will focus on ''Personalized Learning'' where teachers combine tools to engage learners in material that fits their grade level and subject needs and interests. Candidates will be guided in purposeful design of instruction to combine face-to-face teaching, technology-assisted instruction and collaboration to leverage each student’s learning style and interests for deeper learning. Candidates will engage in processes for using assessment data to measure how that learning impacts practice in the classroom.
The practicum component of the course will require the candidate to complete 24 clock hours in a classroom setting in the content area in which the candidate is preparing to teach. In that setting, the candidate will engage in classroom activities, including work with individual and small groups of students, and teaching a lesson.
Prerequisite(s): MED 6102, MAS 7603, MAS 7604
MAS 7996
Practicum I
1 credit
Practicum I is a structured, field-based, semester-long exploratory clinical course that requires at least 60 hours of supervised classroom experience in an approved setting. Fieldwork is monitored by Wilmington University Practicum advisors and mentor teachers. Placement priority is given to settings that serve culturally, linguistically, and socioeconomically diverse student populations. Fieldwork is supported by 30 hours of Practicum seminar sessions. Seminars are conducted at the University sites by faculty of the College of Education. Practicum I introduces the teacher candidate to essential content and pedagogical knowledge related to the components of professional practice, Charlotte Danielson’s Enhancing Professional Practice: A Framework for Teaching and DPAS II (Delaware Performance Appraisal System II). Practicum I provides the teacher candidate with opportunities to observe, describe, interpret, and understand all aspects of professional practice and to reflect on the personal and professional attributes required for success in teaching. Candidates in Practicum I focus on the development and characteristics of learners, individual learning differences, dispositions expected of professionals within the education field, learning environments and social interaction. Candidates should take the appropriate Praxis II exam and select Wilmington University as a score recipient. Passing scores are a prerequisite for entry into Practicum II. ETS Vouchers may be purchased at the Wilmington University bookstore or directly through the ETS website.
Prerequisite(s): MED 6102. A 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 and a completed CPR (Child Protection Registry Form) uploaded into Taskstream. A completed Practicum Fieldwork application in Taskstream by the deadlines of February 1 for placement in Fall and August 1 for placement in Spring. Program Chair approval is required for course registration.
MAS 7997
Practicum II
1 credit
Practicum II is a structured, field-based, semester-long exploratory clinical course that requires at least 60 hours of supervised classroom experience in an approved setting. Fieldwork is monitored by Wilmington University Practicum advisors and mentor teachers. Placement priority is given to settings that serve culturally, linguistically, and socioeconomically diverse student populations. Fieldwork is supported by 30 hours of Practicum seminar sessions. Practicum II requires the teacher candidate to implement, analyze and reflect on all aspects of professional practice in direct relation to current research, current professional standards and the Delaware Performance Appraisal System II. Candidates will learn to explore decision-making processes through the application of knowledge and skills gained in the prerequisite courses. Candidates are provided opportunities to reflect on their performance in teaching content lessons to K-12 students with disabilities. Candidates will plan, prepare and teach two lessons within an approved classroom setting, as well as working with individual students. Praxis II must be passed prior to Student Teaching/Teaching Internship as a condition of entry into Student Teaching/Teaching Internship.
Prerequisite(s): MED 6102, MAS 7996. On file with the Office of Clinical Studies; A Federal and Delaware CBC (Criminal Background Check) Report, and a TB/PPD report. Submitted into Taskstream a new completed CPR (Child Protection Registry Form). A completed Practicum Fieldwork application in Taskstream by the deadlines of February 1 for placement in Fall and August 1 for placement in Spring.
MAS 7998
Practicum III
1 credit
Practicum III is a structured, field-based, semester-long exploratory clinical course that requires at least 60 hours of supervised classroom experience in an approved setting. Fieldwork is monitored by Wilmington University Practicum advisors and mentor teachers. Placement priority is given to settings that serve culturally, linguistically, and socioeconomically diverse student populations. MSE Practicum III placements are in inclusive learning environments serving students with identified / diagnosed learning needs. Fieldwork is supported by 30 hours of Practicum seminar sessions. Practicum III is an extension of Practicum II in which the teacher candidate refines and enhances the implementation, analysis and reflection on all aspects of professional practice in direct relation to current research, current professional standards and the Delaware Performance Appraisal System II. Candidates enhance instructional strategies, learning activities, classroom management skills and lesson planning through the application of knowledge and skills gained in the prerequisite courses. Candidates are provided opportunities to reflect on their performance in teaching content lessons to K-12 students with disabilities. Candidates will plan, prepare and teach two lessons from full units within an approved classroom setting, as well as working with individual students.
Prerequisite(s): MED 6102, MAS 7996 and MAS 7997. On file with the Office of Clinical Studies; A Federal and Delaware CBC (Criminal Background Check) Report, and a TB/PPD report. Submitted into Taskstream a new completed CPR (Child Protection Registry Form). A completed Practicum Fieldwork application in Taskstream by the deadlines of February 1 for placement in Fall and August 1 for placement in Spring.
MAS 8801
Student Teaching/Internship
9 credits
This supervised field experience requires at least 80 full student teaching days. Areas of concentration are Secondary Education; 6-12. Teacher candidates are placed with individual cooperating teachers or with teams of cooperating teachers in approved clinical settings. Teacher Candidates are monitored and supported by Wilmington University supervisors. Placement priority is given to settings that serve culturally, linguistically, and socioeconomically diverse student populations. A minimum of 15 clock hours is scheduled by the Wilmington University supervisors to address professional issues related to the clinical semester and to provide support and assistance with the completion of the required professional portfolio. Student Teaching is graded Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory.
Note: Once candidates pay for the course, they will need to purchase an ETS voucher from the Bookstore to be used at ETS.org to activate a PPAT account. Successful completion of the PPAT is required for degree completion and conferral. College of Education target score for the PPAT is 43 points. Additional details about the PPAT will be explained during the mandatory student teaching orientation.
Prerequisite(s): 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. Program Chair approval is required for course registration.
MAS 8805
Performance Assessment
3 credits
This course provides candidates with essential knowledge and skills related to appropriate assessment strategies and helps candidates understand how to equitably and effectively assess student learning. Candidates learn how to make data-driven decisions that align with both curricular goals and student instructional needs, and to use data to reflect on the effectiveness and quality of their own teaching. Candidates learn how to use data to help solve instructional problems such as closing the learning/achievement gaps that are indigenous to most classrooms. The course aligns with the requirements of Task 2 in PPAT and with elements of PPAT Tasks 3 and 4. This course must be taken concurrently with Practicum II.
Prerequisite(s): MED 6102 and MAS 7604