Master’s Plus Certification Program Track in Exceptional Children and Youth

The MPCP track within the M.Ed. in Exceptional Children and Youth is only for individuals who have never been certified as a teacher. The MPCP requires:

• Full-time enrollment in a 2-year graduate program of academic courses, including two summers.
  • Employment in a public school in Delaware as a para-educator in a classroom serving children with disabilities in year one.
  • Employment in a public school in Delaware as a teacher serving children with disabilities in year two.
• MPCP students must complete coursework to fulfill the traditional master’s degree and related certification requirements in their chosen concentration, including passing Praxis subject exams in grade-level academic content and special education by April 30th of the first program year.

Preliminary Course Requirement

During their first summer in the program students in the MPCP complete an introductory special education course (EDUC 753: Special Education Instruction and Curriculum: Introduction)  in addition to other required coursework.

Core Courses (18 credits)

• EDUC 623: Applied Human Development in the Schools
• EDUC 754: Special Education Instruction and Curriculum: Elementary (elementary special education) or EDUC 674: Special Education Instruction and Curriculum: Secondary (secondary special education) or EDUC 625: Special Education Instruction and Curriculum: Autism/Severe (autism/severe disabilities)
• EDUC 680: Educational Evaluation: Exceptional Children and Youth
• EDUC 681: Techniques for Behavior Change and Positive Behavior Support
• EDUC 682: Special Issues in Special Education
• EDUC 745: Collaborative Teaming in Special Education

Concentrations (15 credits)

Students in the MPCP must choose a concentration of autism/severe disabilities, elementary special education, or secondary special education.

Autism/Severe Disabilities

• EDUC 624: Introduction to Autism and Severe Disabilities
• EDUC 626: Functional Communication for Individuals with Autism and Severe Disabilities
• EDUC 655: Assistive Technology: Autism/Severe Disabilities
• EDUC 669: Engagement in the General Curriculum with Students with Severe Disabilities
• EDUC 673: School-to-Adult Life Transitions and Disability

Elementary Special Education

• EDUC 652:Introduction to Assistive Technology
• EDUC 658: Discipline and Classroom Management
• EDUC 673: School-to-Adult Life Transitions and Disability
• EDUC 679: Special Education Instruction and Curriculum: Advanced
• EDUC 757: Diagnosis and Instruction in Literacy

Secondary Special Education

• EDUC 652: Introduction to Assistive Technology
• EDUC 658: Discipline and Classroom Management
• EDUC 673: School-to-Adult Life Transitions and Disability
• EDUC 679: Special Education Instruction and Curriculum: Advanced
• EDUC 757: Diagnosis and Instruction in Literacy

Sample Schedules

• MPCP Elementary or Secondary Special Education Sample Schedule
• MPCP Autism/Severe Disabilities Sample Schedule

Program Completion

During the second year of study, MPCP students must enroll in a seminar for first-year teachers (EDUC 725) in the fall and spring semesters for a total of 3 credits.

To receive institutional recommendation for certification, candidates must:

1. Complete the degree program requirements.
2. By April 30 of the first program year, pass Praxis Subject Assessments (formerly Praxis II), according to the State of Delaware guidelines, in (a) a content area aligned with their concentration and (b) special education.
3. Pass a final performance assessment, according to State of Delaware guidelines.
4. Complete two summative evaluations with no more than one being unsatisfactory.

Application Information

Please see this web page for information on applying to the M.Ed. in Exceptional Children and Youth program.