University of Delaware
1996-1997 Undergraduate Catalog
College of Education
Educational Development
Bachelor of Science in Education Degree Program in Elementary Teacher
          Education (Including special education)

   The Elementary Teacher Education Program is designed to help students
meet the following goals:
      * become outstanding general elementary and special education
        teachers
      * develop a strong background in the academic subject taught at the
        elementary level
      * develop the employment flexibility and security to be a special
        education teacher or a regular elementary teacher (grades K-4, 5-
        8), with additional options in bilingual education, English as a
        second language, and middle school mathematics, science, or English
        education
      * provide all children, including those with special learning needs,
        with the best possible education

   The current elementary teacher education program has evolved as a result
of a determined effort on the part of the faculty to coordinate their
efforts with public school personnel in education. Programs of clinical
experiences have gradually increased and improved because of the continuing
contact with classroom teachers, principals, and administration officers of
local schools. The program curriculum is designed to provide students with
a range of practicum experiences in a variety of settings. These practicum
experiences begin with observation and tutoring of children in the freshman
year and culminate with student teaching in the senior year. These direct
experiences in actual classroom settings give the teacher candidate
important opportunities to apply the knowledge gained in college courses to
his or her work with children and to gain critical on-the-job training.

   The program is divided into three general areas.

   The GENERAL STUDIES area includes courses in the following subject
areas: natural sciences, mathematics, social sciences, English/
linguistics, and fine arts. A grade of C- or better is required in all of
the courses in this area.

   The DISCIPLINE area provides the teacher candidate with an opportunity
to select one of the following five disciplines: English, general science,
mathematics, social studies, or language studies. A list of the specific
courses that comprise each of these areas is available in the Office of
Student Services and Teacher Recruitment. If a student pursues
certification in the Discipline area, a grade of C- or better is required
in all courses in this area

   The PROFESSIONAL STUDIES area is designed to develop the candidate's
teaching skills; this requirement is fulfilled by completing a common core
of courses and one or more of the specializations (K-4, 5-8, Exceptional
Children 1-8). The courses place strong emphasis on the development of
teachers who can plan and implement appropriate educational experiences for
children of varying levels of ability. A grade of C- or better is required
in all of the courses in this area.