Better Educators for Students of Tomorrow (BEST) MS

Overview

The BEST program provides students with the content, pedagogical background and experiences necessary for initial certification in elementary (Grades 1-6), secondary (Grades 7-12) (including biology, chemistry, English, French, German, mathematics, physics, social studies, and Spanish) or Pre-K-12 (art, music, and physical education) education. The program has been evaluated and approved by the Maryland Higher Education Commission, the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education, and the Maryland State Department of Education.

The BEST program embraces a rich combination of research based learning theory, effective teaching practices with significant public school experiences, opportunities for research within the public school setting, and encouragement to reflect upon classroom practice. National standards provide the basis for the pedagogical and content knowledge throughout the BEST program.

Successful completion of the BEST program will result in the candidate becoming eligible for initial teacher certification by the Maryland State Department of Education and the awarding of a Master of Science degree by McDaniel College.

Admissions Requirements

Initial Admission

Applicants to the program must submit:

application for graduate study with non-refundable fee;
official transcripts verifying completion of an appropriate undergraduate degree from an accredited institution with a cumulative GPA of 2.75;
satisfactory interview with program coordinator;
three professional letters of recommendation

To begin the program, candidates must:

Take part in a pre-matriculation advising session
Complete a criminal background record check through fingerprinting and disclosures
Complete a program plan developed in consultation with BEST Coordinator

Full Acceptance

Successful completion of EDU 580, EDU 580P and EDU 581, EDU 581P;
A GPA of 3.00 or higher in courses taken at McDaniel College;
Academic skills assessment which meet MSDE minimum score requirements;
Completion of all the necessary prerequisite courses. (Note: Candidates will not be allowed to enroll in education courses beyond EDU 580 and EDU 581 until they have successfully completed the required prerequisite courses in their programs.)
Appropriate Professional Dispositions as determined by the course instructors.

Courses

Required of All Participants:

Elementary Sequence:

Course prerequisites from undergraduate studies: American History, Children’s Literature, Introductory Psychology, Life Science and Physical Science (12 credits), Mathematics (12 credits including MAT 520 Mathematical Foundations).

EDU 544 - Teaching Elementary Social Studies with required Practicum
EDU 547 - Teaching Elementary Science with required Practicum
EDU 556 - Teaching Standards for Mathematics in the Elementary School with required Practicum
RDG 521 - Reading Processes and Acquisition
RDG 522 - Balanced Literacy Instruction
RDG 523 - Assessment for Reading Instruction
RDG 524 - Materials for Reading Instruction
PSY 502 - Human Growth and Development: Child
EDU 596 - Internship and Seminar Primary Grades
EDU 597 - Internship and Seminar Intermediate

Secondary Sequence:

Course prerequisites from undergraduate studies: Earned major in subject area of certification or completion of McDaniel College major and a general psychology course.

Choose the appropriate methods course for your area of certification:

PK12 Sequence:

Course prerequisites from undergraduate studies: Earned major in subject area of certification or completion of McDaniel college major and a general psychology course.

Choose the two (2) appropriate methods courses for your area of certification:

Initial Certification ASL: P-12

Each candidate wishing to enter the BEST: ASL program must have an ASLPI of a 3.0 or better, or an equivalent on another signed proficiency assessment. In addition, candidates must have an undergraduate degree in ASL or Deaf Studies that encompass the following courses:

Courses include (30 hours):

ASL 1, 2, 3, 4, & 5
Fingerspelling
History of the Deaf Community
American Deaf Culture
American Sign Language Linguistics
ASL and Deaf Literature

Note:

An exit portfolio and Action Research project are certification and degree requirements. Praxis II test scores that meet MSDE minimum score is a certification requirement.