BSE Basics

Testing Requirements for BSE Candidates

The Praxis 1 test was replaced with the Pre-service Academic Performance Assessment (PAPA), a test with modules in reading, writing, and mathematics in 2011. Please see Pennsylvania Educator Certification Tests for more information about scheduling and taking this computer-based assessment.

You must achieve a minimum score (the cut score) on each module of the PAPA to be certified to teach in Pennsylvania. You can, however, substitute scores on the SAT+writing or the ACT+writing for the PAPA scores. 

Clearance Requirements for BSE Candidates

You must have updated clearances on file BEFORE YOU ENROLL in courses with field placements (Foundations Block courses and APS block courses).

  1. Check to see if the course has a field placement and requires Act 34/Act 151/FBI clearances and TB test results.
  2. Clearances and TB test results must be on file in Field Services to be eligible for registration. Clearances need not be updated at the time of registration.
  3. To avoid being dropped from the class and to complete field placement requirements, you must update all clearances and the TB test so that they do not expire before the end of the term.
  4. Updated clearances and TB test results must be submitted to Field Services by January for the spring term; otherwise, you will be dropped from the class.
  5. Follow the directions for obtaining clearances and TB test at the Field Services Site.  

APS requirements for Student Teaching

In order to register for APS, you must apply for admission to APS. Here are the criteria for admission to APS.

If you have not completed the APS requirements and intend to register for APS courses, you must follow these steps:

  1. Take your DARS to Field Services Office, Stayer 120.
  2. Complete the APS Status Form available there to be included on the appeals list and/or “waitlists” for APS courses.
  3. Your DARS and APS Status form must be on file in Field Services by the appropriate deadline to be considered for APS the next semester.

Please visit Stayer 120 if you have questions about APS.

Course Planning for BSE's/GEN ED's

As a BSE candidate, you have three strands of courses to think about: your GEN ED courses, your English content courses, and your Education courses. This advisement sheet gives you some information on each strand of your program of study. Please see your advisor for assistance in “braiding” these together successfully.

PA School Code requires that all BSE students must take two “college level” G2 maths. Math 100 goes in your Foundations Bloc on your DARS. Math 130 goes in your G2: Sciences and Math block.

Two of your English Courses, ENGL 220: Intro to Language and your media course (ENGL 240: Intro to Film or English 481: History of Film) will count in your General Education G1 block.  You will only need one more G1 course from outside of the department to complete this block.

English 486 is offered in fall. English 487 is offered in spring.  Students should take their foundations block in sophomore year so that they can complete these courses on time. Transfer students should consider taking the foundations block at Millersville during their sophomore year so that they can meet their cohort and establish a solid foundation in the education side of the program.

English Content Courses

Remember, as a BSE, you will need a cumulative GPA of 2.8 to be admitted to Advanced Professional Studies Block. This may mean repeating courses with grades lower than a C. By the end of student teaching, you need to have a 3.0 in order to qualify for a PA certificate.

Some of these courses are offered every semester, but others are only offered in fall or spring. The catalog will list the semester the course is offered. English 321 is only offered in the fall and most summers. Work with your advisor to minimize surprises.  English 486 can not be offered in summer because of its assignments that require work with students in schools.

As a BSE, you are not obliged to choose a minor, but you can select a major option in a variety of areas. See the advisement Blue Sheet for the complete list.

Your Professional Development School Coursework

The sequence of your education classes requires your attention because each step of the sequence builds on the earlier step, creating a series of prerequisites and admissions points. Begin with Foundations Block in your sophomore year. Once completed, take the two English Education courses (486 in fall and 487 in spring). English 486 is a PREREQUISITE for APS, so plan carefully.

Your final year at MU will be taken up by education courses (FIVE courses in APS) and Student teaching. Please plan accordingly with any outside commitments.

Work with your adviser and your English Education and EDFN faculty to make sure you have taken your courses in the right sequence. Your efficient timeline to graduation depends on it.

ADVANCED PROFESSIONAL STUDIES BLOCK (Fall)

  • ENGL 488: METHODS OF TEACHING ENGLISH
  • EDFN 330: ASSESSMENT, DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY
  • EDSE 311: ISSUES IN SECONDARY EDUCATION
  • EDFN 340: CONTENT LITERACY FOR DIVERSE CLASSROOMS
  • SPED 346: TEACHING STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES IN INCLUSIVE SETTINGS

STUDENT TEACHING SEMESTER (Spring)

  • EDEN 461: STUDENT TEACHING IN ENGLISH
  • EDFN 471: DIFFERENTIATING INSTRUCTION