Secondary Teacher Preparation: Delaware

Analysis of Delaware's policies

Delaware requires that its secondary teacher candidates pass a Praxis II content test to teach any core secondary subjects. Unfortunately, Delaware permits a significant loophole to this important policy by allowing both general science and general social studies licenses, without requiring subject-matter testing for each subject area within these disciplines (see Goals 1-G and 1-H).

Further, to add an additional field to a secondary license, teachers must also pass a Praxis II content test. However, as stated above, Delaware cannot guarantee content knowledge in each specific subject for those secondary teachers who add general science or general social studies endorsements. 

Citation

Praxis II Chart https://deeds.doe.k12.de.us/certificate/deeds_testing.aspx#p2use

Recommendations for Delaware

Require subject-matter testing for all secondary teacher candidates.
Delaware wisely requires subject-matter tests for most secondary teachers but should address any loopholes that undermine this policy (see Goals 1-G and 1-H). This applies to the addition of endorsements as well.

State response to our analysis

Delaware recognized the factual accuracy of this analysis. The state added that it does not believe that a "loophole" exists for science certification as currently outlined in state regulation and asserted that a general science exam is not allowed. Candidates must either pass a content-specific exam (e.g., biology, chemistry) or the integrated science exam, which the state requires for educators teaching an integrated science course. The exam, therefore, covers multiple disciplines. Further, Delaware noted that the Department of Education and the Professional Standards Board are currently addressing the application of this regulation by districts.

Last word

As discussed in Goal 1-G, Delaware's integrated science endorsement is similar to what other states often refer to as general science. The concern with the integrated science exam, like other general science tests, is that separate scores are not reported for each science discipline.