ACSI Credentialing Program
The ACSI Credentialing Program at Indiana Wesleyan University is a non-degree, non-certificate program that provides graduate level course work to individuals seeking to obtain an Association for Christian Schools International (ACSI) teaching credential. The program consists of seven (7) credit hours for individuals seeking to teach in a domestic ACSI member school and ten (10) credit hours for individuals seeking to teach in an international ACSI member school. Upon completion of the required coursework, it is the individual’s responsibility to make application to ACSI for their teaching credential. The required coursework satisfies all criteria established for an ACSI teaching credential. There is no field experience required for this program.
The mission of the Association of Christian Schools International (ACSI) Credentialing program is to prepare teacher leaders to provide advanced knowledge that translates into effective teaching performances and dispositions, all of which are focused on improving P-12 student learning in private Christian schools.
The purpose of the program is to provide a course of study leading to an ACSI teaching credential that meets the professional needs of practicing Christian school teachers. Outcomes and expectations associated with this credentialing program are:
- Providing influence for positive individual growth and school change. Candidates are proficient in teacher leadership to help individual peers, to influence professional learning communities, to improve building-level instruction, to impact school culture, and to cause meaningful school change and improvement.
- Understanding and Interacting with Individual Learners as Individual Learners. Candidates are proficient in providing differentiated instruction to individual learners, regardless of unique academic need across the ability spectrum from special education to gifted education.
- Leading curricular change. Candidates are proficient in curriculum development and implementation; knowledge of curriculum and subject matter is used to create positive change in classrooms, schools, and districts.
- Implementing instructional effectiveness. Candidates are proficient in the knowledge, dispositions, and skills needed for effective teaching; effective teaching results in successful student learning.
- Managing classroom learning. Candidates manage the classroom learning environment to create success for all students.
- Practicing reflective assessment. Candidates manage their continued learning and professional development through continuous reflection about their teaching knowledge, dispositions, skills, and practices.
- Building learning networks. Candidates create professional partnerships to create learning opportunities for themselves and their students.
- Complying with legal obligations. Candidates fulfill all legal requirements in the performance of their teaching duties.
Admission Requirements
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A baccalaureate or graduate degree from a college or university accredited by a regional accrediting body or the Association for Biblical Higher Education verified on original transcripts sent by the institution directly to Indiana Wesleyan University.
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An undergraduate GPA of 2.75 or higher from the baccalaureate degree granting institution at which at least of minimum of 30 hours was completed.
Completion Requirements
- Successfully complete each course with at least a "B-" grade and a minimum overall GPA of 3.0.
ACSI - Program of Study
Required Courses - Domestic
| ACSI-ORE | Orientation to the ACSI Credentialing Program | 0 |
| EDCS-546 | Christian Philosophy of Education | 1 |
| BIB-501 | Introduction to the Old Testament | 3 |
| BIB-502 | Introduction to the New Testament | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 7 |
Required Courses - International
| ACSI-ORE | Orientation to the ACSI Credentialing Program | 0 |
| EDCS-546 | Christian Philosophy of Education | 1 |
| BIB-501 | Introduction to the Old Testament | 3 |
| BIB-502 | Introduction to the New Testament | 3 |
| EDCS-512 | Integration of Faith and Learning in P-12 Christian School Classrooms | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 10 |
