PURPOSE
The Master of Education degree with an emphasis in Curriculum and Instruction is a 36-hour, non-thesis program. The program consists of:
- a common core of credits intended to increase graduate students’ skill levels and knowledge base (12 credits)
- best practice in curriculum instruction and design (12 credits)
- assessment analysis and application, leadership development, and educational research (9 credits)
- a capstone design project in each student’s interest area meeting the goals and objectives of their own professional development plans (3 credits)
The Curriculum and Instruction emphasis is an innovative, inquiry-based program with a focus on professional development. The goal of the M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction is to provide an opportunity for practicing teachers and other educational professionals to enhance their understanding and expertise in the following areas to improve students' performance, and to accept greater responsibility in their roles as educational leaders, advocates, and life-long learners:
- Development of differentiated curriculum to meet the needs of diverse learners
- Analysis, interpretation and application of standardized assessment data within the curriculum
- Instructional strategies
- Best practice
- Educational research
Objectives
- Integrate theory with reflective practice
- Evaluate and improve processes of curriculum development
- Assist teachers in remaining current with regard to educational issues, individualized instruction, assessment and the elements of best practice
- Engage teachers in collaborative learning with colleagues who offer similar, as well as diverse, backgrounds, experiences, and views
- Facilitate the development of teachers as life-long learners, who are capable of informing their instructional practices through appropriate application of research results
- Enhance leadership skills, dispositions and practices
Course Requirements
Core Requirements (12 hours)
- EDUC 501 Contemporary Thought in Education (3)
- PSY 511 Psychological Foundations of Teaching and Learning (3)
- SOC/THEO 565 Serving and Leading in Community and World (3)
- EDUC 594 Research Evaluation and Design (3)
Required Professional Development Courses (24-27 hours)
- EDUC 506 Integrating Technology into the Classroom (3)
- EDUC 514 Analyzing and Applying Assessment Data (3)
- EDUC 531 Differentiating Instruction to Increase Student Acheivement (3)
- EDUC 532 Enhancing Learning Through Linguistic and Cultural Diversity (3)
- EDUC 534 Empowering Teachers as Leaders (3)
- EDUC 551 Elementary and Secondary Curriculum Design and Evaluation (3)
- EDUC 552 Processes in Elementary and Secondary School Administration (3)
- EDUC 537 Portfolio Review (3)
- EDUC 540 Curriculum and Instruction Capstone (3)
- EDUC 590 Curriculum and Instruction Practicum (3) **
**Required only if pursuing Curriculum Specialist certification
Graduate Level Special Education Endorsement-Mild to Moderate (30 hours)
This is a program open to teachers interested in adding a mild/moderate special education endorsement to their current teaching certificate.
- EDUC 593 Psychology of Exceptionality and Multiculturalism (3)
- EDUC 559 Instructional Methods for Students with Learning Disabilities (3)
- EDUC 576 Behavior Disorders – Behavior Management (3)
- EDUC 591 Educating Students with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (3)
- EDUC 592 Assessment and Evaluation of Diverse Learners (3)
- EDUC 558 Current Issues in Special Education and the Law (3)
- EDUC 539 Instructional Methods for Students with Diverse Needs (3)
- EDUC 546 Curriculum and Direct Instruction: Reading (3)
- EDUC 547 Curriculum and Direct Instruction: Math (3)
- EDUC 596 Special Education Practicum (3)
A Masters Degree in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Special Education can be attained with an additional 12 credit hours:
