Dec 04, 2024  
ACE Catalog - Volume 35 
    
ACE Catalog - Volume 35 [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Curriculum and Instruction, M.Ed.


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Program Description

The M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction program provides P-12 educators with a thorough background of current scientific research and pedagogy. All courses are infused with instructional technology, address real-life instructional challenges in today’s diverse P-12 classrooms, and are designed with a “learn; apply; assess” model to maximize effectiveness and lead to significant gains in student performance. The courses detail how to apply evidence-based instruction, assessments, national and state standards, and comprehensive accountability measures to help teachers transform their practice.

Program Outcomes

  1. Design developmentally and culturally appropriate curricula and instructional units to improve equity and academic achievement for 21st century learners. 
  2. Utilize academic theory, standards, and frameworks to guide the selection of content, delivery of evidence-based instruction, enhancement of critical thinking and inquiry, and the development of original research. 
  3. Design and implement research-supported assessment plans and strategies leading to continuous improvement of student achievement. 
  4. Analyze student data and apply research to adapt instruction and to select appropriate materials to improve student performance and enhance inquiry and critical thinking. 
  5. Apply research-based principles to establish positive, safe, and secure student-centered learning environments which value effective communication and collaboration. 
  6. Engage in leadership opportunities, research, and participate professionally in ongoing learning. 
  7. Apply research-based instructional strategies to develop competency in multiple literacies and knowledge and skills in reading/language arts and all content areas.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Curriculum and Instruction program is to provide P-12 educators with the skills to apply evidence-based instruction, assessments, national and state standards, and comprehensive accountability measures to help teachers transform their instructional practice.

Focus of Study Options


Curriculum and Instruction

After establishing an environment for diverse learners in the classroom, this focus of study provides ways to enhance the feel of community through collaboration and outreach within the school and beyond, into the surrounding neighborhood.

Differentiated Instruction

Building on classic concepts, the Differentiated Instruction focus of study recognizes how the mental landscape of current learners has been shaped by multimedia, changing how they think and reason when learning. Key components of differentiated instruction are revisited in relation to how new literacies have influenced changes in learner needs. Integrating theory and practice, students create professional learning communities, establish approaches for learner collaboration, and explore current frameworks to deliver content and concepts to meet the wide range of learning needs. Throughout the coursework, students shift perspectives to view differentiation as a scholarly practitioner and academic leaders, shaping instruction to create educational opportunities for 21st century learners.

Digital Learning and Teaching

The focus of study in Digital Learning and Teaching is designed to help educators re-examine technology, student learning, and classroom structure, as well as the roles of teacher and student. The focus of study explores how to design learning environments supported by technology, integrate digital technology into curriculum to maximize student learning, and evaluate emerging technology for personal and professional productivity.

Effective Classroom Management

The focus of study in Effective Classroom Management is designed to help P-12 educators effectively address students’ social, emotional and behavioral concerns. Developed in collaboration with Howard M. Knoff, Ph.D., creator and director of Project ACHIEVE, this program utilizes research-based strategies and best practices for developing effective instructional programs and managing safe, supportive learning environments. Courses focus specifically on Positive Behavior Support Systems (PBSS), social skills instruction, development of student self-management, and the needs of behaviorally challenging students. Current topics such as bullying and cyberbullying are addressed in-depth.

Elementary English Langauge Arts and Literacy

Designed to support educators in the primary grades, the Elementary English Language Arts and Literacy focus of study prepares teachers to utilize strategies and approaches to engage students in foundational skills required for effective reading and ELA instruction. These include phonology, phonics, and vocabulary development as they relate to comprehension and fluency. Directly related to increasing student performance, principles of learning are integrated with practical approaches to foster reading across disciplines and in a variety of settings and to support skills to adapt teaching and curriculum in English Language Arts.

Mathematics K-6

The focus of study in Mathematics K-6 prepares educators with the knowledge and skills to adapt teaching and curriculum to state standards for Mathematics in grades K-6. The research-based coursework engages educators in understanding the concepts of number sense, operations and algebraic thinking, geometry, measurement, data, probability, statistics, fractions, and decimals.

Mathematics 6-8

The focus of study in Mathematics 6-8 is intended to prepare educators to adapt teaching and curriculum to new and revised state standards for Mathematics in grades 6-8. The research-based coursework engages educators in understanding the concepts of mathematical structure, mathematical reasoning, and mathematical models and tools, essential to the implementation and application of foundational mathematical principles.

Secondary English Language Arts and Literacy

Designed to support educators at the secondary level, the Secondary English Langue Arts and Literacy focus of study prepares teachers to utilize foundational skills to influence the selection of strategies and instructional approaches aligned to secondary student needs. Consideration is given to the range of abilities found at the middle and high school levels which vary with background experience, prior instruction, and language barriers. Directly related to increasing student performance, practical approaches to foster reading across disciplines and in a variety of settings are integrated with skills required for content, real-life application, and readiness for future learning. Educators are prepared to integrate ELA applications to support student learning across disciplines.

Science

The Science focus of study prepares K-16 teachers in pedagogy, andragogy, multiple intelligence theory, social learning theory, exchange theory, and the utilization of digital resources to foster the innovative engagement of diverse learners associated with integrated science programs. The courses offer a holistic overview of historical and current issues and trends impacting integrated science education while cultivating research-based strategies to improve student learning. The courses are sequenced to provide the educator of an integrated curriculum with the technological and didactic skill sets required for empowering 21st century learning in a global, digital society.

Course List (34 Total Semester Credits)


Research Courses (3 Semester Credits)


Education and Teaching Core Courses (3 Semester Credits)


Leadership Courses (3 Semester Credits)


Choose a Three-Course Focus of Study (9 Semester Credits)


General Track


Any three courses selected from above.

Note


  • This program is neither designed nor approved (as of the publication date of this Catalog) to prepare students for licensure, certification, or endorsement in any state.
  • Check availability in your state on the Programs by State section of the ACE website.

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