Graduate Catalog 2009-2010

Program Purpose :: Program Requirements :: Online Orientation :: Core Coursework :: Admission Requirements :: Transfer Credit :: Academic Probation, Suspension and Dismissal :: Graduation Requirements :: Courses :: Faculty

Program Purpose
The M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction is designed to promote theoretical knowledge in education and the application of professional classroom practices. The major content areas of the elementary and early childhood curricula are examined through an emphasis on a broad, holistic approach to learning. The practicum component of the program supports the implementation of learning while providing students the opportunity to work on action research.

Degree Requirements
The M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction program consists of 32 credit hours of coursework, which can be completed in 13 months.  The coursework is offered in a cohort format with classes beginning in June and concluding in June of the next year.  In the first June, students are required to participate in a two-week, on-campus program.  Classes in Fall and Spring semesters are offered on-line.  Students are then required to complete a one-week, on-campus session at the conclusion of the program.

Online Orientation
Flexibility and quality are the hallmarks of the Stephens College Graduate & Continuing Studies program.  In an effort to stand by our mission and to assist new students in making a successful transition back into college, Stephens requires that all new students complete a one hour online orientation during the first four weeks of classes. 

As part of the orientation, students will complete comprehensive assignments designed to familiarize them with all aspects of Blackboard as well as Stephens College policies and procedures as outlined in the graduate catalog.

M.Ed. Curriculum & Instruction Core Coursework: 32 credit hours
EDU 500G:  Inquiry into Science, Math
EDU 510G:  Inquiry into History, Geography, Government, Economics
EDU 515G:  Inquiry into Children’s Literature, Music, Art
EDU 520G:  Inquiry into Literacy (Reading, Writing, Language Arts)
EDU 525G:  Assessment & Evaluation in the Classroom
EDU 530G:  Trends and Issues in Teaching & Learning
EDU 540G:  Developing a Classroom Community:  Supporting Teaching & Learning
EDU 600G:  Research in Curriculum & Instruction

Admission Requirements
Applications are accepted throughout the year for June admission. Applicants must have a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum 3.5 cumulative GPA in the last 60 hours of undergraduate coursework or a 3.0 cumulative GPA with a Portfolio Review conducted by the Department, personal interview, hold a current teaching certificate and have access to children in a classroom setting in order to gain admission into the program. Admission is based on a combination of undergraduate GPA, Statement of Purpose, recommendation letters, on-campus interview, and TOEFL score, if applicable.

Admission may be offered at full or provisional levels.  To move to full acceptance, provisionally accepted students shall meet the terms outlined in their provisional acceptance letter.

Transfer Credit
Graduate students may transfer a maximum of six semester hours of equivalent graduate credit toward core coursework required in the Stephens Master of Education (M. Ed.) in Curriculum & Instruction program. Due to the importance of the learning format in a cohort format, students who receive transfer credit for prior coursework shall be required to audit the course.  Transfer credit shall only be given for coursework taken before starting the M. Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction at Stephens College.

Academic Probation, Suspension and Dismissal

Students must maintain a cumulative 3.0 GPA. Students whose cumulative GPA falls below a 3.0 shall be placed on academic probation.  See Academic Policies:  Probation & Dismissal for more information.  

• Curriculum & Instruction course requirements
• Maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA or higher in the program courses

M.Ed. Curriculum & Instruction Courses

EDU 500G: Inquiry I – Science & Math
This course explores the teaching and learning of science and math in the early childhood and elementary classroom.  Emphasis is placed on increasing knowledge of math and science, curriculum development, teaching methods, and assessment and evaluation of student learning.  Coursework will include application of current research, resources and materials.

EDU 510G: Inquiry II – History, Geography, Government & Economics
This course examines the role of social studies in the curriculum.  Current practices are explored and analyzed.  A plan for integrating social studies concepts into the daily curriculum will be developed. 

EDU 515G: Inquiry III - Children’s Literature, Music, Art
This course explores the ways children’s literature, music, and art can be integrated throughout the curriculum to enhance learning.  Various genres, mediums, and modes of learning will be examined. 

EDU 520G: Inquiry IV - Literacy (Reading, Writing & Language Arts)
This course focuses on the development of an effective literacy program.  An examination of current research will be used to lead to the development of classroom practices that are grounded in theory.

EDU 525G: Assessment & Evaluation in the Classroom
This course highlights the role of assessment and evaluation in the classroom. Various formal and informal instruments and procedures of assessment and evaluation will be examined and applied.  Implications of these practices are considered. 

 EDU 530G: Trends & Issues in Teaching and Learning
This course is an intensive study of recent national, state and local trends and current issues in education.  Research findings about these issues and trends will be considered.  Effects of the trends and issues on daily practice will be evaluated.

 EDU 540G: Developing a Classroom Community: Supporting Teaching and Learning
This course focuses on designing and managing a successful classroom.  Topics include development, design and organization of curriculum, selection of resources and materials, and strategies for supporting a positive learning community.

EDU 600G: Research in Curriculum & Instruction

• Complete in four 1-hour segments over the length of the program
• One-hour segment required for Summer I, Fall, Spring and Summer II sessions

This course is an overview of the various research methods used in educational settings, with specific emphasis on qualitative research methodologies.  Students will become familiar with resources, terms and techniques necessary to design and implement an applied research project.  This is the capstone experience for the M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction; therefore students will design and implement a research project with children in their classrooms.

Faculty

Sean Travis Clouse , Ph.D. University of Missouri-Columbia, 2007; M.A. 2003 and 2001; B.A. 1997.

Sharon Schneeberger, Ph.D.   George Peabody College for Teachers at Vanderbilt University, 1977; M.S. Oklahoma State University, 1967.  B.S. Oklahoma State University, 1965.

Leslie Willey, Ph.D.  Program Director.  University of Missouri-Columbia, 2002; M.Ed. University of Missouri-Columbia, 1987.  B.A. Stephens College, 1983.

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