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Nov 22, 2009
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Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction
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Description of Program
The program in common learnings and curriculum has a different purpose and rationale than the other three programs in the area of curriculum and instruction. Common learnings in curriculum has replaced the pre-existing K-12 curriculum program. Rather than focusing on the needs and instructional practices important for a particular age or grade level, the common learnings program examines theory, practice and issues in curriculum K-12. It is particularly appropriate for curriculum supervisors and for other individuals interested in curriculum issues that are important across grade levels or subject areas. Unlike other programs in curriculum and instruction, the common learnings program does not require a thesis or curriculum project. Instead, it may culminate in a comprehensive examination that requires a student to reflect upon and synthesize knowledge across a number of designated courses.
The program requires a prescribed concentration containing the core curriculum for common learnings, elective courses and a seminar course designed to assist the student in preparing for the required culminating experience, in this case, a comprehensive examination. The comprehensive examination for the common learnings program requires students to apply information from their courses to specific educational settings. Courses in the common learnings core are designed to explore curriculum issues, trends and practices across grade levels. They provide the opportunity to interact with professionals in a variety of roles and settings. Electives are selected with the adviser to meet students’ professional needs and provide an appropriate variety of experiences. When the student has completed 34 hours and has received a passing grade on the comprehensive examination, the adviser will recommend the student for graduation. |
Foundation Courses: 11 hours
One course from the following:
One course from the following:
One course from the following:
One course from the following:
Elective Courses: 7 hours
Choose six credit hours in addition to:
Note:
Foundations courses are required for all master of arts in curriculum and instruction programs. These courses provide the basis on which all subsequent courses are built and must be taken within the first 18 hours of course work. Comprehensive Examination
If selected, the comprehensive examination for the common learnings program requires students to apply information from their courses to specific educational settings. Exams must be completed within a three (3) hour period.
Students will be required to answer three of four questions. The questions will emerge from the following knowledge base areas:
- The foundations of curriculum, including forces impinging on schooling, curriculum philosophies and theories, and how these are related to contemporary school issues.
- The design, implementation and evaluation of curriculum.
- The proposals and practices of instructional improvement.
- The content of one of the two courses selected from the listed options.
If a student does not pass the comprehensive examination he/she may retake the test the following semester. If he/she fails only two questions, the next exam will be limited to those areas the student failed. Students may retake a failed comprehensive exam each time it is administered. After one year has elapsed the I grade reverts to an E. |
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