Curriculum and Instruction

Dr. Lauren Cummins, Graduate Program Coordinator
2309 Beeghly College of Education
(330) 941-7237
lcummins@ysu.edu

Introduction

The Master of Science in Education in Curriculum and Instruction is a totally online program, focusing on the development of professional practitioners committed to quality teaching and committed to the belief that all children can learn. Central to the development of such professionals is the refinement of competencies in the areas of teaching, learning, assessment, technology, and communication.  Students admitted to this program will choose one of three specialization areas: literacy, digital teaching and learning, teacher leadership, along with general studies.  The Literacy specialization will support an increased depth of knowledge and skills in the area of language arts and reading. Digital Teaching and Learning will focus on the paradigm shift in teaching that utilizes technology as an effective tool in 21st-century classrooms, P-12.  The specialized area of Teacher Leadership will support an increased depth of knowledge and skills in the area of informal and Formal Leadership in and out of the classroom and is aligned to the new Ohio Teacher Leadership Standards.   The general studies option is for students who want to obtain a C&I degree without an area of specialization.  Courses for general studies may come from any department at YSU and may, or may not, be offered online.

The program is delivered in a fully online format.

For more information please contact the Teacher Education and Leadership Studies Office at (330)-941-3251. 

Mission

The Department of Teacher Education and Leadership Studies' mission is to empower teachers for professional prac­tice. The mission commits the faculty to a theme of critical reflective practice where candidates are engaged in activities that build on their knowledge, skills, and dispositions related to effective teaching.  Faculty members are committed to educating practicing professionals in the areas of: scholarship, teaching, leadership, management, communication, and interpersonal relations. The Department also offers a variety of professional development courses and workshops.

Accreditation

The master's programs in Teacher Education are accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE). http://www.ncate.org/. 

Curriculum and Instruction Program

The Curriculum & Instruction program is a comprehensive program completely related to curriculum and instruction in the classroom.  Additionally, this programs gives students the opportunity to take other related courses of interest.

COURSE TITLE S.H.
Required Core
TCED 6905Introduction to Digital Teaching and Learning3
TCED 6936Curriculum, Assessment, and Instruction to Improve Learning3
TCED 6933Brain Based Teaching and Learning3
TCED 6932Action Research in Urban and Rural Education3
Total Semester Hours12

Areas of Specialization

COURSE TITLE S.H.
Digital Teaching and Learning
TCED 6906Designing Curriculum for the 21st Century Learner3
TCED 6907Literacy for Digital Teaching and Learning3
TCED 6908Digital Learning Environments3
TCED 6910Leadership for the 21st-Century3
TCED 6911Coding for Educators3
TCED 6912Gaming for Educators3
Total Semester Hours18
COURSE TITLE S.H.
Literacy
TERG 6922Organizing and Managing Diverse Literacy Environments3
TERG 6923Literacy and Phonics Instruction3
TERG 6924Content Literacy3
TERG 6926Reading and Language Arts Assessment3
TERG 6927Practicum: Coaching for Effective Literacy Instruction3
TERG 6928Practicum: Case Study in Reading and Language Arts3
Total Semester Hours18
COURSE TITLE S.H.
Teacher Leadership
EDAD 6901Instructional Leadership Beyond the Classroom3
EDAD 6903Building Capacity of Adult Learners3
EDAD 6905Culturally Responsive Teaching and Learning3
EDAD 6906Data-Coaching and Decision Making3
EDAD 6933Educational Leadership and Organizational Change3
EDAD 6954Community Engagement and Collaborative Partnerships3
Total Semester Hours18
COURSE TITLE S.H.
General Studies
Eighteen semester hours of courses to be selected by student in consultation with advisor.Total Semester Hours 18

Candidates must purchase a TaskStream account at the beginning of their studies, which is necessary for our accreditation through The Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). 

All candidates must take and successfully pass the Comprehensive Examination which covers their coursework.

Maximum C Grade Policy

A student may count no more than 6 s.h. of coursework with a grade of C toward the minimum graduation hour requirements.

Learning Outcomes

General Learning Outcomes

Candidates develop a deep understanding of the critical concepts and principles of their field of preparation and, by completion, are able to use professional specialty practices flexibly to advance the learning of all P-12 students toward attainment of college- and career- readiness. Candidates apply knowledge and skills appropriate to their professional field of specialization so that learning and development opportunities for all P-12 improved through:

  • applying data literacy;
  • using research and understanding of qualitative, quantitative and/or mixed methods research methodologies;
  • employing data analysis and evidence to develop supportive school environments;
  • reading and/or participating in collaborative activities with others such as peers, colleagues, teachers, administrators, community organizations, and parents;
  • supporting appropriate applications of technology for their field of specialization;
  • applying professional dispositions, laws, and policies, codes of ethics and professional standards appropriate to their field of specialization.

Advanced program completers learn and apply specialized content and discipline knowledge contained in approved state and/or national discipline-specific standards.

Specific Specialization Outcomes

Teacher Leadership;

In this program you will learn to:

  • promote an inclusive, equitable, and collaborative culture among staff members.
  • implement evidence-based strategies and research to improve practice and student learning.
  • facilitate professional learning by utilizing adult learning principles.
  • employ evidence-based leadership practices to drive school improvement initiatives.
  • make effective data-based decisions which lead to school improvement.
  • strengthen relationships and partnerships with school and community stakeholders.
  • advocate for student learning and the teaching profession.

Digital Teaching and Learning:  

In this program, you will learn to:

  • explore and embrace the new paradigm shift in digital teaching and learning that supports students to be entrepreneurs of their own learning.
  • meet the challenge of moving into a more personalized, student-centered approach to teaching.
  • identify and implement research-based teaching methods that enhance digital learning in P-12 classrooms and support 21st-century teaching and learning.
  • evaluate, select, and integrate effective learning technologies to enhance student learning and prepare students for a digital world.
  • create digital learning environments that promote and sustain respectful digital citizens.
  • develop and utilize leadership skills that empower educators to be effective change agents in their schools and districts.

Literacy

In this program, you will learn to:

  • establish and maintain a child-centered classroom culture that provides diverse learning opportunities, materials, and practices for all students.
  • develop a system of providing instructional support to peers using student data, observations, model teaching, conferencing, and staff development.
  • assure that all aspects of literacy learning and usage are applied in every content area d. recognizing the developmental nature of spelling and phonics learning and use when selecting and critiquing resources and activities in order to sequence instruction.
  • incorporate all aspects of literacy assessment, curriculum development, materials selection, lesson design, instruction and self-reflection as a means to improving the learning of all students.
  • apply a multifaceted approach to assessment as a means of obtaining authentic information about the strengths and needs of diverse students for the purposes of instructional decision-making.

Admission Requirements

In addition to the minimum College of Graduate Studies admission requirements, applicants must have the following:

  • A bachelor's degree from a college or university certified by a regional accrediting agency approved by the U.S. Department of Education.
  • Valid teaching license
  • Cumulative GPA in undergraduate work of at least a 2.7 on a 4.0 scale.
  • Students with a GPA lower than 2.7 may be asked to present a satisfactory score on the general test of the GRE or other standardized test ( scores of 150 verb.,148 quant., and 4.0 writing for the GRE). Instead of a standardized test, program directors can provide evidence that suggests the likelihood of success in the program for provisional admission.
  • 3 references that include: name, email and phone number

SPECIALIZATIONS

C & I Digital Teaching and Learning @ https://online.ysu.edu/degrees/education/msed/curriculum-instruction-digital-teaching/

  • Complete online application for admission
  • Pay $45 application fee ($90 International). Waived for active/veteran military members or for applicants who have attended the College of Graduate Studies in the past.
  • Minimum 2.7 GPA
  • Names and contact information for 3 professional references (in online application)
  • Submit official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate coursework from regionally accredited institutions
  • Submit official scores for the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or standardized test if required by program. Students will be notified if the program will require scores on a standardized test for additional evidence that will insure student success if GPA is lower than the 2.7 required.
  • Valid teaching certificate
    • Students without a teaching certificate or license may be admitted on an individual basis to graduate programs leading to certification or licensure in certain areas

Teacher Leader

Admissions @ https://online.ysu.edu/degrees/education/msed/curriculum-instruction-teacher-leader/

  • Complete online application for admission
  • Pay $45 application fee ($90 International). Waived for active/veteran military members or for applicants who have attended the College of Graduate Studies in the past.
  • Minimum 2.7 GPA
  • Names and contact information for 3 professional references (in online application)
  • Submit official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate coursework from regionally accredited institutions
  • Submit  official scores for the Graduate Record Examination(GRE) or standardized test if required by program. Students will be notified if the program will require scores on a standardized test for additional evidence that will insure student success if GPA is lower than the 2.7 required.
  • Valid teaching certificate

LITERACY @ https://online.ysu.edu/degrees/education/msed/curriculum-instruction-education-literacy/

  • Complete online application for admission
  • Pay $45 application fee ($90 International). Waived for active/veteran military members or for applicants who have attended the College of Graduate Studies in the past.
  • Minimum 2.7 GPA
  • Names and contact information for 3 professional references (in online application)
  • Submit official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate coursework from regionally accredited institutions
  • Submit official scores for the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or standardized test if required by program. Students will be notified if the program will require scores on a standardized test for additional evidence that will insure student success if GPA is lower the than 2.7 required.
  • Valid teaching certificate
    • Students without a teaching certificate or license may be admitted on an individual basis to graduate programs leading to certification or licensure in certain areas