M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction
Department of Teaching, Learning and Culture
Program Description
The Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction provides preparation for teaching and school leadership positions focusing on development, coordination and evaluation of programs in science education. Graduates will find immediate positions in Texas schools, as well as national and international school settings. This M.Ed. degree distance education option in Curriculum and Instruction provides a sound combination of theory, methodology, and a substantive content area, with some flexibility within the program emphasis, supporting areas. Prescribed courses may be waived or substituted with committee approval, based on student experience and previous training or demonstration of required skills.
This 36-semester hour graduate degree option in Curriculum and Instruction is designed to assist science teachers to develop effective teaching and research tools that increase educational opportunity and workplace access. Traditionally, the M.Ed. degree in Curriculum and Instruction has developed curriculum theories, pedagogical content, and teaching strategies. This distance education option will continue with these themes.
Admission
All students, distance or resident, must apply to the graduate program by completing the graduate application, the departmental application, letters of recommendation, and submitting the required documentation, such as transcripts and GRE scores. Submitted application materials are considered as part of a total application packet. See http://tlac.tamu.edu/articles/admissions.
Delivery System
The primary delivery system is the Internet and World Wide Web. Online formats will vary by class, dependent on material to be presented but will include many of the following: PowerPoint presentations (both written and with voice-over), video lectures, assignments, group projects, bulletin boards, chat rooms, reading assignments, and additional course materials. Digital resources such as electronic mail, facsimiles, and other distribution methods are used as appropriate. This mixed media ensures effective, educational interaction between the instructor and students.
Degree Program
The degree option is a non-thesis degree that requires a minimum of 36 semester hours of course work incorporating the following content elements organized into the strands: Academic Learning, Social Climate and Emotional Well-Being, School Improvement, and Family and Community Partnerships.
Academic Learning
- Research-supported, effective instructional techniques for high rates of student academic learning
- Research-supported, effective instructional techniques for efficient and successful classrooms
- Techniques for developing, enhancing and evaluating curricula and lessons for K-12 learners
- Classroom research techniques for evaluating and documenting student and program success
- Techniques for enhancing student success on high-stake State-wide assessments.
Social Climate & Emotional Well-Being
- Techniques for enhancing learner self-efficacy and student general self-concept
- Techniques for ensuring school-wide respect for the linguistic/cultural diversity of students and their families
School Improvement
- Skillful participation in school improvement efforts, including needs assessments, goal setting, developing an action plan, and evaluating improvement results. School improvement efforts should target academic learning of students.
Family & Community Partnerships
- Techniques for developing inclusive partnerships with families
- Techniques for working with the broader community and other social service agencies (interagency partnerships and collaboration)
Required Courses
EDCI 602 Cultural Foundations
EDCI 644 Curriculum Development
EDCI 673 Analysis of Teaching Behavior
EDCI 675 Teaching Strategies: Patterns of Learning
EDCI 603 Professional Development Strategies for Teachers
EDCI 676 Evaluation and Implementation of Electronic Learning Materials
EDCI 689 Advanced Classroom Management
EDCI 636 Educator as Researchers
EDCI 607 Programs and Procedures in Supervision
EDCI 638 Trends in Curriculum & Instruction
EDCI 677 Strategies for Teaching in a Culturally Pluralistic Society
RDNG 674 Developmental Reading in the Elementary School
For Information contact Larry Kelly at lkelly@tamu.edu or Kerri Smith at krsmith@tamu.edu



