MASTER OF SCIENCE IN EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATION OPTIONS

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1 Overview MASTER OF SCIENCE IN EDUCATION (INSTRUCTIONAL LEADERSHIP) AND CERTIFICATION OPTIONS Neumann University s graduate program leading to the Master of Science in Education: Instructional Leadership is consistent with, and driven by, the University s Mission Statement. The program enables graduate students to acquire a wide range of knowledge and skills which are designed to prepare them to assume the role of instructional leaders of their schools. By analyzing cutting-edge pedagogical theory and applying interpretations of that theory to teaching practices, graduate students become master teachers, i.e., educators who know and show others how to orchestrate assessment, diversity, technique, and technology within the context of contemporary education. The goal of the instructional leadership degree is to instill the knowledge, skills, values, and attitudes of master teachers in professional educators. Hence, this degree program prepares educators to become classroom innovators and school role models. Program Design The 36-credit Master of Science in Education: Instructional Leadership (with an additional 9-credit option for teacher certification) consists of evening classes that meet during the Fall and Spring semesters, as well as during the University s Summer Sessions. A clinical component is associated with most of the classes, thereby allowing candidates for the degree to pursue ongoing action research at the schools in which they are employed. Program Outcomes Successful graduates of Neumann University s Master of Science in Education: Instructional Leadership will be able to: Participate in curriculum development projects. Supervise cooperating teacher positions. Assume department head activities. Engage in mentoring roles in professional induction programs. Pursue further study at the doctoral level in curriculum, instruction, and technology. Represent contemporary best practice in classroom teaching. Successfully orchestrate strategies and techniques in culturally diverse classrooms. Articulate the concerns and capabilities of educators dedicated to the pursuit of a teaching career in a pluralistic society. 72

2 Comprehend the relationship between the pedagogical objectives of the school and the abundant range of skills, talents, and interests of a diverse community of learners. Admission Requirements In conjunction with the general admission requirements of the University, applicants must: Submit a completed Graduate Student Application for Admission, or apply online through the Neumann University web site at Provide official transcripts from each regionally accredited, degreegranting institution attended, including that of the baccalaureate degree (as well as Master s Degree in Education if pursuing the Post-Graduate Certification option). Have a 3.00 cumulative undergraduate GPA. Complete a letter of intent which includes a biographical sketch, professional experience overview, and projected professional goals and objectives. Provide the names of three individuals who would serve as references; at least two of these are to be from professional educators who have known or observed the applicant. Arrange for an interview with the Program Director of the Master s Degree Program in Education or designated full-time faculty member. Once all admission materials have been received and processed through the Office of Admissions, the graduate Program Director will arrange for an interview, if appropriate, following a review of all candidate credentials. Progression/Retention/Graduation Requirements For the Master of Science in Education: Instructional Leadership, continued progress requires that the student maintain an overall B average (cumulative 3.00 GPA) in the required courses and satisfactory participation in the program. Completion of all degree requirements for the program is not to exceed five years. Exemption to this time limitation must be applied for in a written request to the Division Dean. Graduation from the program is contingent upon (1) submitting a signed Application for Graduation form to the Registrar on or before the date specified in the Academic Calendar; and (2) successful completion of all course work, including report(s) of action research, an effective, formal presentation of learning to a faculty committee, and an individual portfolio of developed resources and materials. The student must maintain an overall B average (cumulative 3.00 GPA) in all required courses, with no more than two grades of C level work. Curriculum Graduate students must complete 36 credits from the following courses. Selection of appropriate courses occurs in consultation with the graduate student advisor. 73

3 Required Courses EDU 500 Philosophical Foundations for Instructional Leadership...3 EDU 505 Teaching to Diversity...3 EDU 506 School Policy and Law...3 EDU 510 Research Design and Methods...3 EDU 520 Curriculum Design and Evaluation...3 TOTAL REQUIRED CREDITS Electives The following elective courses may be selected with the approval of the graduate advisor. EDU 507 The Principalship...3 EDU 526 Special Topics in Graduate Education...3 EDU 530 The Pedagogy of Cognition...3 EDU 545 Assessment and Intervention...3 EDU 548 Teaching Strategies Seminar I: Subject Matter Applications...3 EDU 558 Teaching Strategies Seminar II: The Inclusive Classroom...3 EDU 570 Constructivist Perspectives in Reading...3 EDU 580 Independent Study Project...credit varies EDU 590 Teaching for Divergent Thinking: Classroom Management...3 EDU 597 Internet for Teachers...3 EDU 598 Advanced Strategies in Technology and Assessment...3 EDU 599 Collaborative Teaching/Empowering Learners...3 Administrative Certificate: Principal K 12 Program Overview This administrative certificate program, approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Education, qualifies professionals to serve in line administrative positions. This program, which prepares individuals to serve as principals and assistant principals, offers the knowledge and skills necessary to direct, operate, supervise, and administer the organizational and general educational activities of a school. Program Outcomes Students who successfully complete the Administrative Certificate Principal K 12 Program are able to: Demonstrate knowledge of and competence in instructional leadership which provides purpose and direction for the achievement of all students. Demonstrate the organizational skills to implement plans of action efficiently and effectively for student achievement. Collaborate with students, faculty, staff, and parents to create a school climate that fosters student achievement. 74

4 Understand the importance of a clear, detailed vision and explicitly stated philosophy in shaping a coherent curriculum and fostering an effective school. Use data in a systematic way to assess the needs and accomplishments of students, faculty, and staff. Think systematically about practice; learn from experience; seek the advice of others; draw upon educational research and scholarship; and actively seek opportunities to grow professionally. Program Design This program requires a total of 21 graduate credits which are specified in the Program Curriculum. To be eligible for Principal K 12 Certification, a 6-credit internship (EDU 577), in addition to the five other required courses listed below in Program Curriculum, is required. EDU 577 consists of a 360-hour learning experience which includes classroom and field activities, the latter of which requires a 180-hour, site-based internship. EDU 577 is taken after all program requirements have been successfully completed. In addition to these curricular requirements, the student must also satisfactorily complete the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania s mandated assessment, have a chief school administrator s verification of five years of satisfactory and appropriate school experience, and meet all other requirements stipulated by Commonwealth of Pennsylvania law. Program Curriculum The following courses comprise the required course for the Principal K 12 Certification Program: EDU 506 School Policy and Law...3 EDU 507 The Principalship...3 EDU 508 Fiscal and Facility Management...3 EDU 509 Administration and Staff Development...3 EDU 520 Curriculum Design and Evaluation...3 EDU 577 Principal Certification Internship...6 TOTAL REQUIRED CREDITS Admission Requirements Students who desire to enter the Administrative Certificate Principal K 12 Program need to fulfill the following admission criteria, in conjunction with the general admission requirements of the University: Submit a completed Graduate Student Application for Admission. Submit official transcripts showing proof of a master s degree in education from a regionally accredited, degree-granting institution (the required minimum graduate GPA is 3.00). Submit three completed Reference Forms which indicate support for the student s professional goals. Submit a chief school administrator s verification of the completion of at least five years of professional work experience in education. Submit a state-certified Teacher Certificate. Attend, if invited, an interview with the Admissions Committee. 75

5 Teacher Certification: Special Education An option for Special Education Teacher Certification (N 12): Cognitive, Behavior, Physical/Health Disabilities is also available for students enrolled in the Graduate Education Program at Neumann University. This certification option includes course work in the following content areas: EDU 525 Introduction to Exceptionalities...3 EDU 545 Assessment and Intervention...3 EDU 558 Teaching Strategies Seminar II: The Inclusive Classroom...3 EDU 568 Managing Instructional and Behavioral Components in Special Education and Included Settings...3 EDU 576 Special Education Practicum/Internship...3 In addition to successfully completing these courses, students are also required to pass the related Praxis II examination. Students pursuing the Special Education Certification option are also required to obtain and present proof of a current Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance and a Pennsylvania Criminal Background Clearance. Candidates for this certification option must also satisfy all admission criteria to the Graduate Education Program. For additional information about this certification option, please contact the Division of Education and Human Services at Post-Graduate Teacher Certification: Early Childhood/Elementary/Secondary Students who have successfully completed a Master of Science degree in Education can also pursue a Teacher Certification option at Neumann University. For those students seeking either Early Childhood and/or Elementary Education Teacher Certification or Secondary Teacher Certification in either English, Social Studies, or Biology/General Science, the following additional graduate courses must be taken and successfully completed: EDU 548* Teaching Strategies Seminar I: Subject Matter Applications...3 EDU 558* Teaching Strategies Seminar II: The Inclusive Classroom...3 EDU 560 Graduate Seminar...3 EDU 570 Constructivist Perspectives in Reading...3 EDU 575 Practicum in Teaching: Early Childhood/ Elementary/Secondary Education...6 EDU 590* Teaching for Divergent Thinking: Classroom Management...3 * These courses may be taken as electives in the initial Master of Science in Education Program with written permission of the student s graduate advisor. EDU 560 can only be taken at the main campus of Neumann University. Prior to registering for both EDU 560 and EDU 575, the student must have taken and passed all required PRAXIS I and PRAXIS II examinations. 76

6 Students who wish to pursue Secondary Teacher Certification in either English, Social Studies, or Biology/General Science must also demonstrate course work in these specified areas that is sufficient to meet the most current Pennsylvania Department of Education standards. Effective January 1, 2011, the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) will implement changes to the state requirements for teacher certification. After this date, any student seeking initial certification, regardless of program entry date, will be required to complete 9 credits of Special Education and 3 credits of English Language Learner (ELL) instruction prior to certification. No students will be grandfathered. In addition, students seeking initial teacher certification under the guidelines that are published in this catalog are required to satisfy the following steps of the certification process before the date listed below: Successfully complete all course work leading to the Baccalaureate degree; Successfully complete the Student Teaching Practicum; Take and pass all required NTE/PRAXIS Examinations; Prepare and submit PDE certification forms; and, Have applied to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Education for certification by August 31, If the student completes requirements under the guidelines published in this catalog and applies for initial certification after August 31, 2013, the Pennsylvania Department of Education will NOT process the request for certification. The new PDE certification guidelines will be printed in the next iteration of this catalog. Students pursuing this Teacher Certification option are also required to obtain proof of a current FBI Fingerprint Clearance, a Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance, and a Pennsylvania Criminal Background Clearance in order to begin this course. No student may begin EDU 575 without all current clearances. For additional information, please contact the Office of Admissions at