Master s Degree Program Handbook

Mesa State College Center for Teacher Education Master s Degree Program Handbook Office of Graduate Studies 1100 North Avenue Grand Junction, CO 81501 (800) 982-MESA; (970) 248-1786; (970) 248-1112 (fax) Revised 09/2010

Table of Contents Section 1: Rationale and Mission. 3 Conceptual Framework Why Mesa State for Graduate Work? Degree Program Areas of Study Section 2: Overview of Graduate Program of Study 6 Program Requirements Cohort Model Sequence of Courses Section 3: Admission Requirements and Advising.. 7 Admission Requirements Procedure for Application Graduate Record Examination Course Transfers Professional Licensure Plan of Study Section 4: Program Continuation and Sequence 9 Grades and Program Standing Distance Learning Coursework Section 5: Graduation.. 10 Graduation Requirements Diploma and Graduation Section 6: CTE Graduate Program Faculty 11 Application Forms 2

Rationale and Mission of the Program Conceptual Framework At Mesa State, we pride ourselves on the personal touch. Graduate professors have doctorates in a field of education, and are experienced, knowledgeable, accessible, and intensely dedicated to the improvement of public education. Most faculty also have been classroom teachers themselves and understand from the inside the professional needs and pressures of teaching. Advising faculty offer one-on-one guidance in programs of study, course selection, and future educational goals. As reflective practitioners, professors are always striving for ways to improve the quality of learning in our programs and in the schools in which we work. The objectives of the Masters Program are to enhance the professional careers of educators and ensure high student achievement in their classrooms and schools. The program focuses upon innovative approaches to curriculum design and differentiation so that we might better meet the needs of our diverse learners. Finally, theory-based learning from current research and literature is translated into application-oriented and discussion-based instruction within every program course. Why Mesa State for Graduate Work? The Center for Teacher Education offers a unique setting for graduate coursework. We are positioned in the center of Western Colorado with opportunities to outreach as a regional education provider to fourteen neighboring counties. Mesa State offers a Master of Arts degree in ESOL (English Speakers of Other Languages), and EDLD (Educational Leadership) leading to principal licensure. Our graduate program operates in a cohort model, meaning classes are small and professors can give individual attention to students and their learning. Degree Program Both the MA in ESOL and the MA in Educational Leadership are designed to be completed in five semesters. Both require 36 credit hours of study and are anchored in 11 credit hours of core classes and 25 credit hours of content specific classes. All MA candidates are required to do a capstone presentation in the fall following completion of all course work. The programs are designed using the cohort model with a group of participants completing all requirements in a 5 semester cycle (4 semesters for Endorsement Program students). 3

Educators already holding a Master s degree can apply to an endorsement program of only the 25 credit hours of content specific classes in Educational Leadership. The EDLD endorsement program qualifies the student to apply for a Colorado principal license. Students applying to the ESOL program may pursue an MA degree or endorsement only track. Areas of Study Educators can choose to pursue their MA in either ESOL (English Speakers of Other Languages) or EDLD (Educational Leadership.) ESOL is a comprehensive, full-time Masters in English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) with endorsement options. The Graduate Masters in English for Speakers of Other Languages Endorsement k-12 is designed to prepare certified teachers with specialized knowledge and training in applied linguistics, curriculum, teaching, testing, methodology and cross-cultural awareness. EDLD is designed as a dynamic, current program to meet the needs of education professionals as they gain expertise in leadership to prepare them for principal licensure. The program is designed to provide the student with ten hours of core knowledge in educational design, theory, assessment, and research. The endorsement classes allow the student to focus on content and practice critical to success as a principal or school/district leader. Core classes for both MA programs include: Theory, Design, and Assessment of Curriculum (3 credits) Historical and conceptual analyses of ways to design, organize, and integrate curricula across subject areas. Review of various instructional design models and fundamental design principles that guide the dev elopment of instructional materials. Students will create multimedia materials for incorporation into a final product. Critique of curriculum discourse, process, and product. Teachers roles in site-based curriculum and staff development. Introduction to Educational Research (3 credits) An analysis of differing orientations to evaluation and research. Emphasis on assumptions, attitudes, and expectations of what constitutes scientific knowledge and explanation Relationship of research orientation, methods of inquiry, theory, and practice in both qualitative and quantitative research strategies. 4

Educational Technology (2 credits) Introduction to instructional design; production and evaluation of computer-based instructional materials and software selection Evaluation and use of instructional media. Culture and Pedagogy (3 credits) Pedagogy that explores the relationships between culture and learning as well as teacher ideology and belief systems. Examines critical pedagogy, pedagogies of resistance, and teaching for social justice. Educational Leadership Content Classes Reform and Organizational Change in Education Dynamic School Leadership in a Democratic Society The Principalship (Part A) The Principalship (Part B) Legal Aspects of School Administration: Educational Policy and the Law School Finance and Budgeting Internship (300 hours) School Improvement and Accountability Strategies in School Improvement Instructional Supervision and Management Best Practices in Curriculum and Instruction ESOL Content Classes Language Systems & Linguistic Diversity Methods of Teaching English as a Second Language ESL Strategies in the Content Area Theories of Second Language Acquisition Multicultural Narratives for K-12 Assessment in English as a Second Language K-12 Internship Capstone Presentation The capstone offers candidates the opportunity to design a professional presentation to demonstrate their learning and growth through the program. Topics must be a synthesis of research and application as an emerging leader. An abstract and bibliography are required. The 20-minute presentations are reviewed by a panel of three faculty members with an audience of invited participants. The indicators of proficiency include content, creativity, and use of technology. A final score aligns with three categories: recommend, recommend with modifications, or do not recommend. Capstone projects may be archived in the Tomlinson Library. Each presenter works with a capstone advisor for 2 semesters previous to the presentation. 5

Overview of Graduate Program of Study Program Requirements The Center for Teacher Education MA Programs are characterized by the following requirements for successful degree completion: A minimum of 36 credits for EDLD and 35 for ESOL to complete the MA degree. A minimum of 25 credit hours for the Endorsement programs ESOL 24 Completion of a Capstone presentation for the MA degree. A maximum of 9 semester credits of graduate level coursework in the content areas may be recommended for transfer if approved by the graduate advisor. Credits earned from a previous degree will not be accepted. All coursework toward the degree must be completed within three years of the beginning date of the program. Cohort Model The master s program uses a cohort model, meaning an entire core sequence of courses is offered to a group of 15-25 participants that begins and remains together until the completion of the program, ensuring availability of course offerings. Cohorts offer candidates a consistent peer learning community. The cohort program was designed to prepare teachers to be agents of continuing, research-based change in their profession. Cohorts also provide a safe environment for teachers to network, share ideas, and challenge one another as they get to know each of their colleague s learning styles. Cohorts function as professional learning communities to work together to explore new kinds of knowledge. Sequence of Courses Core classes are offered in the summers. Endorsement (content) classes are in the summer and in the evening and weekends during the school year. MA capstone presentations are scheduled in the fall (5 th semester) following all course work. While the sequence is structured to be completed in four or five semesters, the program can be extended up to three years. A formal request for timing out must be made through the candidate s graduate advisor. However, students must recognize that if they need to join a future cohort to complete coursework, they are not guaranteed the same schedule or location of classes. 6

Candidates do have the option of taking an equivalent content course approved for transfer by the advisor, with a new plan of study approved and signed by the Director of Teacher Education, before that course is taken for equivalency. Area of study courses may be taken at any time during the sequence with the approval of the graduate advisor. Admission Requirements and Advising Admission Requirements The Center for Teacher Education encourages applications from all individuals meeting the following criteria, upon which competitive selection will be made by the graduate committee: At least three years teaching experience (EDLD program only) A bachelor s degree from an accredited college or university Evidence of a strong academic background and ability to pursue advanced study Evidence of dedication and promise to the field of education as a professional leader Evidence of excellent English reading, writing, and critical thinking skills A minimum overall grade point average of 3.0 GRE (Graduate Record Examination) scores or evidence of registration within the first semester of the program. (MA candidates only) Evidence of active involvement with youth in an educational context or Educator License. Two recommendations (EDLD program: three) on application Form B: one from current supervisor Contract with a building supervisor to oversee a 300 hour internship (EDLD program only.) Employment in a school, district, or educational setting. 7

Procedure for Application The first step in the application process is to complete an application packet, found online at http://www.mesastate.edu/schools/shss/education/index.htm. Please print copies of required documents and submit the application and fee by mail to: Mesa State College Admissions Office 1100 North Avenue Grand Junction, CO, 81501. Following the priority application deadline of January 15 th for ESOL and March 1 st for EDLD, all applications will be reviewed by the Graduate Admissions Committee. You will be notified in writing as to your status. Your application must include: Completed application (form A) Non-refundable application fee of $50 made payable to Mesa State College Two official transcripts from the college or university from which you received your Bachelor s Degree (these must remain sealed to be official ) 3 letters of recommendation (form B) 2 letters for ESOL Documentation of Working with Youth (form C) or copy of Educator License Statement of Purpose for Graduate Study (form D) School administrator agreement to supervise internship (form E) Graduate Record Examination To access more information on locations, fees, and test dates for the Graduate Record Examination, call GRE at 1-800-GRE-CALL or visit their website at www.gre.org. The GRE is offered in computer format and is available at the Grand Junction Unified Technical Education Center Testing and Prometric Center by appointment (970-255- 2750). When registering for the GRE, the institution code for Mesa State is R4484. You must request that the Educational Testing Service forward results to Mesa State. We must receive an official copy of your scores directly from Educational Testing Services for admissions purposes. Please plan to take the GRE within the first semester of the program. Appointments are usually scheduled at least one month prior to the test date. Allow three to four weeks after you take the test for your scores to be received by the Center for Teacher Education office. At the completion of the test, you will receive unofficial scores for the verbal and quantitative section, but not for the writing section. 8

Course Transfers A maximum of 9 semester credits of graduate level coursework may be recommended for transfer to the content classes if approved by the graduate advisor. The credits cannot come from a previously earned degree. Copies of syllabi including course descriptions and sequence and an additional transcript must be included in order to be considered for transfer credit. All requests must be in writing with written documented evidence. Any courses submitted for transfer credit will only be considered upon application to the program. The Center for Teacher Education is under no obligation to accept any specific course transfer. Please note that workshop or inservice credits do not fulfill graduate degree requirements. Professional Licensure Neither of the Master s Degree areas of study will qualify a candidate to be recommended for teaching licensure at any level. However, successful completion of the EDLD program will result in recommendation for a Colorado Principal License. For those who have already completed their Master s degree, a total of 24 credit hours are required for endorsement. A total of 36 credit hours are required for the MA degree and includes endorsement for the Colorado Principal License. Plan of Study Upon acceptance into the program, graduate candidates will be assigned a graduate advisor. This advisor provides candidates with program information, assistance in following the degree plan, helps design an individualized degree plan specifying an approved area of study, and evaluates course approval for that degree plan. The Director of Teacher Education will sign all degree plans. It is the responsibility of the candidate to meet regularly with the advisor. It is the responsibility of the student to track their own progress and to communicate with their advisor if they foresee any changes in the plan. A semester before graduation, the degree should be submitted to the advisor Program Continuation and Sequence Grades and Program Standing Candidates must maintain an overall grade point average of 3.0. with no more than six credit hours of work with a grade of C. Candidates receiving a D or F in any course will have their program standing reviewed by the Center for Teacher Education Graduate 9

Committee and Director of Teacher Education for possible dismissal and stipulated conditions for readmission. Concerns regarding any course grade should first be discussed with the course instructor. If a resolution cannot be reached, formal written appeal may be made to the Coordinator of the MA program. The grade will then be reviewed in a meeting by the coordinator, instructor, and candidate. A candidate may be dismissed from the program for non-academic reasons, such as unethical conduct, unprofessional behavior, an inability to successfully meet the demands of the program of study, or other reasons that may be documented by graduate program faculty and staff. When a concern about a candidate s performance arises, the candidate will be asked to meet with the candidate s graduate advisor and the Coordinator of the MA program to review documentation and determine a plan for growth. This growth plan will be issued in writing to the candidate and a copy will be placed in the candidate s file. In the event that remediation is not reached within the time frame dictated by that plan, the parties will reconvene for discussion related to dismissal from the graduate program with stipulations regarding readmission to the program. Distance Learning Coursework Mesa State College is committed to alternative delivery methods which include hybrid, broadcast, and online formats. Graduation Requirements Upon successful completion of the Plan of Study and Capstone presentation, the candidate will be recommended by the Center for Teacher Education Graduate Program for the Master of Arts Degree in English Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) or Educational Leadership (EDLD.) Minimum requirements for graduation include: Completion of Plan of Study Successful completion of capstone presentation Minimum overall 3.0 GPA Minimum of a B or better in all graduate courses Completion within three years of entering program 10

Diploma and Commencement Masters level candidates who are participating in the commencement ceremonies should check the Mesa State College website for information on ordering a cap and gown and additional information. A diploma will be mailed approximately 6-8 weeks after completion of your degree. CTE Graduate Program Faculty Director of the Center for Teacher Education Mrs. Valerie J Dobbs Academic Classroom Building Room 109K, (970) 248-1953 Email: vjdobbs@mesastate.edu Coordinator of MA ESOL / Faculty Dr. Madeline Becker Academic Classroom Building Room 101N, (970) 248-1924 Email: mbecker@mesastate.edu Coordinator of MA Educational Leadership / Faculty Dr. Jean Gauley Academic Classroom Building Room 109 J, (970) 248-1780 Email: jgauley@mesastate.edu Faculty Dr. Blake Bickham Dr. Julie Bruch Dr. Maggie Cason Dr. Cynthia Chovich Professor Harry Easton Professor Paul Freeman Dr. Jan Henwood Dr. Jodi Mimmack Dr. Ted Okey Professor J.D. Snodgrass Dr. Brian Waite Dr. Fred Wall bbickham@mesastate.edu jbruch@mesastate.edu mcason@mesastate.edu cchovich@mesastate.edu heaston@mesastate.edu pfreeman@mesastate.edu jhenwood@mesastate.edu jimmack@mesastate.edu tokey@mesastate.edu jdsnodgrass@mesastate.edu bwaite@mesastate.edu fwall@mesastate.edu 11

Mesa State College Center for Teacher Education Office of Graduate Studies 1100 North Avenue Grand Junction, CO 81501 (800) 982-MESA; (970) 248-1786; (970) 248-1112 (fax) Application for Graduate Admission Form A (Please type or print in black ink and complete both sides) YEAR OF EXPECTED ENROLLMENT INTENDED AREA YEAR AND TERM OF EXPECTED DEGREE COMPLETION HAVE YOU EVER APPLIED FOR GRADUATE STATUS AT MESA STATE? NO YES IF SO, WHEN? ADMISSION TYPE: FIRST TIME PREVIOUSLY ENROLLED FULL LEGAL NAME LAST FIRST MIDDLE SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER BIRTHDATE MAILING ADDRESS STREET OR BOX CITY STATE ZIP ( ) ( ) SEX HOME WORK DATE OF APPLICATION E-MAIL COUNTRY OF CITIZENSHIP IF NOT U.S., TYPE OF VISA ALIEN REGISTRATION NUMBER DATE OF ISSUE (PLEASE ATTACH A PHOTOCOPY OF VISA OR PERMANENT REGISTRATION CARD) ETHNICITY (FOR COMPLIANCE WITH CIVIL RIGHTS ACT, USED IN NON-DISCRIMINATORY MANNER) AFRICAN-AMERICAN OR BLACK, NON-HISPANIC AMERICAN INDIAN OR ALASKAN NATIVE ASIAN OR PACIFIC ISLANDER I DO NOT WISH TO PROVIDE THIS INFORMATION HISPANIC, CHICANO, MEXICAN-AMERICAN, LATINO WHITE, NON-HISPANIC MULTIRACIAL THE FOLLOWING SELECTIVE SERVICE QUESTION MUST BE ANSWERED TO COMPLY WITH CO STATE LAW: If you are male, born after Dec. 31, 1959, are you registered with selective service? YES NO EMERGENCY CONTACT: NAME RELATION ADDRESS PHONE LIST IN CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER ALL PREVIOUSLY ATTENDED UNDERGRADUATE AND GRADUATE INSTITUTIONS YOUR EXACT GPA WILL BE CALCULATED PRIOR TO ADMISSION INSTITUTION, CITY, STATE DATES ATTENDED DEGREE MAJOR GRADE POINT AVERAGE 12

GRADUATE COURSES COMPLETED (WITHIN LAST 5 YEARS) COURSE NUMBER/TITLE INSTITUTION CREDITS GRADE Have you ever been convicted of a felony? NO YES IF YES, ATTACH AN EXPLANATION Are you or have you been a member of U.S armed forces? NO YES Are you claiming tuition classification as a colorado resident? NO YES Will you be applying for financial aid? NO YES Do you currently possess a teaching license? STATE NO YES EMPLOYMENT WORKPLACE/WORK TYPE LOCATION DATES APPLICATION CHECKLIST: Graduate Record Examination scores: Writing Verbal Quant. Your official score report must be sent directly to the CTE Office of Graduate Studies Graduate program application (A) $50 non-refundable application fee Request two (2) official transcripts to be sent to the CTE Office of Graduate Studies Two (2) letters of recommendation (B) Documentation of Working with Youth (C) or copy of Professional License Statement of Purpose for Graduate Study (D) I have read the instructions, and hereby certify, to the best of my knowledge, the information furnished in this application is true and complete. I understand that, if found to be otherwise, it is sufficient cause for refusal or dismissal. Applicant s Signature Date APPLICANT DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE Admit for cohort TERM Admit provisionally requiring TERM Refuse admission Director of Graduate Studies Date 13

Mail this form directly to: Graduate Coordinator Center for Teacher Education Mesa State College 1100 North Avenue Grand Junction, CO 81501-3122 Mesa State College Center for Teacher Education Letter of Recommendation Form B (Please type or print in black ink and complete both sides) APPLICANT S NAME DATE: The above named person is an applicant to the Master s Program in Education at Mesa State College. Please provide specific examples that evaluate the applicant s capacity for leadership at the district level and/or building level. Rate each category on a scale from 1 to 5, with 5 being the highest rating. When completed, please send this form in a sealed envelope directly to the address listed above. Some categories may not apply per context. As you fill out this form, please consider the leadership potential of the candidate in your school or in the district. PROFESSIONALISM: NUMERIC RATING (open to feedback, collaborative skills, confidentiality, professional appearance/demeanor, timeliness) Examples: MOTIVATION, DRIVE, AND INITIATIVE: NUMERIC RATING Examples: WORK ETHIC: NUMERIC RATING (shows initiative, flexibility, and good judgment, completes tasks, reliability) Examples: ABILITY IN WRITTEN AND ORAL COMMUNICATION: NUMERIC RATING Examples: LEADERSHIP POTENTIAL: NUMERIC RATING Examples: EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION WITH YOUTH: NUMERIC RATING Examples: 14

CREATES A POSITIVE ENVIRONMENT: NUMERIC RATING Examples: RAPPORT WITH PARENTS/GUARDIANS AND COLLEAGUES: NUMERIC RATING Examples: ACADEMIC ABILITY, SCHOLARSHIP, LIFELONG LEARNER QUALITIES: NUMERIC RATING Examples: FUTURE CONTRIBUTION TO THE FIELD OF EDUCATION: NUMERIC RATING Examples: ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: OVERALL RECOMMENDATION: RECOMMEND HIGHLY RECOMMEND RECOMMEND WITH RESERVATIONS DO NOT RECOMMEND RECOMMENDER S NAME TITLE/POSITION PHONE INSTITUTION/ORGANIZATION SIGNATURE DATE 15

Mesa State College Center for Teacher Education Documentation of Working with Youth Form C (Please type or print in black ink) APPLICANT S NAME DATE: One of the requirements for acceptance into Mesa State College s Master s Program in Education is evidence of active involvement with youth in an educational context. Most experiences will have occurred in an elementary, middle, or high school, in a public, private, or alternative setting, with groups (3 or more) of children (ages 5-12) or youth (ages 13-18), and under the direct supervision of an educational professional who can attest to the candidate s active participation. Observation, program development, or behavior monitoring will not be considered as valid experience. Please have your building supervisor fill out the bottom portion. Attach a valid Colorado teaching license to this form. SUPERVISOR: Please complete all parts of this form and return it to the applicant in a sealed envelope with your signature and date across the seal. We ask that you only provide documentation of the time spent under your direct supervision. The information you provide will be used as verification of hours completion. INSTITUTION/ORGANIZATION AGE OF CHILDREN/YOUTH APPROXIMATE DATES OF WORK TOTAL HOURS SPENT WITH THIS GROUP ACTIVITY In the space provided, please give a description of the responsibilities held by the candidate in your building or within the district: RECOMMENDER S NAME TITLE/POSITION PHONE SIGNATURE DATE 16

Mesa State College Center for Teacher Education Statement of Purpose for Graduate Study Form D (Please type or print in black ink) APPLICANT S NAME DATE: As an applicant to Mesa State College s Master s Program in Education, you are required to include a written statement that describes your interest in the program, your educational strengths, and the professional goals you hope to achieve through work in the program. Specifically address the area of study that you are interested in pursuing in relation to the following indicators. This essay should be 2-3 typed, double-spaced pages. Please use this form as a cover sheet and attach your statement to it for application. Faculty will evaluate the statement according to the following criteria: Writing skills demonstrated in your essay Summary of candidate s long-term professional and educational goals Reasons for pursuing this graduate degree The relationship between your professional goals and your graduate study The degree to which your background experiences have prepared you for the program The degree to which your personal beliefs will support excellence and motivation in the program Your commitment to advanced study and educational success Your mission for education in the 21 st century 17

Mesa State College Center for Teacher Education Documentation of Teaching Experience Form E (Please type or print in black ink) APPLICANT S NAME DATE: One of the requirements for acceptance into Mesa State College s Educational Leadership Master s Program is evidence of teaching experience. You must have at least three years of fulltime experience teaching in a school setting in order to qualify for this program. In the space below please list all previous teaching experience starting with the most recent and working your way back. Be sure to fill in Years Taught in terms of dates. (Ex. Aug. 2006 May 2008) School: Years Taught: Address: State Zip Code Phone Number Leadership experiences: School: Years Taught: Address: State Zip code Phone Number Leadership experiences: School: Years Taught: Address: State Zip code Phone Number Leadership experiences: School: Years Taught: Address: State Zip code Phone Number Leadership experiences: I verify that the above information is accurate. Attach 2 nd sheet if more room is necessary Applicant Signature: Date: 18

Admissions Checklist for Educational Leadership Application (2 pages) Application Fee of $50 payable to Mesa State College Form B (recommendation) Form B (recommendation) Form B (recommendation) Form C (evidence of active involvement with youth and an attached photocopy of your Colorado Teaching Certificate) Form D (statement of Purpose commenting on your personal educational philosophy and interest in the program) Form E (past teaching experience) Official Transcripts (transcripts ARE NOT OFFICIAL unless they are sent to Mesa State directly from the issuing agency) The above materials are needed for Provisional Admittance into the program. GRE Scores (needed by April 30, 2011 for Full Admittance) Not required of those currently holding a Master s degree who are applying for Endorsement only. If you have not taken the GRE, register at the time of your admittance to the graduate school. A link can be found on the Center for Teacher Education Mesa State website. 19

Admissions Checklist for English for Speakers of Other Languages Application (2 pages) Application Fee of $50 payable to Mesa State College Form B (recommendation) Form B (recommendation) Form C (evidence of active involvement with youth and an attached photocopy of your Colorado Teaching Certificate) Form D (statement of Purpose commenting on your personal educational philosophy and interest in the program) Official Transcripts (transcripts ARE NOT OFFICIAL unless they are sent to Mesa State directly from the issuing agency) The above materials are needed for Provisional Admittance into the program. GRE Scores (needed by November of 2009 for Full Admittance) Not required of those currently holding a Master s degree who are applying for Endorsement only. If you have not taken the GRE, register at the time of your admittance to the graduate school. A link can be found on the Center for Teacher Education Mesa State website. 20