IHE Master's Performance Report Pfeiffer University 2004-2005 Overview of Master's Program Pfeiffer University offers two masters degree programs for elementary education teachers: the Master of Science in Elementary Education and the Master of Arts in Teaching in Elementary Education. The Master of Science degree in Elementary Education is designed for teachers who possess elementary certification and who are committed to continuous learning to further their knowledge of content and refine their professional competencies. The Master of Arts in Teaching in Elementary Education is designed for candidates who desire licensure in elementary education. The purpose of both programs is to provide critical knowledge and skills excellence in instructional design and instructional delivery systems. Congruent with the conceptual framework of the Pfeiffer University Teacher Education Program, servant leadership is emphasized throughout the Elementary Education graduate programs. The curriculum also strongly encourages reflection on both student and teacher performance. Graduate students are expected to demonstrate abilities in analyzing and planning to address problems and issues in elementary education. These skills are evaluated in each course as well as in a culminating experience. The Master of Arts program culminates in a teaching internship. The Master of Science program culminates in a servant leadership internship, and a thesis or academic project. The goals of the programs are to enable teachers to apply information relevant to learning theories, curriculum design, and content knowledge in order to develop instruction; integrate a variety of media communication tools into classroom learning experiences; modify instruction to meet the needs of diverse learners who have specific learning needs; construct, select and use a variety of assessment strategies based upon knowledge of the advantages and disadvantages of each; collaborate with colleagues, counselors, professionals in local community agencies, and parents to ensure the most appropriate educational practices for individual learners; reflect upon their practices and modify instruction based upon their reflections; and read educational research and use findings to revise instructional practice. Special Features of Master's Program The Master of Science in Elementary Education is built upon the goals and competencies of the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI), the goals of the Interstate New Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium (INTASC), and the propositions of the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS). Program focus is on current research and best practices for instructional strategies. The program is designed to create an informed, reflective practitioner. Coursework is offered in a two-year rotation. Candidates can choose to complete the fast track, two-year plan, or work at a slower pace. Pfeiffer's master s programs are offered evenings, weekends, and during the summer to accommodate working teachers and others; it encourages the enrollment of small cohorts; it utilizes authentic process and product 15
assignments; and its dominant focus is on the development of servant leaders. In accordance with Pfeiffer University's emphasis upon servant leadership, the M.S.E.E. program includes a community service component in which teachers collaborate with community partners and other professionals to develop special learning opportunities for students in their school communities. The MSEE Program is offered at the Misenheimer and Charlotte campus. The program offered in Charlotte, began in August of 2003, and is in special partnership with the Charlotte- Mecklenburg Schools. CMS provides the tuition for teachers in schools with high numbers of low-performing and at-risk students. Thus, the program serves as a vehicle for enhancing the competencies of teachers who work with challenging populations. The MSEE program is designed to help students prepare for the application for National Board certification. The Master of Arts in Teaching in Elementary Education is built upon the goals and competencies of the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction (NCDPI) and the goals of the Interstate New Teacher Assessment and Support Consortium (INTASC). The clinical experience component prepares the candidate for the licensure classroom experience with supervision by university and LEA personnel. Like the MSEE program, the courses of the MAT Program are offered evenings, weekends, and during the summer to accommodate the working adult learner. The MAT program began in January, 2004. A special characteristic of the Master s programs on the Charlotte campus is that over half of the enrollment consists of ethnic minorities. 16
II. CHARACTERISTICS OF STUDENTS A. Headcount of students formally admitted to and enrolled in programs leading to licensure. Graduate Licensure-Only Graduate Licensure-Only Full Time Male Female Black, Not Hispanic Origin 4 Black, Not Hispanic Origin 21 Hispanic 0 Hispanic 1 White, Not Hispanic Origin 2 White, Not Hispanic Origin 30 Total 6 Total 52 Black, Not Hispanic Origin 0 Black, Not Hispanic Origin 0 White, Not Hispanic Origin 0 White, Not Hispanic Origin 0 Total 0 Total 0 Part Time Male Female Black, Not Hispanic Origin 0 Black, Not Hispanic Origin 2 White, Not Hispanic Origin 0 White, Not Hispanic Origin 1 Total 0 Total 3 Black, Not Hispanic Origin 0 Black, Not Hispanic Origin 0 White, Not Hispanic Origin 0 White, Not Hispanic Origin 0 Total 0 Total 0 17
B. Quality of students admitted to programs during report year. Masters MEAN GPA 3.80 MEAN MAT 1 39 MEAN MAT 2 NA MEAN GRE 1 834 MEAN GRE 2 NA C. Program Completers (reported by IHE). Program Area N= #Completing NC=# Licensed in NC Pre-Kindergarten (B-K) Elementary (K-6) 16 16 Middle Grades (6-9) Secondary (9-12) Special Subject Areas (K-12) Exceptional Children (K-12) Vocational Education (7-12) Special Service Personnel Total 16 16 Graduate Licensure Only N NC N NC 18
D. Time from admission into professional education program until program completion. Full Time 3 or fewer 4 5 6 7 8 G Licensure Only Part Time 3 or fewer 4 5 6 7 8 G Licensure Only E. Satisfaction of program completers/employers with the program in general and with specific aspects of the program, as rated on a 1 (lowest) to 4 (highest) scale. Satisfaction with... quality of teacher education program. connect subject matter and learner's needs. implement research-based approaches. assume leadership roles. facilitate learning for diverse students. engage in continuous professional development. Program Completers Employer Number of Surveys Received Number of Surveys Mailed 0 0 Pfeiffer University reported no Master s Program Completers during 2003-2004. 19