MS in Curriculum and Instruction
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| Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction |
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The Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction (MSCI) at Concordia University is a 31-credit program designed for an educator who is interested in enhancing their leadership skills, expanding teaching strategies, and becoming a master teacher. Courses introduce a systematic approach to instructional design, which will serve as a necessary foundation for developing needs-based curriculum.
MSCI courses cover the development of curriculum that is aligned with the Michigan Curriculum Framework and Grade Level Content Expectations. The MSCI program helps teachers develop evaluative techniques for improving the quality and effectiveness of instructional curriculum and assessment. Students will learn how to communicate assessment results in order to improve curriculum, instruction, and student learning.
Those who successfully complete the MSCI program at Concordia University will be prepared to effectively lead a school toward meeting the needs of all students. Learned outcomes of the program are based upon current research and best practice through standards based curriculum, assessment, data analysis, and program evaluation. Successful program completion will provide Concordia graduates with skills necessary to lead schools into 21st century education.
The coursework leading to the Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction is as follows:
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Required Courses
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31 credits
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EDU521
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Leadership in Curriculum and Instruction
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3
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EDU531 |
Instructional Design |
3 |
EDU551 |
Research Methods in Curriculum and Instruction |
3 |
EDU560 |
Cultural Issues in Curriculum, Classroom and Community |
3 |
EDU565 |
Teaching Diverse Learners |
3 |
EDU570 |
Professional Learning Communities in a Pluralistic Society |
3 |
EDU571 |
Standards Based Curriculum and Instruction |
3 |
EDU580 |
Curriculum Development and Instructional Supervision |
3 |
EDU600 |
Auditing and Aligning for Curriculum Change |
3 |
EDU611 |
Evaluation and Assessment |
3 |
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EDU620
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Instructional Technology and the Reflective Educator
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3
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EDU796
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Portfolio Development
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1
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Course Descriptions
List of approved course titles and descriptions
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EDU521 Leadership in Curriculum and Instruction
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3 credit hours
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This course presents an application of leadership theory, curriculum development theory, educational planning theory, general learning theory, to the understanding of curriculum and instruction from a leadership perspective. Participants examine their own communication and leadership styles, especially as they relate to their role in the classroom and on instructional teams. It integrates models, research, and practical applications of design and evaluation of curriculum and instruction. Guiding questions for this course include the following: What does instructional leadership look like at the elementary, middle, and high school levels? How can practices appear to be most successful in improving teaching and learning both in the classroom and in the wider school community?
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EDU531 Instructional Design
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3 credit hours
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This course is designed to introduce students to a systematic approach to instructional design as a necessary foundation for developing needs-based curriculum. Current models of instructional design are explored and specific focus is given to learning theories as they apply to the development of instruction. Students apply the systematic process of translating learning needs into teaching solutions through analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation of instructional products.
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EDU551 Research Methods in Curriculum and Instruction
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3 credit hours
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This course provides a broad introduction to basic concepts of research design, strategies of experimental, historical, and descriptive research, and basic statistical procedures. Participants will use these concepts to read, interpret, and evaluate educational research and to design a research study in an educational setting on a question of significance to the field of teaching and learning. Educational research and the various traditions found within the community of educational researchers. Attention will be given to the central role of data collection and interpretation in curricular, programmatic, and leadership decision-making. The student will examine the moral, legal, and ethical issues that arise when conducting research. The coursework leads to the development of a research design plan that could be further developed into an action research project in a school/district.
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EDU560 Cultural Issues/Curriculum, Class, Community
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3 credit hours
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The students will examine how issues of ethnicity, economic status, gender, geography, history and other considerations play a significant role in the forces which shape and define educational settings. Through exploration of the schools' political/social environments, students will discover the factors that influence educational policy and how educational policy shapes curriculum.
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EDU565 Teaching Diverse Learners
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3 credit hours
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Students will explore issues with special populations; gifted, special needs, and students with disabilities, which effect curriculum development, instructional patterns, and differentiation in the classroom. Strategies for identifying students, developing instructional plans, and implementing curriculum will be a focus of the course.
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EDU570 Professional Learning Communities within a Pluralistic Society
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3 credit hours
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An overview of the development of learning communities within the school system. The emphasis in this course is that the school system reflects the community it serves. This includes developing partnerships with the parents, the business community and local/state/federal agencies that serve the community.
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EDU571 Standards Based Curriculum and Instruction
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3 credit hours
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This course focuses on the development of strategies for linking national and state standards to classroom curriculum. This course will explore the historical foundations for the standards movement as well as current research on standards as a basis for understanding standard-based instruction. The content includes grade-level benchmarks and assessments, development of a pacing chart, scope and sequence, and identifies instructional resources.
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EDU580 Curriculum Development / Instructional Supervision
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3 credit hours
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Candidates examine the criteria and development of effective instructional programs, including the dynamics involved in planning, implementation and evaluation of programs; the implications of personnel and resource development to the overall instructional model; and the skills necessary to effectively and positively impact personnel in order to create and sustain a positive learning environment.
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EDU600 Auditing & Aligning Curriculum Change
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3 credit hours
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This course is designed to provide students with the evaluation techniques necessary to analyze curriculum, educational resources, and instructional strategies. Students will apply procedures for evaluating and recommending strategies for improving the quality and effectiveness of curriculum and assessment as they relate to instruction. Accountability models appropriate to various stakeholders within the educational community including, students, parents, staff, and local, state, and federal agencies are examined. School and district improvement planning processes are investigated. A district-wide assessment program will be developed for purposes of measuring student achievement and accountability. This course examines accountability in curriculum, assessment, and instruction. Monitoring and feedback loops, as well as coordination of implementation within a school and district are investigated. This course also focuses on models for program evaluation and the use of evaluation data for individual and organizational accountability and continuous improvement of student achievement.
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EDU611 Evaluation & Assessment
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3 credit hours
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This course focuses on the concept of assessment as linked to the learning process and teaching practice. Participants look at the theory and principals that support assessment practices, especially as they apply to teacher made tests and other evaluation instruments. The course includes alternatives to traditional forms of assessment and explores factors that influence student performance.
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EDU620 Instructional Technology and the Reflective Educator
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3 credit hours
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The theory/practice of implementing curriculum plans that include methods and strategies for applying technology to maximize student learning.
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EDU796 Portfolio Development
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1 credit hour
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This catalog guides students in the preparation and completion of the professional portfolio through a series of workshops and assignments. The portfolio is a culmination of the student's accomplishments, skills, ability, and aptitude; and presents a visual demonstration and clear understanding of student mastery of necessary skills presented in the MS curriculum and instruction program. Prerequisites: EDU521, EDU531, EDU551, EDU571, EDU600 and EDU611
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