Curriculum and Teaching Program

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(Online Program/Blended Program)
Program Director: Jeanne Janzen, Ed.D.

Associate Program Director: Angel Krause, M.A.

Overview

Mission. Curriculum and teaching graduate programs develop candidates who are equipped for leadership in teaching and in the design, implementation and evaluation of curriculum that engages all learners in authentic inquiry and lifelong learning.

Vision. Curriculum and teaching candidates are known for their commitment to reach all students, valuing human diversity and personhood; demonstrated by critical thinking, innovation of practice and skill in curricular design.

Description. This Master of Arts degree is an accelerated sequence of courses (32 units total) for educators who desire to grow professionally as a curriculum leader at their school, district or institution. The program focuses on leadership and technology, using a cohort model. Candidates are given a strong foundation through engaging and challenging content. This program is designed for candidates who are comfortable with interactive online learning.

There are three program options (strands) available to fit different goals. Each option is designed to provide experienced teachers with an opportunity to grow into qualified leaders at their school, as mentors and master teachers, on school or district curriculum development teams and/or as curriculum consultants.

• The blended strand is an accelerated program with a focus on leadership and technology. It is specifically designed for those who live within driving distance and enjoy interactive online learning. Students meet face-to-face at least once per course.
• The online strand is also an accelerated program with a focus on leadership and technology. This strand is fully online and designed for students at a distance.
• The general strand (individualized) gives teachers a direction and purpose for future professional development. The program is designed to develop in-depth expertise in an area of interest; administrative services, conflict resolution, educational technology, math/science education, reading certificate, or school library & information technology. Depending on the content, face to face sessions may be required.

Admissions Requirements: Master of Arts

• Three graduate reference forms
• Orientation interview with program director
• Letter of explanation if GPA is under 2.75

Program Student Learning Outcomes

1. Personal and Professional Responsibility
   1. Adheres to ethical behavior as an educator.
   2. Exhibits a global perspective and innovative stance, valuing collaborative inquiry and the richness of diversity.
   3. Advocates for the development of community; supporting learning through teaching, collaborative inquiry, mentoring and conflict resolution.
   4. Demonstrates commitment to personal and professional development through engagement in professional organizations, lifelong learning and contributions to the scholarship of the field
2. Research and Scholarly Inquiry
   1. Applies the habits and practices of a researcher to site challenges, demonstrating a holistic view of curriculum in relationship to today's educational issues and trends, based on sound knowledge of theory and practice and promoting intellectual freedom.
   2. Keeps abreast of current advances within the field.
   3. Uses existing research methodologies and techniques: identifying and accessing appropriate resources, synthesizing findings and critically analyzing and evaluating results
3. Leadership
   1. Demonstrates an ability to motivate, foster collegial relationships and set a sense of vision.
   2. Exhibits knowledge of the leader's role in the change process and demonstrates the requisite skills: moral purpose, building relationships, creating and sharing knowledge and coherence making.
   3. Expands understanding of personal leadership role, facilitating a positive impact on their professional community.
4. Subject Matter Competency
   1. Examines principles of human learning and development, including the biology of learning and constructivist methodologies.
   2. Demonstrates skillfulness in designing, implementing and evaluating curriculum aligned to content standards that stimulates student inquiry and effectively differentiates for diverse students.
   3. Displays knowledge of a range of assessment methods and their underlying assumptions about learning, using the assessment cycle (plan > teach > reflect > apply) to inform instruction and facilitating the formation of one's own assessment pedagogy.
   4. Uses technology personally and with students as a means to discover, apply and communicate knowledge and information.
5. Communication
   1. Speaks effectively, clearly articulating ideas and eliciting those of others.
   2. Writes clearly, analytically and persuasively for a variety of purposes.
   3. Uses a variety of media to enhance both personal and professional communications/ presentations.

Locations Offered

Main Campus Fresno and Online.

Program Length/Semester Starts

The blended and online strands are four to five semesters in length (depending on semester start), plus an additional two semesters for completion of project/thesis. New cohorts begin each semester.

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