Program Director: Jeanne Janzen, Ed.D

 

Overview

Fresno Pacific University's mission is summarized in The Fresno Pacific Idea, an historical document which was the shaping force in the university's development. As such, it "reflects the university's interpretation of what it means to be a community of learners committed to a distinctive vision of Christian higher education," founded on Christ.

The orientation of the Curriculum and Instruction Program reflects this Idea as it is grounded in the commitment to prepare our students for faithful service as teachers in public and private schools, extending the Kingdom of God. We strive to provide our candidates with a foundation of philosophy, knowledge, and skill and to engage them in a learning community that collaborates in the discovery of who teachers are, why they choose to serve society by working in schools, and how they become effective.

Mission. Curriculum and instruction graduate program develops 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 instruction 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 (30 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. Courses are taught from a distinctively Christian perspective by professors whose faith is evident in their integration of faith and learning. At the core of the program is an emphasis on the value of each individual, developing educators who work towards restoring relationships and justice in the community, and guiding candidates to reflect on their personal and professional lives in light of their individual faith. This program is designed for candidates who are comfortable with interactive online learning.

There are two program options 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 online option is an accelerated program with a focus on leadership and technology. This strand is fully online and designed for students at a distance.
• The general (individualized) option gives teachers a direction and purpose for future professional development. Candidates may choose from the following fully online focus areas: educational technology or school library & information technology. Face to face focus areas include: administrative services, math/science education, or reading certificate. Note: the program director will create an individualized plan with each candidate.

Admissions Requirements: Master of Arts

• Application form and fee
• 1-2 Reference forms
• Statement of intent form
• Official transcripts verifying BA/BS degree

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 result

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, relationship building, 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

Blended (Main Campus Fresno) and Online

Program Length/Semester Starts

The program is 24 months in length including the summative innovative project. New online cohorts begin each semester.