Master of Science in Education: Specialization in Curriculum and Instruction

Leadership, Worldviews, and Contemporary Issues

Students will evaluate a range of contemporary issues related to education from different leadership and worldview perspectives and develop a worldview and leadership philosophy. Students are equipped with a foundational understanding of worldviews and leadership so as to be informed catalysts for change in education environments. (3 units)

Theories of Learning and Teaching

Examination of principles of teaching that can be derived from psychological theories and research, including behavioral, cognitive, and social theories. (3 units)

Curriculum Theory and Development

This course is an overview of curriculum from the societal level to the classroom level and the experiences of the learner. Provides opportunity to explore development of the school curricula, K-12; to examine philosophical bases for curriculum development; and to investigate procedures for organizing the curriculum for effective learning. (3 units)

Survey of Educational Research

An introduction to research methods in education. Provides opportunity to develop skill in interpreting research literature; to become acquainted with sources of research literature; to develop an understanding of the methodology of educational research; and to become a critical reader of research reports. An emphasis on the teacher as researcher will provide a basis for assignments. (3 units)

International and Comparative Education

This course examines K-12 educational systems in the global society. Students will compare schooling in various societies and examine the history of their respective educational systems and how the systems were organized to meet the political, social and economic agenda of the 21st century. By examining different approaches to common problems, students will have a broad foundation upon which they can analyze and evaluate different strategies for problem solving educational issues. Students will develop their personal worldview of international education based on a Judeo-Christian worldview. (3 units)

Introduction to Educational Leadership

This course equips students to lead from multiple theories and establish best practices in educational leadership and introduces students to the ethical, legal, fiscal and administrative knowledge and skills required for effective school leadership. (3 units)

Elementary Curriculum and Instruction: Teaching Math and Science

This course prepares future teachers to meet the California State requirements for the Multiple Subject Credential in math and science and to equip diverse students with knowledge and methodologies necessary for the successful integration and teaching of these subjects. This course consists of the study of current best practice techniques and curriculum development used in teaching mathematics and science in the public schools. Emphasis is placed on effective instructional methods and evaluation procedures. Hours of observation and participation in math and science classrooms is required with the purpose of providing students with opportunities to apply methods learned in this course to public school settings. Prerequisite: Credential Program Acceptance. (3 units)

Courses will be available in a future semester.

Teaching Language Arts and Social Studies

This course prepares future teachers to meet the California state requirements for certification in language arts and social studies and to equip students with knowledge and skills necessary for the successful teaching of these subjects. It is a study of the scope, the organization, and the instructional procedures used to teach social studies and language arts. Students learn how to design and develop interdisciplinary units of study, how to write and assess instructional objectives, and how to organize and integrate social studies and language arts instruction for diverse learners in the public classroom. Fieldwork is required. Prerequisites: Credential Program Acceptance and EDU 511. (3 units)

Courses will be available in a future semester.

Secondary Methods

This course examines various research-based instructional techniques, planning strategies, methods, and assessment practices for the secondary schools, both public and private. Structured observation is required, equally divided between the middle school and high school classroom. This course will introduce the California TPA process. Prerequisite(s): EDU 509 and Credential program acceptance or declared major of English, MA - English Pedagogy concentration. (3 units)

Courses will be available in a future semester.

Reading and Writing in the Content Areas

Focusing on the attainment of skills as a teacher of literacy, this course requires students to demonstrate content reading and writing competencies, such as determining levels of reading achievement, applying readability formulas, evaluating textbooks, and developing strategies for vocabulary, critical thinking, and comprehension. Focus is placed on the preparation of lessons which integrate language arts standards with other content standards and provide for differentiated instruction for diverse students including English learners. Twenty (20) hours of fieldwork required. Prerequisites: EDU 509, 514, and Credential program acceptance or declared major of English, MA - English Pedagogy concentration or Kinesiology, MS - Physcal Education Pedagogy concentration. (3 units)

Courses will be available in a future semester.

Teaching Reading and Phonics

This course consists of the study of current best theories and practices in the teaching and assessment of listening, speaking, reading and writing skills in the classroom. Cultural and linguistic differences will be examined as they pertain to literacy instruction and communication. Fieldwork is required. Prerequisite: Credential Program Acceptance. Pre- or Co- Requisite: EDU 511. (3 units)

Courses will be available in a future semester.

Classroom Management and Discipline

This course explores the context and best practices of teacher ethics and classroom management. The course equips students to navigate the implicit and explicit ethical dilemmas inherent in the routine decisions teachers make every school day in a manner consistent with the profession's code of ethics. The course also equips students with a variety of classroom management and ethics strategies and techniques to optimize the learning environment for all students. Fieldwork is required. Prerequisite: Credential Program Acceptance. (3 units)

Courses will be available in a future semester.

Subject Area Specialization

Students learn research-based methodologies that are specific to the content area related to the single subject credential they are earning. Students engage with relevant information from textbooks, experts, and professional journals associated with the content area. In addition, students participate in fieldwork hours that take them into both middle and high schools. Prerequisites: EDU 409/509, 411/511, 497/514, 407/515, and permission of the Program Advisor or major in English, MA - English Pedagogy concentration. (3 units)

Courses will be available in a future semester.

The Exceptional Child

The nature, determinants, adjustments, and problems of persons who have cognitive gifts and talents, cognitive delays, physical disabilities, learning disabilities, and who have emotional or behavior disorders will be studied in conjunction with appropriate educational interventions in the mainstream classroom and other settings. The course will acquaint students with (a) characteristics and needs of children with disabilities that affect learning, (b) methods of assessing disabilities, (c) components of the Individual Education Program (IEP), (d) instructional strategies and materials including those appropriate for English language learners, (e) positive behavior support, (f) special needs of families of learners with disabilities, (g) agencies and professional supporting learners with disabilities, and (h) legislation, including Public Law 94-142, IDEA (Part B and Part H), the American Disabilities Act (ADA), and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 ("Section 504"), as well as subsequent amendments relevant to special education. Ten hours of fieldwork is required. Approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing to meet requirements for the credential. (3 units)

Courses will be available in a future semester.

Educational Computing

Courses will be available in a future semester.

Induction and Reflective Coaching for Teaching I

Candidates complete supervised field study of first year of approved Teaching Induction Program, practicum and directed teaching with students. They complete advanced field-based experiences of research, and application of learning/teaching principles with students in an approved classroom setting as well as supervised teaching experiences are assigned as appropriate. Evidence of satisfactory completion of first year induction program requirements is required to pass this course. Pass/Fail. Prerequisite: Enrollment in Commission approved teacher induction program.

Induction and Reflective Coaching for Teaching II

Candidates complete supervised field study requirements for the second year in approved Teaching Induction Program, and practicum and directed teaching with students. They also complete advanced field-based experiences of research, and application of learning/teaching principles with students in an approved classroom setting. Evidence of eligibility to apply for the Clear Credential is required to pass this course. Pass/Fail. Prerequisite: Enrollment in second year of Commission approved teacher induction program.