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Master of Arts in Education
Differentiated Learning Emphasis
Program Objective
The master's in Differentiated Learning is designed to prepare teachers, and those in related fields such as psychology, to meet the learning needs of today's K-12 students. Emphasis is placed on literacy development, second-language learning, and mental health needs. Assessment, instruction, and the life-long educational needs of such learners are investigated based upon the premise that instructional approaches should be differentiated in relation to the diversity of individual students. Participants in the MA program will design research that is applicable to a practical problem.
Course Descriptions
Emphasis Core
ED 594 Effective Practices in Differentiated Instruction - 3 credits
Differentiated instruction is presented as a philosophical approach to meeting the instructional needs of all learners Ð academically, emotionally, and culturally. The course is focused on an understanding of differentiated learning and classroom structures that facilitates the implementation of meaningful instruction that helps all students succeed.
FAS 501 Family Systems - 4 credits
This course is an analysis of the family. It investigates the family as a system of relationships which interacts across the family life cycle. It includes a survey of current developments in the study of the family and an analysis of changes in American society and their influence on family life. Also included is a focus on marriage and family therapy from a systems framework.
SPED 580 Education of the Exceptional Learner - 4 credits
Students explore the various areas of exceptionality among learners of school age. Awareness of the scope and nature of exceptionality, essential educational procedures, and available rehabilitative and legal resources are studied.
Research Core
ED 581 Applications of Educational Research - 4 credits
This is a study of current issues in differentiated instruction with emphasis on their relevance to and impact on today's educational programs. The impact of educational research on the development of educational theory and the improvement of educational practices in relation to differentiated learning is examined. Law and legislation that affects differentiated instruction will be reviewed. This course continues the process of selecting and implementing the capstone project and the literature review portion of the project is completed.
ED 584 Accessing Educational Resources - 4 credits
This course familiarizes students with the learning environment of technology. Students learn to efficiently integrate knowledge navigation into their curriculum and at work using a variety of search engines, databases, and research techniques.
ED 595 Capstone - 1 credit
As the final work submitted by a graduate student, and in respect to the guidelines for research base, analysis and synthesis, the students have three options in which they may design their closing assignment. Students can choose from a thesis, portfolio, or project style to complete their graduate experience.
Differentiated Intructional Practices
SPED 582 Teaching Students with Linguistic Differences or Difficulties - 4 credits
This is a study of the linguistic foundation of language and how that foundation relates to both linguistic difference and disability. Students learn how to facilitate the development of the reading skills in students with reading disabilities as well as the transference of those skills developed in one language to a second one.
SPED 583 Collaborative Teaching in Inclusive Settings - 4 credits
Students learn to develop the necessary skills to manage a program designed to meet the educational needs of children with mild to moderate learning and/or behavior problems in inclusive settings. Emphasis is placed on collaboration skills, instructional planning, effective team teaching strategies, and adaptation of Instructional methods and materials.
SPED 590 Strategies for Students with Language and/or Mathematics Disabilities - 4 credits
This course develops knowledge of normal development of language and mathematical skills and common deviances in that developmental pattern. Procedures for effective assessment are reviewed and applied.
SPED 592 Students with Emotional Behavioral Needs - 3 credits
The major approaches in the field of social maladjustments and behavior disorders and their applications in the public school are studied. The course provides teachers of students with emotional and/or behavioral needs with an understanding of and practice with techniques derived from ecological, behavioral and psycho-educational models for classroom interventions.
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