Graduate Catalog

I AM A ...

Program Philosophy
The Master of Education degree program at The College of St. Scholastica seeks to challenge graduate candidates to evaluate their current practices, expand their views on student learning and assessment, and develop their capacity to apply research-based best practices in their educational settings. Faculty prepare graduate students to identify and analyze educational issues and provide leadership for innovative solutions within their work settings. Finally, candidates develop best practices in the courses they take and become proficient in using action research to address questions from their own practice.

Program Description
The Master of Education Degree (M.Ed.) Program is a fully online degree program for practicing teachers and other education professionals. The online Masters of Education Degree engages learners to reflect deeply upon their teaching practice to improve student learning and address critical issues in today's schools. This program prepares educators to meet the needs of "21st Century" learners. Program participants will acquire new strategies on how to use data and research to impact and inform their practice.

Program Format
The program is offered 100% online, which allows education professionals to maintain their current employment status while enhancing their knowledge and skills. The program can be completed in two years including summers.

The program uses the cohort model where program participants move through the core program courses together. A host of technologies have been implemented to help bridge the gap between the computer and the classroom. In addition, students are encouraged to work together. Some assignments will require collaboration with colleagues.

Program Outcomes
Program outcomes are aligned with the School of Education's Conceptual Framework.
Upon completion of the Master of Education Degree at The College of St. Scholastica, the graduate will be able to:

Student Learning: Candidates will apply best practices and effective instructional strategies grounded in current education theory to promote student learning.
Diversity: Candidates will develop cultural self-awareness and cultural competency to work effectively with students and communities of diverse backgrounds.
Critical Thinking and Inquiry: Candidates will engage in the process of inquiry and critical thinking regarding current educational issues and practices.
Assessment: Using data to make informed decisions: Candidates will be able to examine and analyze data to make informed instructional student centered decisions.
Technology: Candidates will identify and apply 21st Century technologies and strategies to enhance student learning.
Leadership/Change agent: Candidates will gain skills to become advocates and change agents for 21st century learners.

Admission Requirements
The Master of Education Degree Program will consider applicants who:

Submit a completed Graduate Admissions Application form
Have earned a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university;
Submit all official transcripts of baccalaureate and graduate course work;
Have earned a cumulative GPA of 2.80;
Submit a completed Master of Education essay;
Submit two Graduate Recommendation forms from educational professionals, • Interview with the M.Ed. Program Director (if necessary)

Forms for some of these requirements are available at http://grad.css.edu. International applicants must submit a TOEFL examination or the Michigan Test score if their primary language is not English. The minimum TOEFL score of 550 on the paper based test or 213 on the computer based text is required. The minimum Michigan Test score of 80 is required.

Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is not required, but may be requested if the applicants file is insufficient to make a decision to accept.

International applicants may need to complete additional admission requirements. Note: Meeting minimal entrance requirements does not necessarily guarantee admission. Exceptions to minimum criteria may be made at the discretion of the admissions committee.

Transfer Credits
Students may apply transfer graduate credits they have earned from an accredited college or university toward completion of their St. Scholastica degree. A maximum of six transfer credits may be applied. The transfer credit must have been completed no more than seven years prior to the date the St. Scholastica degree is completed. Forms to request transfer of credits can be obtained from the Graduate Studies Office, and need to be sent to the Program Director after completion. The College of St. Scholastica will consider transfer credits from students who:

Submit a Credit Transfer Application form;
Request official transcripts sent directly from the accredited institution to the program Director;
Submit the course syllabus, catalog or other pertinent descriptive information;
Demonstrate that course content is applicable to the program enrolled;
Earn a course grade of 3.0 or better; and
Complete the course seven years prior to graduating from the St. Scholastica program

Graduation Requirements
A total of 33 semester credits is required for graduation. Credit toward the degree will be given for courses with a grade of 2.0 or better; students are expected to maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0. A maximum of 6 graduate semester credits may be transferred from another college or university if approved by the student's advisor and/or the program director.

The Master of Education graduate program Core Course Descriptions

EDU 6500 - M.Ed. Program Orientation
Orientation offers an introduction to the M.Ed. program, and the course management learning system, Blackboard. In addition, participants will learn and practice new technology skills, develop a program plan, identify library resources, set personal goals, learn about the Benedictine Values, and apply technology skills to online community building.

EDU 6510 - Current Issues and Future Trends in Education, 3 cr.
This course will provide an introduction to the M.Ed. Program and will examine 21st Century teaching and learning as it applies to current issues and future trends in education. In addition, education theory will be introduced to engage learners in professional scaffolding of knowledge and best practice for 21st Century teachers and learners.

EDU 6520 - 21st Century Technologies for Teaching, 3 cr.
An overview of current research and application of 21st century technology to increase student learning and enhance teaching. Students will assess current technology skills and knowledge to increase competence and application of technology. In addition, students will gain useful skills and tools to integrate technology in their practice, as well as develop a technology integration initiative that can be implemented in their school.

EDU 6525 - Intro to Educational Research, 2 cr.
An overview of research in education that provides practicing professionals an opportunity to identify, read, interpret, and apply educational research. This includes a study of research methods, analyses of relevant literature, the development of a literature review and the beginnings of students' selected research design and project.

EDU 6526 - Intro to Educational Research Lab, 1 cr.
Candidates identify and review relevant literature related to selected research topic and write a review of the literature. Candidates will create a proposal for their research and gain approval for their study.

EDU 6530 - Promoting Critical Thinking in the Classroom, 3 cr.
Introduces thinking skills taxonomies, thinking routines, and tools for inquiry-based instruction and assessment. Candidates analyze and create assessments, instructional materials, and teaching approaches for the development of inquiry and argument in one's practice.

EDU 6540 - Data Driven Classroom Assessment, 3 cr.
Focus is on learning to use student assessment data to inform decisions related to planning and implementing instructional strategies at the classroom and individual student level. Participants learn how to collect and organize data, analyze and interpret that data, and make informed decisions. Participants will develop "data literacy"; a basic understanding of how data can be used to inform instruction.

EDU~ 6550 Culturally Responsive Instruction, 3 cr.
Course will examine contemporary trends in education as they relate to the changing landscape of today's schools and how engaging in reflective practice and critical pedagogy can increase student learning. Participants will develop instructional strategies to meet the needs of a diverse student body using 21st technology and pedagogy grounded in education theory, bridging theory and practice.

EDU~ 6560 Research Based Inquiry - Capstone, 3 cr.
Students work closely with their assigned faculty mentor to conduct their action research study and complete an original scholarly work. Reflection, analyses and dissemination of final work is required for successful completion of course.

Elective Course Descriptions
Twelve elective credits are required . St. Scholastica's Master of Education program offers students three concentration options to fulfill their elective requirements:

Educational Technology (certificate awarded)
Certificate in Online Instruction (certificate awarded)
Professional Studies (elective courses)

Educational Technology (certificate awarded)

EDU 6370 - Universal Design for Learning
Students participate in course with universal design features, study the principles of Universal Design for Learning (UDL), and apply those principles in their professional settings. Students also examine technologies that foster UDL and the related frameworks of Differentiation and of Universal Design for Instruction, all with the goal of improving learning for the wide diversity of students in classrooms today.

EDU 6430 ~ Web Tools for Learning, 3 cr.
Provides an introduction and in-depth exploration of web-based resources and applications for learning. The course examines effective web-based resources, including Web 2.0, strategies for evaluating digital resources, video, discussion threads, and learning objects. Participants will participate in and integrate web tools as well as develop learning activities and a collection of resources for educational environments.

EDU 6440 - Using Digital Media in Your Classroom, 3 cr.
This course provides an overview of digital media for teaching and learning. You learn to design and produce multimedia and digital video products to support the curriculum in your classroom. The course also focuses on designing instruction that integrates student use of multimedia and digital video as learning tools.

EDU 6450 - Leadership and Future Trends in Educational Technology, 3 cr. (required for Educational Technology Certificate)
This course is designed to develop educational technology leaders. You evaluate, plan, and create educational technology-based solutions for learning environments while considering best-practices in technology integration. You learn about current topics in educational technology such as future trends, government policies, technology standards, professional development models, evaluation tools.

Certificate in Online Instruction (courses to be taken in order listed below)

EDU 6445 - Online Teaching Methods: From Design to Practice, 3 cr.
Master the essential basics of designing and teaching online courses. This fully online course covers both practical and pedagogical aspects of teaching online. As part of this experience, you will use the Blackboard course management system to develop a sample course of your own design, including a syllabus, discussions, course content, and other components that are optimized for the online teaching and learning environment. The course will be organized into eight learning modules.

EDU 6460 - Technologies for the Online Environment, 3 cr.
Master the essential basics of technologies that are available for the online environment. This online course covers both practical and pedagogical aspects of online technologies. Participants will explore a wide range of online technologies and how they can be used to enhance the online learning environment. Participants will evaluate, select, and integrate technologies into their online course structures.

EDU 6470 - Capstone/Practicum, 3 cr. (Required for Certificate in Online Instruction)
This final course for the Certificate in Online Instruction program will consist of three major components: completion of the online course (begun in the first class and added to in each successive class), implementation of the course with "student" participants, and final course revisions following student, instructor, and mentor feedback. For Certificate in Online Instruction students only.

Professional Studies
The professional studies elective strand is meant to provide program participants a kaleidoscope of courses that allow for more depth in a variety of areas one might be interested in. Various elective courses are offered each semester. Students may also choose courses from many of the technology electives.

K-12 Content Area Reading, 3 cr.
Course will examine content literacy in the context of multiple literacies. Participants will acquire strategies to nurture the skills needed for increased student literacy skills. Student-centered and teacher-directed instructional strategies will be explored and applied. In addition, participants will examine research data and explore multiple digital media formats as they apply to literacy development.

American Indian Education, 3 cr.
Course examines contemporary American Indian education as it relates to contemporary educational achievement. A historical survey of education as it relates to American Indian people is examined. Best Practices as related to American Indian education will be examined and participants will develop instructional strategies to improve the educational experience for American Indian students in their classroom.

Youth Development, 3 cr.
Participants will examine the underlying theories of youth development.