Implementation Date: 2011
Note: Deletions are strikethroughs. Insertions are underlined.
Catalog Copy
Middle Grades and Secondary Education
• Master’s in Education (M.Ed.)
Department of Middle Grades, Secondary, and
K-12 Education
324 College of Education
704-687-8875
http://education.uncc.edu/mdsk
Coordinators
Middle Grades: Jeannine Jones, Professor
Secondary: Tina L. Heafner, Associate Professor
Dr. Warren J. DiBiase
Graduate Faculty
Heather Coffey, Assistant Professor
Joyce Brigman, Lecturer
Warren DiBiase, Associate Professor
Diana Dangenhart, Lecturer
Liv Davila, Assistant Professor
Paul Fitchett, Assistant Professor
Adam Harbaugh, Assistant Professor
Tina Heafner, Associate Professor
Charles Hutchison, Associate Professor
Jeanneine Jones, Professor
Scott Kissau, Assistant Professor
Theresa Perez, Professor
Teresa Petty, Assistant Professor
David Pugalee, Professor
Lan QuachKolano, Assistant Professor
Spencer Salas, Assistant Professor
Dan Saurino, Assistant Professor
Greg Wiggan, Assistant Professor
MASTER OF EDUCATION IN MIDDLE & SECONDARY GRADES
The Master of Education in Middle and Secondary Grades has been developed specifically for experienced teachers in middle and secondary schools who desire advanced study in content and pedagogy, and seek an opportunity to integrate advanced study with their teaching experiences. In addition, candidates will acquire the skills, knowledge and abilities required to assume a leadership role. For example, candidates are required to take Teacher Leadership in their final semester, a course that will better prepare them to become content department chairs, interdisciplinary team leaders, or staff development specialists. Furthermore, by admitting only experienced teachers, candidates will serve as resources for one another and become active members in a community of professionals who are knowledgeable, reflective, responsive, and effective, and committed practitioners. At the conclusion of the program, graduates will be teacher leaders who understand and establish respectful educational environments, demonstrate content and curriculum expertise, effectively support student learning through evidence-based research, and exhibit systematic, critical analysis of learning through purposeful and meaningful reflection. Finally, because this degree focuses on a teacher’s professional growth, it requires completion of a comprehensive portfolio or research project.
Program Goals
Successful graduates will possess a comprehensive pedagogical, conceptual, and reflective knowledge base that
instruction, responsivity and collaboration. This developed and applied knowledge will be, in turn, shared with other professionals through a variety of leadership opportunities. Both the College’s Conceptual Framework and the following goals provide structure for the entire program:
Program graduates will be able to:
1) Self-direct their personal and professional growth
2) Respond effectively to adolescent differences, equity and diversity, and global learning communities
3) Demonstrate advanced pedagogical content knowledge of the curriculumas well as apply 21st century knowledge, skills, and technical expertise
4) Improve educational practice through critical selfreflectionself-reflection, self-assessment, and applied research
5) Work collaboratively with colleagues, professionals, parents, guardians, families and individuals charged
with the well being of learners
6) Assume a leadership role at the local, district, regional, state, or national level
Admission Requirements
1) A Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university
2) A North Carolina “A” license in Middle Grades or Secondary Education, or the equivalent from another state in both the track and content field of the program to which the candidate is making application
3) Teaching experience in a middle grades or secondary classroom
4) An undergraduate GPA of 2.75 overall [T1] and 3.0 in the junior/senior years
5) An acceptable score on the GRE or MAT
6) A written narrative providing a statement of purpose for Master’s degree study
7) Satisfactory recommendations from three professional educators
Degree Requirements
This degree requires a total of 39 33 hours of coursework in either middle grades or secondary education. Candidates must fulfill requirements in one of these two tracks.
Tracks
There are two tracks within this degree. One focuses on middle grades education and the other on secondary education. Each requires a total of 39 33 hours as prescribed by program requirements.
Core Courses
There arefivesix core courses required that are common to both the middle grades and secondary tracks. These include:
RSCH 6101 Educational Research Methods (3)
MDSK 6356 6156 Curriculum StudiesCurriculum, Teaching, and Contemporary Issues (3)
MDSK 6150 Models of Teaching (3)
MDSK 6220: Adolescence and Learning (3)
TESL 6206: Globalization, Communities and Schools (3)
MDSK 6260 Principles of Teacher Leadership (3)
MDSK 6691 Seminar in Professional Development (3)
Electives
Each track allows one three-hour advanced specialized pedagogy choice from selected coursework. elective.
Capstone Experience
Candidates in both middle grades and secondary must complete a capstone experience. They may choose from either a comprehensive portfolio or research project.
Advising
Each candidate will have an assigned advisor within the Department of Middle Grades, Secondary, and K-12 Education. Candidates will have access to a second advisor in their area of content specialization through the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.
Licensure
Graduates will be eligible to receive an Advanced Competency “M” license from the state of North Carolina in addition to their Master’s Degree.
Qualifying Examination
Acceptable scores on either the GRE or MAT.
Committees
Candidates will convene a committee of three graduate faculty members whom they will select with assistance from their Department advisorif a research project is selectedas the capstone experience. The primary role of this committee is to assess the students’ comprehensive portfolio or research project. All other candidates will complete the comprehensive portfolio which will be guided by the course instructor for MDSK 6691.
Research Opportunities and Experiences
There are many opportunities for candidates to participate in research studies on either an independent or collaborative basis. These opportunities are available with Department faculty members, through assigned course work, and through the research project.
Assistantships
There are limited opportunities available within the Department of Middle Grades, Secondary, or K-12 Education. Contact the Department at 704-687-8875 for more information.
Program Certifications/Accreditation
Programs are accredited by both NCATE and NCDPI.
Middle Grades Education
Degree Requirements
Total of 39 33 hours
Core Courses:
RSCH 6101 Educational Research Methods (3)
MDSK 6156 Curriculum, Teaching, and Contemporary Issues (3)
MDSK 6356 Curriculum Studies (3)
MDSK 6150 Models of Teaching (3)
MDSK 6220: Adolescence and Learning (3)
TESL 6206: Globalization, Communities and Schools (3)
MDSK 6260 Teacher Leadership (3)
MDSK 6691 Seminar in Professional Development (3)
Middle Grades:
MDSK 6220 Adolescence and Learning (3)
MDLG 6225 Issues in Middle Grades Education (3)
Methods Course: Choose one from your content concentration (3)
MDSK 6351 Advanced Methods in Middle and Secondary Science (3)
MAED 5040 Topics in Mathematics Education: Intermediate (3)
ENGL 6274 Contexts and Issues in the Teaching of English (3)
MDSK 6354 Advanced Methods in Middle and Secondary Social Studies (3)
Content Specialization Requirements: 6 12 hours The content field of study may be chosen from one of the following areas:
Science
Social Studies
Mathematics
English
Including content specific program coursework:
MDSK 6250 Issues in 6-12 Science Education (3)
MDSK 6251 Issues in 6-12 Math Education (3)
MDSK 6254 Issues in 6-12 Social Studies Education (3)
Professional ElectiveAdvanced Specialized Pedagogy: 3 hours
Graduate-level electives pedagogy course should be chosen in consultation with student's advisor. Other departments offer appropriate electives. Possible elective options includeand are limited to one of , but are not
limited to, the following:
EDUC 6102 Person and School in Urban Society (3)
EDUC 7126 Comparative Education (3)
EIST 5100:Computer Application in Education (3)
EIST 6110 Instructional Design (3)
MDSK 6142: Readingsin Assessment, Measurement, and Student Achievement (3)
READ 6265/EDCI 8265: Multiliteracies in a Global World: Reading and Writing Texts in New Times (3)
RSCH 6109 Assessment and Evaluation Methods (3)
RSCH 6110 Descriptive and Inferential Statistics in Education (3)
TESL 5101 Second Language Diagnosis and Evaluation (3)
TESL 5103 Teaching English as a 2nd Language (3)
EDUC 7126 Comparative Education (3)
MDSK 6250 Issues in 6-12 Science Education (3)
MDSK 6251 Issues in 6-12 Math Education (3)
MDSK 6254 Issues in 6-12 Social Studies Educ (3)
MDLG 6800 Individual Study in Middle Grades Education (1-6)
Secondary Education Degree Requirements
Total of 39 33 hours
Core Courses:
RSCH 6101 Educational Research Methods (3)
MDSK 6156 Curriculum, Teaching, and Contemporary Issues (3)
MDSK 6220: Adolescence and Learning (3)
TESL 6206: Globalization, Communities and Schools (3)
MDSK 6356 Curriculum Studies (3)
MDSK 6150 Models of Teaching (3)
MDSK 6260 Teacher Leadership (3)
MDSK 6691 Seminar in Professional Development (3)
Methods Course: Choose one from your content concentration (3)
MDSK 6351 Advanced Methods in Middle and Secondary Science (3)
MDSK 6354 Advanced Methods in Middle and Secondary Social Studies (3)
Content Specialization Requirements: 18 9 hours
The content field of study may be chosen from one of the following areas:
Science
Social Studies
Including content specific program coursework:
MDSK 6250 Issues in 6-12 Science Education (3)
MDSK 6254 Issues in 6-12 Social Studies Education (3)
Note: Master’s degrees in mathematics and English education are offered through the Departments of Mathematics & Statistics and English, respectively.
Advanced Specialized Pedagogy: 3 hours
Graduate-level pedagogy course should be chosen in consultation with student's advisor. Possible elective options include and are limited to one of the following:
EDUC 6102 Person and School in Urban Society (3)
EDUC 7126 Comparative Education (3)
EIST 5100:Computer Application in Education (3)
EIST 6110 Instructional Design (3)
MDSK 6142: Readingsin Assessment, Measurement, and Student Achievement (3)
READ 6265/EDCI 8265: Multiliteracies in a Global World: Reading and Writing Texts in New Times (3)
RSCH 6109 Assessment and Evaluation Methods (3)
RSCH 6110 Descriptive and Inferential Statistics in Education (3)
TESL 5101 Second Language Diagnosis and Evaluation (3)
TESL 5103 Teaching English as a 2nd Language (3)
Professional Elective: 3 hours
Graduate-level electives should be chosen in consultation with student's advisor. Other departments offer appropriate electives. Possible elective options include, but are not limited to, the following:
EDUC 6102 Person and School in Urban Society (3)
EIST 6110 Instructional Design (3)
RSCH 6109 Assessment and Evaluation Methods (3)
RSCH 6110 Descriptive and Inferential Statistics in Education (3)
TESL 5101 2nd Language Diagnosis & Evaluation (3)
TESL 5103 Teaching English as a Second Language (3)
EDUC 7126 Comparative Education (3)
MDSK 6250 Issues in 6-12 Science Education (3)
MDSK 6251 Issues in 6-12 Math Education (3)
MDSK 6254 Issues in 6-12 Social Studies Educ. (3)
SECD 6800 Individual Study in Secondary Educ. (1-6)
COURSES IN MIDDLE GRADES EDUCATION AND SECONDARY EDUCATION
Core Courses
MDSK 6142: Readingsin Assessment, Measurement and Student Achievement. (3) An examination of research-based assessment strategies for the 6-12 classroom. Practitioners will construct appropriate assessment items with a focus on reliability and validity. Interpretation and utilization of student outcomes to improve classroom practice is emphasized. 3 hours. No clinical experience required.(Fall) (Evening)
MDSK 6150. Models of Teaching. (3) Learning theory associated with information processing, personal, social, and behavioral models; current trends in instructional methodology for a variety of content areas. (Spring) (Evening)
MDSK 6156. Curriculum, Teaching, and Contemporary Issues. (3) A consolidated examination of curriculum and learning theory with emphasis on educational reform and the origins of contemporary issues in education. This course merges curriculum and learning theory to examine contemporary issues in education. Drawing from the field of curriculum studies, attention is given to historical roots of curriculum and important theorists, educational reform and the change process, as well as global comparisons among American and international educational systems. In addition, this course approaches learning theory associated with information processing, personal, social, and behavior models as the foundation of current content area instructional methodology. (Fall) (Evening)
MDSK 6220. Adolescence and Learning. (3) Study of adolescence as a phase of development and its relationship to the learning process. (Summer, Fall) (Evening)
MDSK 6260: Teacher Leadership. (3) An examination of the current research on adult learning and development, expert knowledge, and the professionalization of the field of teaching. Students develop skills to direct other educational professionals. (Fall, Spring) (Evening)
MDSK 6356. Curriculum Studies. (3) Examination of the field of curriculum study with particular emphasis on the change process. (Fall) (Evening)
MDSK 6464. Primary and Secondary Source Analysis.
(3) This course is a 3-hour advanced content course for middle and secondary social studies teachers seeking advanced social studies licensure. The course provides a focused study of primary and secondary sources that effectively support middle and secondary student understanding of social studies content. Emphases include increased content knowledge of social studies, extensive content research and reading, development of content resources, application of advanced instructional methods through the integration of content resources to support student learning of social studies content, and experience in curriculum evaluation.
MDSK 6691. Seminar in Professional Development (3).
Seminar focused on the self-direction and professional development of teachers. Emphasis will be placed on the design, development, and completion of the candidate's comprehensive portfolio, thesis, or research project. (Fall, Spring) (Evening)
Middle Grades Education:
MDSK 6220. Adolescence and Learning. (3) Study of adolescence as a phase of development and its relationship to the learning process. (Fall) (Evening)
MDLG 6225. Issues in Middle Grades Education. (3)
Examination of educational practices in the middle grades (6-9) including trends and issues unique to that philosophy. Emphasis on broadening understanding of foundational components, organizational patterns, instructional programs and management techniques. (Spring) (Evening)
MDSK 6464. Primary and Secondary Source Analysis.
(3) This course is a 3-hour advanced content course for middle and secondary social studies teachers seeking advanced social studies licensure. The course provides a focused study of primary and secondary sources that effectively support middle and secondary student understanding of social studies content. Emphases include increased content knowledge of social studies, extensive content research and reading, development of content resources, application of advanced instructional methods through the integration of content resources to support student learning of social studies content, and experience in curriculum evaluation.
MDLG 6800. Individual Study in Middle Grades
Education. (1-6) Prerequisite: Permission of the student’s advisor. Independent study under the supervision of an appropriate faculty member. May be repeated for credit. (Fall, Spring, Summer) Advanced Graduate Only
MDLG 7999. Master’s Degree Graduate Residency
Credit. (1) Meets Graduate School requirement for continuous enrollment during completion of a capstone project or comprehensive examination. (Fall, Spring)
Secondary Education:
SECD 6800. Individual Study in Secondary Education. (1- 6) Prerequisite: Permission of the student’s advisor. Independent study under the supervision of an appropriate faculty member. May be repeated for credit. (Fall, Spring, Summer) Advanced Graduate Only
SECD 7999. Master’s Degree Graduate Residency Credit.
(1) Meets Graduate School requirement for continuous enrollment during completion of a capstone project or comprehensive examination. (Fall, Spring)
Methods Courses:
MDSK 6351. Advanced Methods in Middle and
Secondary Science. (3) Examination of current research and scholarship on the teaching of science in middle and secondary schools. Particular emphasis on the development of advanced instructional expertise and leadership. (Spring, On demand)
MDSK 6354. Advanced Methods in Middle and Secondary Social Studies. (3) Examination of current research and scholarship on the teaching of social studies in middle and secondary schools. Particular emphasis on the development of advanced instructional expertise and leadership. (Spring, On demand)
Examples of Possible Electives:
MDSK 6250. Issues in 6-12 Science Education. (3)
Orientation to content, curriculum and methods appropriate for teaching science. Emphasis is on a critical examination of current trends and practices in the teaching of science. (On demand)
MDSK 6251. Issues in 6-12 Mathematics Education. (3)
Orientation to content, curriculum and methods appropriate for teaching mathematics. Emphasis is on critical examination of current trends and practices in the teaching of mathematics. (On demand)
MDSK 6254. Issues in 6-12 Social Studies Education. (3)
Current issues in teaching and learning social studies. Emphasis on current trends in curriculum, advanced instructional methods, and research. (On demand)