The M.Ed. in Education Instructional Studies is designed for people who desire to work in non-certified fields in education related jobs and for current teachers who wish to gain expertise in education. The program provides a foundation in the history of education in the United States, types of schools and school systems, learning theory and development, and inclusive practices. Further, it teaches people how to incorporates evidence based practices to teach diverse learners and also collaborate with diverse families and communities.

The Educational Instructional Studies program is a 34-credit, four semester program. The program consists of on ground, hybrid and online courses and is designed for a working professional. All on ground, in seat classes meet in the evenings. The first semester of the program introduces students to the foundations of American education, development and learning theory, special education, and culturally diverse learners. Each semester thereafter, students learn evidence based practices to hone in on skills to work with diverse learners and to collaborate with families and communities.

Students entering the MED program after successfully completing the MAT program at Chatham will share a total of 9 credits between both programs (EDU510, EDU634, EDU664).

Curriculum

+Major Requirements

EDU502	Perspectives on Education This course examines the influences that have resulted in the unique role of the teacher and school in our society in the past as well as the present. Topics include needs of exceptional children, the role of technology in education, and school-community relations. Students are required to complete a major research project that addresses a current educational issue. Co-Requisite: EDU580	2
EDU634	Inclusion: Issues and Strategies This course surveys practices of inclusion in education. It encompasses the historical precedents, underlying philosophy, education theory, instructional strategies, and practical implications of it implementation. Students participate in a variety of learning experiences throughout the course.	3
EDU581	Pedagogical Practices This course focuses on the characteristics of effective teaching practices and examines different ways that effective teachers help students learn. The impact of standards and accountability on lesson planning, implementing instruction and assessment is examined. How student diversity influences classroom practices is examined through case studies and discussion topics. The use of technology to create lesson focus, increase student involvement and to organize lesson content is a theme that is experienced throughout the course.	1
EDU530	Diverse Family and Community Partnerships Advocates, educators, and parents have called for more and better family-school partnerships for decades. Recently, a body of empirical evidence has indicated that partnerships can have a positive impact. A number of studies highlight the positive associations between parent involvement in schools and their children's social and emotional development and academic achievement. This course explores the form and focus of several types of partnerships. Must be taken with student teaching.	3
EDU505	Issues of Poverty in Education This course focuses on the characteristics and effects of poverty on education. Definitions and types of poverty are examined. The impact of poverty on cognitive and physical development as well as learning and behavior on individuals is examined. The influences of poverty on classroom and schools is assessed. Strategies to teach students of poverty and combat poverty in schools are discussed.	3
EDU510	Differentiated Reading and Writing This course provides the regular and special education teacher with specific data-based knowledge and skills to teach reading and writing in content areas to students with disabilities.	3
EDU664	Behavior Management in the Classroom Students investigate the principles and systematic approaches used to identify and analyze problem management techniques, individual behavior and affective intervention strategies, and community-based support programs designed to address problem behaviors. Crisis intervention and conflict resolution are explored as strategies for confronting challenging behaviors.	3
EDU583	Conflict Resolution This course teaches students how to avoid conflicts from developing and explores methods to resolve conflict. This course also defines and presents a mediation process that employs a specific set of techniques that enables students to peacefully resolve conflict. Students taking this course will learn to manage conflict in their personal life, classroom, and in the workplace.	1
EDU671	Collaboration, Consultation, and Teamwork This course focuses on developing effective collaboration skills with members of the school community, as well as the community at large, to provide a realistic and integrated program for all children. Students engage in a variety of group activities that call for the need to analyze group dynamics and implement effective communication strategies.	3
EDU609	Literacy The interrelationships among listening, speaking, writing, and reading are investigated with a view toward emphasis on the impact that classroom organization, patterns, materials, and approaches have on teacher effectiveness in teaching elementary and early childhood-aged students, individually and in groups. Students are required to complete a major research paper or project in which they demonstrate knowledge of and skill in using teaching strategies that reinforce the theoretical considerations of the course.	3
EDU606	Adolescent Development and Learning Theory This course addresses physical, social, cognitive, and moral development during adolescence. The physical, social, and cognitive changes during puberty are explored in terms of their impact on student participation and performance in school settings. Through the use of case studies, an understanding of the implications of growth and development on instructional planning for effective learning is achieved.	3
EDU607	Child Development and Learning Theory Focusing on child development from the prenatal stage to age 12, this course emphasizes current research on physical, cognitive, and social development. Students examine the nature of adolescent development, implications of the cognitive and affective characteristics of adolescents in the selection of instructional methods and materials, and structural and organizational features of typical high schools.	3
EDU605	Instructing Students With Autism Spectrum Disorders This course is designed to focus on pertinent issues and topics that concern students with autism. Spectrum disorders. This course provides an overview of evidenced-based instructional strategies used to teach students with autism as well as ways to collaborate with individuals in the home, school, and community. Topics will cover specific instructional strategies, family/community relations, behavior, inclusion and transition.	3
EDU657	ELL Teaching Strategies for Classroom Teachers This course explores language development for English Language Learners for whom English is a second language. Pre-service teachers acquire knowledge and skills required to meet the educational needs of ELLs in their future classrooms. The course also addresses the legal responsibilities to English Language Learners under Pennsylvania and federal laws and regulations.	3
PSY555	Statistics and Research Methods The course provides a basic review of descriptive and inferential statistics and how these techniques are used with research methods in counseling psychology. Students will become proficient in computer analysis of data sets, designing and evaluating research designs and techniques, and understanding primary research in counseling literature.	3