& Student Handbook - Saint Mary's University of Minnesota

Master Degree Programs 131
EDUW691
Professional Skills Development (3 cr.)
Prerequisite: EDUW690,EDUW 692
This course provides information and structure to produce professional
level writing using APA style and to use the computer as an efficient tool for
completing assignments, deriving information, and communicating with
others. Ethical issues in communication and research are investigated.
EDUW692
Portfolio Design (3 cr.)
Prerequisite: EDUW690
This course is an overview for the development of the capstone product – a
comprehensive portfolio demonstrating proficient teaching based on the
Wisconsin State Teaching Standards. A specific area of study is identified as
the primary focus of the portfolio. Students learn about expectations, methods,
and resources for graduate-level research designed to improve educator
effectiveness. Production of one portfolio entry using the required process and
structure is a major course requirement. The course supports the Wisconsin
State Teaching Licensure portfolio document and may be helpful for teachers
who wish to complete either the Wisconsin Master Teacher or the National
Board Teacher certification.
EDUW693
Instructional Design and Assessment (4 cr.)
Prerequisite: EDUW690, EDUW 692
This course presents an overview of the acquisition and delivery of instructional
design including the development of curriculum for diverse learners. Authentic
assessment approaches are developed to align with the curricular focus. This
includes, but is not limited to, developing differentiated lesson plans, choosing
developmentally appropriate activities, aligning curricular focus with the
Wisconsin State Standards, connecting curricula across content areas,
developing and using authentic as well as standardized assessment.
EDUW694
The Classroom Environment (3 cr.)
Prerequisite: EDUW690, EDUW 692
This course presents the current approaches to non-curricular classroom
issues including brain-based learning research; normalizing difficult
behaviors; medical, social and emotional concerns; safety; and stress
levels for students and staff. Improving communication among teachers,
parents, students and support staff is addressed.
EDUW695
Ethics and Issues in Education (2 cr.)
Prerequisite: EDUW690, EDUW 692
Ethical behavior and decision-making in an educational environment are
the focus of this course. Law-related ethical theory and moral principles
are identified. The distinction between ethics and values, preference and
culture norms is examined.
Admission Requirements
Applicants may apply for admission to master degree programs at any
time during the year. Applicants must have completed an undergraduate
degree from a regionally accredited institution and maintained an overall
grade point average of 2.75 on a 4.00 scale. Applicants must
demonstrate the language proficiency necessary for successful graduate
coursework.
If the grade point average upon admission is below 2.75, or if a grade
point average is not available, or language proficiency is not adequate,
the applicant may be admitted with provisional status.
Application Process
Applicants must submit:
1. Completed application form with the nonrefundable application fee
(fee not required for alumni or students seeking readmission or
veterans and active military personnel) and,
2. An official transcript issued to Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota
from the institution posting the applicant’s completed bachelor’s
degree and other relevant transcripts documenting program prerequisites
and potential transfer credits. (An official transcript is one
that is sent or carried to the university in an envelope sealed by the
granting university. Transcripts from countries other than the U.S. must
be evaluated by a university accepted evaluation source, such as
World Education Services, www.wes.org, or Educational Credential
Evaluators, www.ece.org, and be deemed equivalent to accredited
U.S. university standards.) and,
3. A personal statement which includes:
a. brief description of the applicant’s background, training, and
experience and,
b. statement indicating the career goals of the applicant and his or her
reasons for seeking admission to the program and,
c. description of the areas the applicant considers to be his or her
strengths and areas in which the applicant wishes to develop greater
strengths and abilities and,
d. personal information the applicant wishes to share.
4. Letter(s) of recommendation that verify professional and/or volunteer
experience and academic ability and,
5. A current résumé listing educational background and work
experience and,
6. All applicants must complete an interview with a program
administrator.
Please Note: Application materials should be sent to the attention of the
Office of Admission on the Twin Cities campus.
EDUW696
Portfolio Production and Presentation (2 cr.)
Prerequisite: EDUW690, EDUW691, EDUW692, EDUW693, EDUW694,
EDUW695
A comprehensive portfolio is prepared for presentation to a panel of
professionals as the capstone project for this master’s program. The portfolio
includes evidence that all of the 10 Wisconsin State Teaching Standards
have been met. As part of the portfolio, evidence is also presented that
demonstrates improvement in student learning within their classrooms.