The Basics
The Master of Education Program is a 30 semester-hour program offered with two specializations: Educational Leadership (EL) and Integrated Curriculum and Instruction (ICI). The EL specialization is designed for individuals seeking or currently holding a leadership position. The ICI specialization is designed for individuals with a classroom or curriculum focus. It includes teaching methodology and developing skills of curriculum integration. Completion of either specialization leads to a certificate by the Association of Christian Schools International. Educational Leadership is an approved program at the 5th year level by the Georgia Professional Standards Commission. See MED catalog under Certification, for additional details.
Students who complete the program in three years are regular, full-time students, registering for three courses each of the first two years, and four courses the third year. It is possible to extend the program beyond three years, but not beyond six years.
New and returning students register for courses from February through April 15. Once a student is registered, the pre-campus session begins. Students are responsible to purchase their course materials through either the college bookstore, The Tuck Shoppe, or through a vendor of their own choice. Each course however, has materials specific to that course which will be available on this website, password protected and available to students once they have registered. Course materials will include such documents as communication from the professor, course syllabus, articles which are available on the internet or downloadable, etc.
The nature of pre-campus course work varies with each course, but the intent is to initiate the student to the content of the course and provide preparation for the on-campus session. Reading of texts and articles, research, and internet interaction are typical of pre-campus course work. Unless otherwise directed, students should plan to arrive on campus with all pre-campus work completed.
The on-campus session begins with a dinner and convocation . . . of students, staff, and faculty. We like to say that the MED is all about the food so our tradition is to begin with a convocation dinner. A time when returning students reunite with friends and new students begin making new friends. Students focus on one course each week during the on-campus session. View Course Sequence charts. Classes are held Monday through Friday from 8:30-5:00 and it isn't unusual that students have course work to complete in the evenings. Students living close to campus usually spend the weekend at home, but students whether staying on campus or going home for the weekend, are encouraged to relax.
The post-campus session begins with the conclusion of the campus session and extends through the calendar year, with each course having its own completion date. The work of the post campus session incorporates application to each student's teaching or administrative situation in a variety of formats: exams, projects, papers, research, etc. As one third year student recently said, this program is all about the application.
Course Folders
Course folders warehouse the pre-campus course materials, are available upon completion of registration, and are password protected.
A word about Educational Leadership Certification through the Georgia Professional Standards Commission
Preparation for Educational Leadership certification has changed substantially. Part of the change includes a new GACE assessment in Leadership that will be administered on June 14, 2008 for the first time. Anyone currently in a Leadership program (regardless of the provider), or anyone interested in Leadership certification, should read very carefully PSC Educational Leadership Rule 505-2-.300, available at www.gapsc.com.
To register for the GACE Leadership Assessment (test codes 173 and 174), go to the GACE website. Preparation materials and the test framework can be found on the GACE website in May, 2008.
