Marymount University
Graduate Catalog 2016-17
Education
Marymount University’s professional programs leading to the Master of Education are dedicated to the mission "Preparing Educational Leaders for Diverse Learning Communities." The three tenets comprising the conceptual framework model that synergistically interact include critical thinker, effective practitioner, and caring professional. Knowledge of content, human growth and development, and pedagogy, along with current research and learning theory, provide the foundation for Marymount’s professional programs. All courses and experiences are designed to achieve this mission.
Upon successful completion of any Master of Education licensure program, students will be able to
- analyze content, behavior, and data for instructional decision making;
- reflect on the context of the classroom and the outcomes of their students;
- use strategic problem solving to support the development of all learners;
- demonstrate a thorough understanding of content, human development, and pedagogy;
- use communication, technology, management, and pedagogical skills to implement instruction and assessment; and
- exhibit high ethical standards, respectful attitudes, and a dedication to teaching.
Graduate programs leading to a Master of Education and initial teaching licensure in Virginia are elementary education (grades PK-6); secondary education (grades 6-12 in art, biology, chemistry, earth science, English, history and social science, mathematics, and physics; and special education: general curriculum (grades K-12). The administration and supervision program offers an add-on endorsement for Virginia licensure in administration and supervision (grades PK-12). The school also offers a non-licensure program: the Master of Education in professional studies.
Upon completion of the professional studies program, the students will be able to
- research and write critically about issues in education;
- apply specialized knowledge and skills in emphasis area;
- analyze content, behavior, and data for educational decision making and problem solving; and
- exhibit high ethical standards, respectful attitudes, and a dedication to education.
Students seeking teaching licensure reserve one semester for the student-teaching experience. This experience is a 14-week, full-time placement. Student teaching is the culmination of the Marymount teacher-education licensure program and reflects the degree to which a student will be effective as a classroom teacher. See The Student-Teaching Experience section for complete information about application procedures for student teaching.
All Marymount University teacher education programs are approved by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), the Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), and the Virginia Department of Education. Program requirements are subject to revision based on changes in the Commonwealth of Virginia licensure requirements.
Periodic Progress Review
Each semester, the education faculty meets to evaluate all students’ academic progress and professional dispositions. The education faculty consider not only academic performance, but also personal characteristics, such as maturity, judgment, emotional stability, sensitivity to others, and self-awareness, that affect one’s ability to be a teacher or administrator. If the faculty identifies a problem during the periodic review or evidence of personal difficulty that has the potential to negatively affect the student’s capacity to function as a future teacher or administrator, the student will first be required to meet with his or her advisor. If needed, the student may be referred to the School of Education and Human Services’ Teacher Education Committee. Failure to meet academic and professional standards may result in dismissal from the Marymount education program. If the faculty identifies an outstanding candidate during the periodic review, the faculty may decide to send a letter of commendation to the student to recognize outstanding achievement.
Graduate Programs in Education
Admission Requirements for Degree Programs: Formal application for admission to the teacher education program is required. In addition to the universitywide graduate admission requirements, applicants to the M.Ed. program must:
- submit proof of a bachelor’s degree with a minimum 2.75 GPA or 3.25 in the last 60 hours or 3.0 in their endorsement area;
- submit two recommendations;
- submit all undergraduate transcripts so that the adequacy of undergraduate general education coursework needed for licensure requirements can be determined;
- interview with a faculty advisor in the education department; and
- present passing scores, as set by the Virginia Department of Education, for
- Praxis I Core Mathematics only (Praxis I Core Mathematics exam may be waived with sufficient composite SAT/ACT score. See an academic advisor for further information.)
- Virginia Communication and Literacy Assessment (VCLA)
The MU education department requires at least one of the following:
- CSLP/PDS writing sample
- VCLA writing score at appropriate level (see an academic advisor for further information)
- GRE writing score of 3.5 - 4 or higher
- "in-house" writing sample scored using designated rubric
Applicants for the administration and supervision program and the professional studies program are not required to take the Praxis or VCLA examinations.
Academic Progression Requirements: Education students must achieve satisfactory progress each semester. Failure to meet requirements for progression to any course or portion of the program will result in review by the Teacher Education Committee and may result in dismissal from the program.
Academic Probation: Students may only be on non-consecutive probation once during their graduate studies. If a student's cumulative GPA falls below 3.0 for a second time, the student will be dismissed. Students who wish to appeal their dismissal should refer to the Academic Dismissal section of this catalog for the proper procedures.
Legal Limitations of Practice: The practice of teaching is regulated by state laws. Questions concerning licensure in a specific state should be directed to that state’s board of education. Students may be required to submit a national criminal background check before being placed in field experiences or as a student-teacher. The cost of the investigation is borne by the student.
Program Completion Requirements: The education program require completion of all methods coursework, a teacher work sample, and the presentation of a professional portfolio. A successful student-teaching experience as well as passing scores on all licensure examinations required by the Virginia Department of Education are also necessary for all teaching licensure programs.
The university does not accept credit on standardized tests, such as CLEP, toward graduate coursework required for any graduate education program. (CLEP or standardized test credits may be accepted for undergraduate coursework needed for licensure requirements.)
Upon completion of all licensure requirements, students submit an Application for Initial Virginia Licensure to the School of Education and Human Services and are then recommended by the faculty to the Commonwealth of Virginia for endorsement.
NOTE: Once admitted to a master’s program, a maximum of five years from the student's first semester of coursework is allowed for completion.
The Student-Teaching Experience
Students seeking licensure complete their program with a student-teaching experience.
Student teachers are supervised by a faculty member in the School of Education and Human Services and by an on-site cooperating teacher. Students should consult the Marymount University Graduate Teacher Candidate Handbook and the Student Teaching Handbook for further information on student teaching.
Placement for student teaching is dependent upon the school’s and faculty’s judgment regarding the student’s performance in both coursework and field placement.
Deadlines are set annually for student teaching applications. Contact the Office of Clinical Experiences for exact deadlines. Passing scores must be attained for the Praxis II, Virginia Communication and Literacy Assessment (VCLA), and Reading for Virginia Educators (RVE) licensure exams before submitting an application. Please see an advisor for exact dates for specific exams needed for licensure areas. Information and directions for application completion are available in the Office of Clinical Experiences.
Placement is available in public schools in the greater Washington metropolitan area, the Diocese of Arlington, the Archdiocese of Washington, and in accredited private schools. Placement is made in conjunction with the local school districts and no particular placement can be guaranteed. Transportation to and from the cooperating school is the responsibility of the student. If student teaching out of the local area is necessary, the student must meet the written requirements available from the Coordinator of Clinical Experiences and must have approval from the chair of the education department. While student teaching, all students assume the role of guest in the host school and must abide by the policies and regulations of the host school.
Student Teaching Abroad
Students who would like to student teach abroad must contact the chair of the education department two semesters before they will apply to student teach. Placements are currently available in Europe, South America, and New Zealand. Tuition for student teaching abroad remains the same; however, student teachers are responsible for their own transportation, housing expenses, and any additional program fees.
Student Teaching Out-of-Area
Students who want to student teach out of the local area within the United States must contact the chair of the education department two semesters before they will apply to student teach. Out-of-area placements are granted on a case-by-case basis based on the student’s need to relocate due to personal and/or financial reasons. If the out-of-area student teaching assignment is granted, the student teacher is responsible for any additional costs exceeding that which Marymount provides to the cooperating teachers and supervisors. Students register for student teaching through Marymount, regardless of the geographic location of the placement.
Applying for Student Teaching
In order to register for student teaching, a student must fulfill the following requirements:
- gain full admission into a licensure program
- submit a student-teaching application packet (see deadlines previously noted)
- complete all stipulated methods coursework
- submit passing scores for the Virginia Communication and Literacy Assessment (VCLA) and the Praxis Core Math (if applicable)
- submit passing scores on the Praxis II exam (Specialty Area Test for secondary endorsement area or elementary education; Content Knowledge for PK-6)
- submit passing scores on the Reading for Virginia Educators (RVE) exam (for elementary education and special education programs)
- be endorsed by an education department faculty member to student teach
Prior to beginning the student teaching placement, student teachers must clear a criminal background check as required by the local school division and must submit verification of current health insurance.
Program Options
Professional Development School Partnership
Through Fairfax County Public Schools, Marymount offers a Professional Development School Program (PDS). This partnership is a collaborative licensure program and is available to selected M.Ed. candidates. Interns spend a full academic year in partner schools. Students may elect to complete initial licensure for the elementary education (PK-6) program or the special education: general curriculum (K-12) program. All field and clinical experiences, as well as student teaching, are supervised and take place at the schools.
Administration and Supervision, PK-12 (M.Ed.)
This master's degree program is designed to prepare candidates for school administration in public and private schools. It also provides the Catholic values and perspectives essential to fostering Catholic unity and identity within a school community. In addition to developing competencies in educational leadership, the program focuses on the Church’s history, teaching, and moral perspectives while encouraging participants’ own faith and spiritual growth. A unique feature of the program is that most of the courses are offered online.
Students in this program may complete an internship and should contact the program director for instructions on applying for the internship.
Students are required to successfully complete the School Leaders Licensure Assessment (SLLA) during their second year. Students who complete the program, including the internship, and pass the SLLA are eligible for Virginia endorsement in administration and supervision (PK-12).
Upon successful completion of the administration and supervision program, students will be able to:
- demonstrate high moral, ethical, and legal standards in their relationships with students, faculty, and parents;
- exhibit an effective and caring attitude that seeks to develop the whole child intellectually, physically, emotionally, socially, and spiritually;
- exemplify a love of teaching, appreciation for diversity, respect for the unique gifts and talents of all, and understand the importance of integrating the values of faith;
- demonstrate effective problem solving skills, tools of inquiry, and analytical abilities that generate multiple solutions for practical decision-making that can affect the school, student development, the parish, and the wider community;
- employ appropriate and effective instructional and budget planning processes and leadership strategies that impact the curriculum and assessment of all students;
- understand supervision evaluation strategies for faculty/staff growth and development; and
- understand basic legal issues and demonstrate knowledge of resources related to safe and effective management of student, faculty, and school issues.
Degree Requirements — Administration and Supervision, PK-12
36 credits
ED 581 Foundations of American Education for School Leadership
ED 582 Building School Community Relations
ED 583 Administration in the Schools
ED 584 Advanced Curriculum and Instruction for Educational Leadership
ED 586 Current Issues in Education
ED 587 School Law
ED 588 Educational Leadership and Supervision
ED 589 Fostering Moral and Ethical Development
ED 591 School Finance and Development
ED 592 Administrative Issues in Special Education
ED 593 Project, Thesis, or Internship
Elementary Education, PK-6 (M.Ed.)
This program is designed for those who have a strong liberal arts undergraduate or graduate degree and who wish to earn licensure to teach in the elementary setting (grades PK-6). For Virginia licensure, individuals must provide evidence of a wide range of general studies competencies in undergraduate coursework and a course in human growth and development.
The M.Ed. in elementary education is available at Marymount’s Arlington location with classes held on the Main Campus. Some classes are offered at the Reston Center. The program is also available through Marymount’s Reston Center, which offers a weekend cohort format, and through Marymount’s Professional Development School (PDS) partnership with Fairfax County Public School.
Degree Requirements — Elementary Education, PK-6
39 credits
Many courses require field experience. For details, see education Course Descriptions.
(ED 502 and ED 503 are required as the first courses in this program, as they provide the foundation for all other courses.)
ED 502 Foundations of Education
ED 503 Curriculum: Theory and Practice
ED 509 Special Education: Foundations and Characteristics of Exceptional Learners
ED 550 Research Methods
ED 552 Effective Classroom Management #
ED 554 Computers and Technology in the Classroom
ED 555 Reading and Language Arts for Diverse Learners
ED 556 Reading and Language Arts: Grades 3-6
ED 557 Social Studies and the Expressive Arts
ED 558 Elementary Math Methods
ED 559 Elementary Science Methods
ED 570A Student Teaching #
# ED 552 and ED 570A must be taken at the same time.
Elementary Education Teaching Licensure Additional Endorsement
Students in the special education program who seek the add-on endorsement in elementary education must complete all PK-6 general studies requirements for licensure, an additional 3-credit student-teaching experience (contact the department chair for information), and the following courses:
Special Education Program
ED 556 Reading and Language Arts: Grades 3-6
ED 557 Social Studies and the Expressive Arts
ED 558 Elementary Math Methods
ED 559 Elementary Science Methods
ED 570A Student Teaching: PK-6 (3 credits)
English as a Second Language, PK-12 (M.Ed.)
Beginning fall 2016, the M.Ed. in ESL, accredited by NCATE/CAEP, will no longer accept new students. Students currently enrolled in the program should consult the catalog received at the time of matriculation for program requirements.
Professional Studies (M.Ed.)
This master's degree program is designed for those students who are not seeking a Virginia teaching license. Students in this program may be practicing teachers, education professionals who are not working in a classroom setting, or students who intend to teach in international or private schools. Along with completing a core of professional courses intended to develop the knowledge, skills, and dispositions basic to the field of education, students will complete an emphasis area and a capstone project designed to meet the individual needs, interests, and goals of the student.
Degree Requirements — Professional Studies
(Students with an undergraduate education equivalent may waive the content of ED 502 and ED 503 and replace with additional elective hours.)
36 credits
ED 502 Foundations of Education
ED 503 Curriculum: Theory and Practice
ED 509 Special Education: Foundations and Characteristics of Exceptional Learners
ED 526 Cross-Cultural/International Curriculum
ED 550 Research Methods
ED 554 Computers and Technology in the Classroom
ED 580 Capstone: Professional Studies Program
One of three professional emphasis areas must also be selected and 15 credits chosen from the following 3-credit classes (Other courses may be selected with the consent of an advisor):
Teaching and Learning
ED 516 Adolescent Psychology; ED 537 Literacy Across the Curriculum; ED 538 Secondary Teaching Methods; ED 555 Reading and Language Arts for Diverse Learners; ED 556 Reading and Language Arts: Grades 3-6; ED 557 Social Studies and the Expressive Arts; ED 558 Elementary Math Method; ED 559 Elementary Science Methods; ED 568 Teaching English and Social Studies in the Middle/Secondary School; ED 569 Teaching Science and Mathematics in the Middle/Secondary School
Exceptional Populations
ED 509 Special Education: Foundations and Characteristics; ED 511 Psychoeducational Assessment and Instructional Programming; ED 516 Adolescent Psychology; ED 519 Current Research, Trends, and Legal Issues in Special Education; ED 523 Diagnostic and Creative Literacy Instruction; ED 529 Collaboration and Consultation in Special Education Settings; ED 545 Transition and Family Issues for Individuals with Disabilities; ED 555 Reading and Language Arts for Diverse Learners
ESOL and International
EN 550 General Linguistics or ED 543 Fundamentals of Language Arts; EN 552 Applied Phonology; ED 553 Teaching English as a Second Language; ED 555 Reading and Language Arts for Diverse Learners; EN 554 Applied Grammar: Syntactic Structures; ED 561 Teaching Language Pragmatics; ED 563 ESL/ESP: Curricula, Materials, and Tests
Secondary Education, 6-12 (M.Ed.)
This master's degree program is designed for persons who already have a B.A. or B.S. in any of the following content areas: biology, chemistry, earth science, English, history and social science, mathematics, or physics.
In order to maintain currency in the content area, students seeking a teaching license at the secondary level (grades 6-12) must have satisfactorily completed a course in their licensure endorsement area within five years prior to applying for a Virginia teaching license through Marymount.
The M.Ed. in secondary education is available at Marymount’s Arlington locations with classes held on the Main Campus. The program is also available in a weekend cohort format through Marymount’s Reston Center.
Degree Requirements — Secondary Education, 6-12
39 credits
Many courses require field experience. For details, see education Course Descriptions.
(ED 502 and ED 503 are required as the first courses in this program, as they provide the foundation for all other courses.)
ED 502 Foundations of Education*
ED 503 Curriculum: Theory and Practice*
ED 509 Special Education: Foundations and Characteristics of Exceptional Learners*
ED 516 Adolescent Psychology*
ED 526 Cross-cultural/International Curricula
ED 537 Literacy Across the Curriculum: Secondary*
ED 538 Secondary Teaching Methods*
ED 550 Research Methods
ED 552 Effective Classroom Management* #
ED 554 Computers and Technology in the Classroom*
ED 568 Teaching English and Social Studies in Middle/ Secondary School* or ED 569 Teaching Science and Mathematics in Middle/Secondary School*
ED 570B Student Teaching: Secondary* #
* Students in the Secondary Education Program who are solely interested in licensure may apply for a Virginia teaching license after successfully completing all noted courses.
# ED 552 and ED 570B must be taken at the same time.
Special Education: General Curriculum, K-12 (M.Ed.)
This master's degree program is designed for those who wish to earn licensure and teach children with special education needs in a K-12 classroom setting. Three credit hours in human growth and development are required for licensure in addition to the graduate program requirements.
The M.Ed. in special education: general curriculum is available at Marymount’s Main Campus. The program is also available through Marymount’s Professional Development School (PDS) partnership with Fairfax County Public Schools.
Additional Endorsement Options: An additional endorsement in elementary education is available to students in this program. See information under "Teaching Licensure Additional Endorsement" in elementary education (PK-6) for requirements.
Degree Requirements — Special Education: General Curriculum, K-12
39 credits
Many courses require field experience. For details, see education Course Descriptions.
(ED 509 and ED 503 are required as the first courses in this program, as they provide the foundation for all other courses.)
ED 503 Curriculum: Theory and Practice
ED 509 Special Education: Foundations and Characteristics of Exceptional Learners*
ED 511 Psychoeducational Assessment and Instructional Programming
ED 519 Current Research, Trends, and Legal Issues in Special Education
ED 523 Diagnostic and Corrective Literacy Instruction
ED 529 Collaboration and Consultation in Special Education Settings
ED 539 Instructional Implementation of the Individualized Education Program
ED 545 Transition and Family Issues for Individuals with Disabilities
ED 549 Assessments, Techniques, and Interventions in Behavior Management #
ED 555 Reading & Language Arts for Diverse Learners
ED 558 Elementary Math Methods
ED 570SE Student Teaching: Special Education General Curriculum (K-12) #
*A course in human growth and development for kindergarten-age students through adolescents is required before enrolling in ED 509.
# ED 549 and ED 570SE must be taken at the same time.
Counseling with a specialization in School Counseling (M.A.)
Offered by the counseling department, this program prepares students for licensure as school counselors at elementary-, middle-, and high-school levels. A Master of Arts degree is awarded upon completion of the required graduate credits. See the counseling section for more information.
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