PROGRAM OBJECTIVES The Masters in Education (M.Ed.) programs are designed to meet the professional needs of individuals seeking initial or advanced degree and/or certification(s) programs in education and leadership. The primary purpose of Chestnut Hill College’s graduate program in education is to enhance the quality of teaching and prepare candidates for leadership roles, such as school principals and reading specialists. The mission of the education department is to build on the intellectual and holistic foundation of the Mission of Chestnut Hill College by helping students develop the professional skills and attitudes to educate a diverse community of learners. The department seeks to foster a deep commitment to teaching and lifelong learning. The graduate programs integrate knowledge of theory and practice with field experiences that include student teaching for initial certifications, and comprehensive practicum work for advanced preparation. The specific curriculum programs offer breadth of knowledge and indepth specialization. Individuals have the opportunity to acquire beginning or advanced knowledge in one or more specialties, to develop greater competence in their disciplines, and to discover innovative and effective approaches to the educational process. The overall objective of these programs is to contribute significantly to the improvement of instruction in the classroom, the leadership in schools, and support services to meet the needs of all children. PROGRAM COMPETENCIES and EXIT CRITERIA: NOTE: The PA State Board of Education passed Chapter 49.1 and 49.2 regulations that significantly reconfigure the certification requirements for instructional and specialist certification programs. Effective 2013: Early Child hood (N-3) will be Early Education (Pre-K through Grade 4); Elementary Education will be Elementary/Middle Level (Grades 4-8); and Special Education (N-12) will be split into Early Childhood/Elementary (Pre-K through Grade 8) and Secondary (Grades 7-12). Important • Special Education is not a content area of instruction under the new regulations, therefore all students seeking special education certification as an initial certification must also identify either PreK-4, Elementary/Middle Level Grades 4-8 or Secondary 7-12 content areas to complete a dual-certification program. • In addition, each content area program, including secondary education certification, is now required to include 9 credits/270 hours of special education and 3 credits/90 hours of teaching linguistically different children. This new requirement begins for all certification programs in 2011. • Current students in elementary (K-6) , early childhood (N-3) or special education (N-12) certification programs who do not complete their requirements by 2013 (either May or August) will be required to have a re-evaluation of their program to determine the additional courses necessary to obtain certification under one of the new certification programs. •
If you have any questions about this, please talk to your advisor or Dr. Pate, Chair of the Education Department.