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University of Central Arkansas
Graduate Bulletin 2007 - 2009

Graduate Bulletin
Document Number 3.02.01

ADVANCED STUDIES IN TEACHING AND LEARNING

[1] Objectives

The Master of Science in Education in Advanced Studies in Teaching and Learning (ASTL) prepares candidates to become highly skilled and articulate classroom teachers. It is designed to enhance and expand existing knowledge, skills, and dispositions of candidates while fostering the development of competencies expected of advanced educators. The program rests on the assumption that accomplished educators engage in reflective decision-making as they assess and extend their own professional practice. In addition to addressing the eight essential elements of UCA’s Professional Education Unit's Conceptual Framework, the program incorporates standards and propositions from appropriate national professional organizations.

Upon completion of the program, ASTL graduates will demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary to

  1. Respond positively to classroom practices that enhance student learning.
  2. Critically analyze their own classroom practices and appropriately respond to their findings.
  3. Articulate the rationale for decisions they make regarding professional practice, classroom instruction, and classroom/school policies and procedures.
  4. Make informed decisions by reflecting on experiences both past and present to improve teaching practices that enhance student learning.
  5. Become change leaders for the improvement of their schools.

This 30 hour graduate degree program consists of a 21-hour core plus 9 hours of electives chosen from courses in advanced study in middle level education, secondary education, early childhood education, special education, reading, technology, career orientation, English as a Second Language (ESL), gifted/talented (GT), and/or subject area content. Graduate candidates will complete 10 courses for the degree with the culminating experience being the creation and defense of a professional portfolio.

[2] Admission Requirements

Admission into the University of Central Arkansas Graduate Studies program will be required before enrolling in courses. Candidates must have an undergraduate degree, a 2.7 GPA in undergraduate work, and GRE scores on file with the Graduate Office before full admission (conditional admission may be granted for one semester pending arrival of GRE scores). In addition, candidates are required to have a current teaching license upon program enrollment and two years of teaching experience prior to program completion. Candidates are to meet all graduate school bulletin requirements.

[3] Program of Study

Core Curriculum: 21 hours required for degree

ASTL 6302, 6303, 6305, 6310, 6315, 6380, and 6385.

Electives: 9 hours to be selected by candidate in consultation with ASTL advisor.

Candidates may be allowed to transfer a maximum of six graduate credit hours to the program.

[4] Graduate Courses in Advanced Studies in Teaching and Learning (ASTL)

Follow this link for ASTL course descriptions: course link.


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