Early Childhood PreK-2, Initial, M.Ed.

Program Description

At the graduate level, master’s degrees have been especially designed for new and experienced teachers. Licensure at the initial level is a prerequisite for entry into many programs in the graduate program group. For teachers with professional licensure, the Master of Education concentration programs offer an opportunity to enhance established skills and interests and to experiment with areas of study related to the professional license. The C.A.G.S. level offers further specialization and enhances the careers of experienced teachers and administrators who have completed the master’s level.

Responsive to the 2003 changes in licensure regulations approved by the Massachusetts Department of Education, Westfield State University presents in this catalog a number of revised Master of Education programs appropriate for candidates seeking initial and professional licensure. Elementary and Secondary licensure programs reflect the cognate area recommended by the regulations. Teachers of students with Moderate Disabilities can be recommended for licensure after completing a program leading to Initial or Professional licensure in their subject area. These programs are designed to include graduate level courses in subject area fields in the Arts and Sciences as well as in specialty area, Reading, within the Education offerings.

Initial licensure is available through Master of Education programs. Please consult pages 63 through 78 for these programs leading to initial licensure as Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, Reading Specialist, Secondary Education, and Teacher of Students with Moderate Disabilities (Prek-8) (5-12). Initial licensure as a School Guidance Counselor is available through the Master of Arts in Psychology program. Initial licensure is also available through the Post Baccalaureate Licensure programs. You may request the Post Baccalaureate Programs booklet from the DGCE office or a program advisor.

Professional licensure programs respond to the needs of teachers who have been awarded initial licensure. Many of the Master’s programs and all of the professional licensure programs are interdisciplinary, offering a curriculum based on graduate study within a cognate department which complements a core of graduate Education coursework. Advanced candidates will demonstrate their commitment to diversity at several points in their programs. Each candidate will be required to reflect on his or her beliefs, values, experiences, and/or current practices for developing competencies that support diversity. Decisions about a candidate’s performance in advanced Programs will be based on multiple assessments.

Programs in Vocational Technical Education, offered at the M.Ed. and C.A.G.S. levels, are designed to enhance the careers of those working in the vocational-technical school setting.

Programs in Educational Administration, offered at the Masters of Education (M.Ed.) and Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (C.A.G.S.) levels, are available to educators seeking an opportunity to qualify for leadership positions in curriculum and educational administration.

Students who satisfactorily complete the requirements of a program leading to certification and complete appropriate application materials are recommended for licensure to the Massachusetts Department of Education. Students without teacher licensure should consult the Post Baccalaureate Teacher Licensure booklet available in the Graduate and Continuing Education Office at 333 Western Avenue. All programs leading to initial licensure, including licensure as a School Principal, require a passing score on the MTEL Communication and Literacy Skills test.

Advising for graduate students facilitates student progress in degree programs and offers an opportunity to design and to amend programs of study, acquire career advice and address topics of particular interest to students involved in graduate study for career advancement or professional development. Registration advising is offered in advance of the semester to assist with course choices appropriate for graduate programs. Programs of study constructed during the first semester of matriculation allow students to remain active participants in their course selection.

Admission into Master of Education programs requires a cumulative GPA of 2.8.

Prerequisites:

Bachelor’s Degree.
Passing score on MTEL Communication and Literacy Skills Exam or equivalent experience.
Course work related to Foundations of Education, Students with Special Needs, Child Psychology, Computers in Education, and health or physical education.

Required Coursework for Initial Licensure in Early Childhood Education:

EDUC 0519 - Principles of Teaching and Learning Credits: (3)
EDUC 0508 - Early Childhood Curriculum Credits: 3
EDUC 0503 - Early Literacy and Reading Credits: 3
EDUC 0581 - Early Intervention for Young Children with Special Needs Credits: 3
EDUC 0580 - Multicultural Education Credits: 3
EDUC 0514 - Classroom Management Credits: (3)
EDUC 0661 - Storytelling and Literature for the Very Young Child Credits: 3
EDUC 0632 - Research in Education Credits: 3
EDUC 0513 - Evaluation Techniques in Education Credits: (3)
IDIS 0560 - Elementary School Mathematics and Science Credits: 4
MATH 0551 - Foundations of Teaching Mathematics: Pre K-6 (Beginning Spring 2009) Credits: 2
GNSC 0560 - Methods of Science Education Pre K-6 (Beginning Spring 2009) Credits: 2
EDUC 0536 - Practicum: Early Childhood (Pre-K-2) Credits: 6 *

Note:

*Candidate needs to finish all coursework before enrolling in practicum. Licensure regulations require two practicum placements. If a student has the appropriate experience, one half of the 12
credit practicum may be waived. Contact the Early Childhood program advisor listed on page 4 for further information.

Candidate must pass the MTEL Subject Test and Foundations of Reading before Practicum.

Requirements for Master’s Degree - 43 Credits

Additional Guidelines

Students must have passed the MTEL subject matter test(s) and have a GPA of 2.8 before beginning the practicum. Although you may be allowed to apply for student teaching practicum with a 2.8 GPA, you must maintain a 3.0 GPA to remain in the graduate program.
Students are required to successfully complete a written comprehensive examination to demonstrate mastery of knowledge gained in coursework and to relate concepts across the curriculum. The comprehensive exam may be taken after completing a minimum of nine of the ten non-practicum courses within the Master’s program.