Assessment, Differentiated Curriculum and Instruction (Master of Applied Science, M.A.S.)
Dr. Kipton Smilie, Program Director
ksmilie@missouriwestern.edu
(816) 271-5952
missouriwestern.edu/education/differentiated-instruction/
The Differentiated Curriculum and Instruction option is designed to meet the needs of the following professionals:
- Current and future teachers, from early childhood, elementary, and secondary education, who want to learn techniques to more effectively differentiate instruction to better support ALL learners in diverse, inclusive, PreK-12 classrooms
- School administrators, who are interested in improving instructional practices in their school or district
- Current or future educational policy makers, who wish to enhance their understanding of the power of differentiated instruction for meeting the unique needs of ALL learners in diverse, inclusive, PreK-12 classrooms.
Successful completion of the Differentiated Curriculum and Instruction master's degree, though it will not result in an additional area of teacher certification in the State of Missouri, will prepare graduates to better meet the diverse challenges of teaching in 21st Century classrooms.
In addition to learning how to effectively differentiate curriculum and instruction for learners who: are English learners, are gifted / talented, are at-risk for school failure (i.e., due to poverty, trauma, or other unique needs), or experience mild / moderate disability, graduate students should gain the following from coursework in the Differentiated Curriculum and Instruction program:
- A deep understanding of fundamental issues associated with the pedagogical approach of differentiating instruction
- Specific skills associated with differentiating:
- content, what is to be learned
- process, how learners acquire information
- product, how learners demonstrate learning and
- learning environments, where and with whom learners learn
- Knowledge of differentiated instructional methods needed to successfully teach ALL learners in diverse classrooms
- Knowledge of considerations for the selection and effective implementation of multidisciplinary approaches to differentiated curriculum and instruction
- Opportunities to develop skills of leadership regarding differentiated instruction, including: needs analysis, shared vision, improved communication, adult learning, measurement of efficacy, and overcoming resistance
- Enhanced general knowledge of diverse, inclusive classroom settings
- Training in analytical and critical thinking methods
- Support for an internship experience, which requires the application of content information gained from participation in the M.A.S. program.
What are the unique benefits of the Differentiated Curriculum and Instruction program option at Missouri Western State University?
- All required courses are available online; this flexibility allows courses to be completed from anywhere in the world.
- The master's degree in Differentiated Curriculum and Instruction includes a professional core sequence, which focuses on critical reading of education literature and analyzing research in education.
- Strong foundation in current research in the field of differentiating instructional content, process, product, and learning environments.
Admission Requirements
Admission to the graduate program in Differentiated Curriculum and Instruction requires meeting all qualifications for acceptance to the Missouri Western State University Graduate School.
- Submission of application for admission to the MWSU Graduate School.
- Completion of an undergraduate degree in education, or a closely related discipline, from an accredited undergraduate institution.
- Minimum undergraduate GPA of 2.75.
- Statement of Purpose: A one-page narrative, which describes his/her purpose for seeking admission to a graduate program, as well as what he/she hopes to gain from the experience.
- The GRE is not required.
Students who are accepted to this degree program will have no more than 6 years from admission or subsequent declaration to meet the requirements listed below. If certification, accreditation or statutory requirements change and additional requirements become effective during this time, the new requirements take precedence.
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Professional Core 1 | ||
| EDU 611 | Research Development and Literature Analysis | 3 |
| EDU 678 | Master Educator Experience I | 3 |
| EDU 679 | Master Education Experience II | 3 |
| Concentration Requirements | ||
| EDU 661 | Multidisciplinary Approaches in Differentiated Instruction | 3 |
| EDU 662 | Teacher Leadership for Differentiated Instruction | 3 |
| EDU 677 | Advanced Methods, Differentiation, and Instruction 2 | 3 |
| TSL 560 | Methods of Teaching ELLs | 3 |
| Optional Courses - Take three courses from the following five: | 9 | |
| Collaborating with Families and School Personnel for Inclusion | ||
| Behavioral Management & Interventions | ||
| Foundations of Professional Ethics | ||
| ELL Assessment | ||
| Language and Culture | ||
| Open Elective | 3 | |
Approved graduate-level elective course(s) | ||
| Total Credit Hours | 33 | |
- 1
In addition to the courses listed below, students will be required to take an Orientation Workshop (EDU 500).
- 2
EDU 677 Advanced Methods, Differentiation, and Instruction requires a prerequisite of EDU 315 Psychology and Education of the Exceptional Child.
Program Graduation Requirements
- Earn a minimum overall GPA of 3.0, with no more than 6 credit hours of C in all required coursework.
- Official approval of required Master Educator Experience.
University Graduation Requirements
- Satisfactorily complete all required coursework in the program;
- Earn a minimum of 30 credit hours;
- Satisfactorily complete the required capstone experience.