Master of Arts in Elementary Education

The Master of Arts in Elementary Education program is a 36-credit K-8 program that offers a rich combination of online learning, classroom practice, learning community sharing, research and analysis, and assessment to produce teachers that are capable of making a difference in student learning and achievement. Online examples in each lesson are provided to help primary, intermediate and junior high school teachers in any subject or lesson. The program is entirely customized through the examples, strategies, and assignments for any elementary teacher to gain and sharpen instructional skills.

The courses that make up the program curriculum are designed to prepare and strengthen the classroom teacher by providing the most current research-based and proven educational strategies and knowledge. The curriculum encompasses learning theory, educational foundations, brain theory, best practices, curriculum development, standards, and assessment. The courses in child and adolescent development, special needs and classroom management provide a framework of how teachers can provide appropriate strategies and environments for all students. A mentored practicum and portfolio project are included to enable the student to synthesize the knowledge and skills of the program into his/her personal understanding of an effective classroom for elementary students.

The goal of the program is to develop scholar-practitioners who will learn and practice advanced skills in designing, implementing and analyzing instruction using research based strategies so they can provide an active, positive and effective classroom environment for elementary students.

The master’s degree programs at Acacia University are designed for certified teachers who want to acquire advanced expertise in education. Gain the skills to provide your students with the best learning foundation possible.

Academic Courses: (Required Core Courses in Instructional Strategies)

• EDC500 Power Strategies for Effective Teaching
• EDC510 Power Strategies for Classroom Assessment
• EDC520 Power Strategies for Improving Comprehension

General Education Courses: (Required Core Courses)

• EDC540 Classroom Management
• EDC550 Child and Adolescent Development
• EDC560 Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment
• EDC570 Special Needs Students

Applied General Ed. Courses: (Five required and one elective course)

• EDC585 Principles of Elementary Education*
• EDC610-1 Portfolio Project: Research Methods*
• EDC610-2 Portfolio Project: Action Research*
• EDC620-2 Mentored Practicum: Onsite*
• EDC595 Principles of Secondary Education
• EDC577 English Language Learners

Transfer Credits

Acacia University recognizes the prior learning of admitted students by awarding credit for courses at the graduate level, completed at an accredited institution, and documented through official transcript when the credit is applicable to the student’s degree program at Acacia University. As many as twelve (12) credits may be transferred.

If an applicant has earned a degree at another university, credits from that degree cannot be transferred or used for an additional degree at Acacia University.

The acceptance of transfer credits between institutions lies within the discretion of the receiving college or university. Credits earned at other institutions may or may not be accepted by Acacia University. Likewise, credits earned at Acacia University may or may not be accepted by another institution depending upon its own programs, policies, and regulations. Students planning to complete credits for a graduate degree in another college, university, or graduate school are advised to contact the Admissions Office of such institution in advance of applying.

At the end of this program, students will be able to

• Create and maintain a positive learning environment that will support and increase student achievement
• Consistently integrate the power strategies with other research-based strategies into their instruction
• Demonstrate comprehensive understanding and knowledge of the process and principles of curriculum design and assessment so they can plan effective instructional and assessment strategies
• Design and implement developmentally appropriate strategies that foster, nurture, and develop skills in students that are within, and outside of, the normal range of child development
• Design and implement strategies to meet the special educational needs of students in the classroom
• Collaborate with colleagues in meaningful ways about students and instructional strategies
• Analyze the national or state standards that are required and design instruction and instructional strategies that will enable students to meet the standards
• Communicate effectively with parents and other caregivers about the students’ successes, needs and areas of improvement
• Provide mentoring to other teachers as they implement effective strategies in the classroom
• Implement a coherent and effective secondary classroom utilising appropriate curriculum, instruction, and assessment practises
• Apply research and analysis skills to design and complete a project that would provide insight on an secondary education topic of their choice