2022-2023 Undergraduate and Graduate Catalog 
    
    Dec 08, 2024  
2022-2023 Undergraduate and Graduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Education, M.A.


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The Master of Arts degree in Education has been developed to provide practicing teachers with enhanced knowledge and skills for professional growth. A variety of program choices are available within the MA degree, and numerous opportunities for electives are available to allow candidates to individualize their programs. Six distinct concentrations are available: Autism Spectrum Disorders, Curriculum and Instruction, Diverse Learners, Early Childhood Education, Reading, and Special Education 

Admission

For detailed information on university admission policies, please refer to Admission Policies  information.

Degree Requirements

Participants must successfully complete 33 semester hours of graduate credit. Four core courses totaling 12 hours are required of all candidates:

In addition to the 12 hours of core courses required, a minimum of 21 additional hours must be completed in a major area of study and elective courses. Prospective applicants should also review the general information on graduate programs provided in the graduate section in this catalog. 

Re-enrollment Upon Completion of a Graduate Degree in the Department of Education/Special Education

The Master of Arts in Teaching  degree is established for pre-service teachers seeking initial certification. The Master of Arts degree in Education is established for teachers who wish to earn a degree for professional development. Therefore, those completing the Master of Arts degree in Education may not re-enroll for the Master of Arts in Teaching degree. Those completing the Master of Arts in Teaching degree may apply for admission to the Master of Arts degree in Education. Those making application must be able to plan a full 33 hour program with his/her graduate advisor. See other departments in the catalog for additional degrees offered at Fontbonne.

Specific Concentration Requirements


Autism Spectrum Disorders


Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) The Center for Teacher and Therapist Education (CTTE) is a collaborative partnership between the Department of Education/Special Education and the Department of Communication Disorders and Deaf Education. CTTE has developed a comprehensive, collaborative graduate program to prepare professionals from a variety of professions to work with children and youth with Autism Spectrum Disorders and their families. Effective professional practices that support the learning and social-behavioral outcomes of individuals with ASD are central elements in this course of study. In addition, the program promotes early intervention and early transition planning with family education and support. Such support assists parents in making informed decisions regarding a variety of treatment approaches and educational possibilities. 

Curriculum and Instruction


The Curriculum and Instruction strand is structured to provide the classroom teacher with the knowledge and skills necessary to make good decisions in the current educational environment. This includes not only the elements of effective curriculum design and instructional processes, but also the contemporary context in which such decisions take place. 

Diverse Learners


Education of Diverse Learners tackles critical challenges of teaching in schools of the 21st century. This program of graduate study prepares teachers to identify and address the opportunities and challenges of a diverse population of students. The course of study supports teachers in their development of knowledge, dispositions, and practices to best serve the varied needs and talents of all students in inclusive classrooms. Diverse learners encompasses the study of all under-performing groups of diverse learners with a focus on ethnicity, culture, religion, economic disadvantage, learning challenges or disability, and second language readers.

Early Childhood Education


With early childhood education as a top priority in the state of Missouri, the need for highly qualified early childhood educators continues to grow. The early childhood concentration in the Master of Arts in Education prepares professionals to work with pre-kindergarten through third grade students in both public and private entities. The specialty course work allows you to examine, evaluate, research and implement early childhood curriculum and programming. 

Reading


The reading concentration is structured to assist participants in obtaining the Special Reading endorsement from the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). Fontbonne has a tradition of superior instruction in the area of reading, a process that is at the core of every instructional program. Instruction is provided to assist in teaching readers of all ages and levels, emergent literacy to secondary. The interaction between reading and writing is stressed, as well as key assessment strategies. The reading program is offered both fully on-line and/or face-to-face. If you are interested in the program, contact the Director of Reading Programs or the Director of Graduate Studies in Education. Some of your UG courses in reading might serve via competencies for the courses listed below.  A reading audit can report those to you and your advisor. 

 A reading audit will need to be conducted to align your UG and GR courses previously taken to the matrix for Special Reading.  This audit, conducted by our Certification coordinator, will be shared with you and your Special Reading Advisor to use as you plan your program.  You may add this certification to a Masters in Education with an emphasis in Reading or you may take the courses to simply add the certificate to your initial teaching certificate.  At the end of the program, you will apply for the Special Reading Certificate through DESE.  You must complete the following courses plus two years of lead teaching experience in an accredited Missouri school.

Special Education


Fontbonne University’s tradition of excellence in special education is represented in its special education concentration. Career professionals who are committed to enhancing opportunities for students with special needs will find opportunities to grow in knowledge, skills, and dispositions through the courses, applied practices, and research to be found on topics of particular interest in their own practice through action research projects and directed readings. One may also choose to pursue professional interests in related graduate programs such as autism spectrum disorders, communication disorders, computers in education, diverse learners, or reading. Candidates may structure their programs to assist in meeting requirements for an endorsement in special education (cross-categorical, K-12). 

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