Western Carolina University
Program Assessment Plan
MAEd in Comprehensive Education
Art, Biology, Chemistry, English, Mathematics, Music, Social Sciences, TESOL
Education and Allied Professions/Arts and Sciences
Assessment Plan for 2006- 2011
Primary Contact Name/Info:
Eleanor Hilty, MAEd Coordinator; Erin Tapley, Art, Patricia Hembree, Biology and Chemistry;
James Addison, English; Kathy Ivey, Mathematics; Mary Kay Bauer, Music; Elizabeth McRae,
Social Sciences; Chandrika Rogers, TESOL
Department Mission Statement
The MAEd in Comprehensive Education is designed for practicing teachers to further their
knowledge and skills at the graduate level and to develop advanced knowledge and skills.
Statement on Alignment of Program Mission w/ University and College Mission
The mission of the MAEd in Comprehensive Education is congruent with the University mission
and the mission of the two colleges involved – Arts and Sciences and Education and Allied
Professions - to prepare P-12 professional educators
Program Goals/Objectives
The MAEd in Comprehensive Education seeks to provide practicing teachers to develop advanced
knowledge and skills in the following areas:
1. Instructional Expertise
2. Knowledge of Learners
3. Research Expertise
4. Connecting Subject Matter and Learners
5. Professional Development and Leadership
Intended Learning Outcome
What will students know or be able to do upon completion of the
program?
Instructional Expertise: Applies the theoretical, philosophical, and research
bases for educational practice in elementary, middle, and secondary school
classrooms to improve student learning. Plans, implements, and evaluates
instruction that is rigorous, coherent, and consistent with a well-developed
theoretical and philosophical stance and with best practices emerging from
educational research.
Curricular and/or CoCurricular Experiences
Where will students acquire the
skills and/or knowledge
identified in the outcome?
Students will acquire the skills and
knowledge throughout the MAEd in
Comprehensive curriculum as
stated in the current catalog.
Method(s) of Assessment
How will you determine that the students know or can do what you
expect?
Students will submit the MAEd/MAT Comprehensive Portfolio to his/her
advisor as a graduation requirement. The MAEd/MAT Comprehensive
Portfolio must demonstrate the program objectives and intended learning
outcomes. At least two faculty members must evaluate the portfolio
according to an attached rubric.
The program coordinator will collect evaluations and keep a record.
Annually, the program coordinator will share results of portfolio evaluations
for that year with the MAEd advisory group chaired by the MAEd coordinator
to analyze results. If no portfolios were evaluated that year, no report for that
program is required.The MAEd advisory group is composed of the MAEd
coordinator, program coordinator from each program, and others as needed.
Knowledge of Learners: Incorporates knowledge of the nature of the learner,
learning processes, variations in learning abilities and learning styles, and
strategies for evaluating learning. Plans, implements, and evaluates
instruction that is responsive to wide variations in students' learning needs
and learning styles.
Research Expertise: Understands and employs methods of research to
examine and improve instructional effectiveness and student achievement.
The MAEd advisory group will prepare one MAEd assessment report with a
section for each separate program. The MAEd coordinator is responsible for
the overall report and program coordinators are responsible for their own
sections.
Connecting Subject Matter and Learners: Understands and links subject
matter and students' developmental and diverse needs in the context of
school settings. Plans, implements, and evaluates instruction that reflects
intellectual rigor and depth of knowledge in both subject matter disciplines
and students' diverse learning needs.
Professional Development and Leadership: Demonstrates self-directed, selfreflective professional behavior and provides leadership to colleagues and
communities through collaboration.
Due May 31, 2006