STUDENT OUTCOMES ASSESSMENT
Master of Arts in Science Education
Master of Arts in Science Education for Elementary Schools (K-6)
I.
Philosophy of Student Outcomes Assessment
The Science Education Faculty strongly supports the mission of the university, college, and Graduate
College to provide and promote quality graduate education. Our vision is that the Science Education
Faculty at the University of Northern Iowa is committed to the advancement of exemplary science
teaching, learning, and scholarship through its masters’ programs. Our mission is to provide quality
teaching, advising, mentoring, and opportunities for our students to engage and conduct scholarly
research and/or creative pursuits that are consistent with student demand, society needs, and faculty
expertise and that are relevant to the science teaching practitioner. The outcomes and competencies of
the Student Outcome Assessment Plan for the Masters of Arts in Science Education students are
consistent with this mission.
II. Outcomes and Competencies
Outcome 1 Students will engage in scholarly and creative pursuits that are significant and relevant to
the science teacher practitioner, further their knowledge in teaching science, and provides a significant
service to the professional community of science educators.
Students shall:
Competency 1.1
Be able to demonstrate significant learning acquired through one’s
graduate work in science education.
Competency 1.2
Be knowledgeable on the work of others as published in the
Science Education research literature.
Competency 1.3
Be able to reflect on the process of what was learned and its potential
impact on the classroom setting, professional community, and one’s own
professional growth.
Competency 1.4
Maintain a level of academic achievement in course work that is
consistent with the expectations of a graduate student.
Outcome 2 Students will make a scholarly contribution to science education that develops a broader
understanding of the world’s knowledge in science education and a genuine appreciation of the research
efforts of others in the field.
Students shall:
Competency 2.1
Competency 2.2
Be able to design, conduct/produce, and analyze a scholarly endeavor in
science education that adheres to the protocols used in professional
science education research.
Be able to discuss results of their scholarly endeavor in a context of
existing Science education literature and to reflect on the potential impact
of these results on the science teaching practitioner and/or science
education professional community
Competency 2.3
Demonstrate proficiency in the use of creative and critical thinking skills
and effective oral and written communication skills to successfully
complete the Thesis or nonthesis option.
Measurement of Competencies
Competency
Assessment
1.1
Successful completion of required and elective graduate courses with a grade of B
or better. Successful completion and presentation of thesis or for the nonthesis
program successful completion of comprehensive exams with a score of 3 or
better by both evaluators for all 5 questions and successful completion of research
paper, creative component, or a NBPTS certification portfolio.
1.2
Successful completion of the thesis or nonthesis program component.
1.3
Successful completion of the Thesis or nonthesis program component.
1.4
Successful completion of required and elective graduate courses with a grade of B
or better, successful completion of comprehensive examination if nonthesis.
2.1
Successful completion and presentation of thesis or of the research paper, creative
component, or a NBPTS certification portfolio.
2.2
Successful completion and presentation of thesis or of the research paper, creative
component, or a NBPTS certification portfolio.
2.3
Successful completion and presentation of thesis or successful completion of
comprehensive exams with a score of 3 or better by both evaluators for all 5
questions and successful completion of research paper, creative component, or a
NBPTS certification portfolio.