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Master of Applied Science in Assessment: Writing Option

Assessment Core Course Descriptions

EDU 510 Policy Decisions and the Data that Drives Them (3) Su, F. Analysis of policy debates that impact the effectiveness of educators, literacy providers, and other professional fields. Special attention given to historical and theoretical considerations that constrain or facilitate equity and access for end users, to include issues of power, resistance, and assessment measures. Prerequisite: BS or BA degree.

EDU 530 Research Approaches in Assessment (3) F. Introduction and comparison of quantitative and qualitative research methods in assessment to include mixed methods. Early exploration of data leading to an improvement plan and outcomes begins here. Prerequisite: Concurrent enrollment in or completion of EDU 510.

EDU 570 Seeking Support for Assessment: Funds, Partners, and Disseminating Results (3) S. Exploration of the importance of partnerships to include funding opportunities and drafts of proposals to gain support. Attention will also be given to the importance of disseminating results and ways in which technology can assist. Prerequisite: EDU 530 or EDU/ENG 610 Invitational Institute.

EDU 615 Data Informed Analysis and Decisions (3) SU. Critical analysis and presentation of data sets using quantitative tools. Data will take many forms, including authentic data assembled by students, and students will be expected to use the data to develop hypotheses and support projected solutions. Prerequisite: EDU 530.

EDU 630 Improving Outcomes: Documenting the Process and Results (3-6 cr.) Su, F, Sp. This capstone course for Writing Option candidates requires students to complete an applied research project related to assessing writing. A key component of the project for students is to submit their research results for publication as well as present their results in a professional setting at a seminar or institute offered by Prairie Lands Writing Project or another National Writing Project venue.  Prerequisite: EDU 615. May be repeated for a total of six credits.

Writing Option Course Descriptions

ENG 500 Literature for Adolescents (3) S. A study of literature for young adults designed to increase appreciation of the genre through literary evaluation. Students will consider trends in publishing, the issues behind censorship, the history of literature for young adults, and complete a research project. Prerequisite: Senior standing at MWSU with successful completion of EDU Junior Experience or BS or BA degree.

EDU/ENG Topics in Teaching Writing (1-2) On Demand. Writing seminar for teachers or pre-service teachers with senior standing at MWSU which addresses a particular issue related to literacy teaching. May be repeated for a total of four credits. Prerequisite: Senior standing at MWSU with successful completion of EDU Junior Experience or BS or BA degree.

EDU/ENG 502 Professional Learning Community (1-2) On Demand. Professional Learning Communities emphasize enhancing student achievement by involving classroom teachers in a cycle of inquiry, reflection, and action in regard to a particular issue regarding literacy instruction. Teachers question common practice, explore specific problems, consider research and evidence that proposes solutions, try some of those solutions in their teaching, and evaluate the results, starting the cycle anew. May be repeated for a total of four credits. Prerequisite: Senior standing at MWSU with successful completion of EDU Junior Experience or BS or BA degree.

ENG 503 Literature for Children (3) F. A study of literature for children designed to increase appreciation of children’s books through literary evaluation. Students will read and evaluate picture books, junior novels and poetry, and complete a research project. Prerequisite: Senior standing at MWSU with successful completion of EDU Junior Experience or BS or BA degree.

ENG 567 Grammar and the Teaching of Grammar (3 ) F. (odd-numbered years). Exploration of various definitions of grammar, review of knowledge base required by teachers, demonstration of teaching methods that illustrate current theory and research. Students will complete a research project applicable to teaching grammar. Prerequisite: Senior standing at MWSU with successful completion of EDU Junior Experience or BS or BA degree.

ENG 573 History of the English Language (3) F (even-numbered years). From the development of the Indo-European language family to English as a world language, this course explores the influence of historical and cultural developments, internal changes, and language attitudes on the English language. Students will come to understand how languages begin and why they change, how language is a product of its socio-cultural history, and why there are dialectal differences in the English heard around the world. They will complete a research project related to language learning and teaching writing. Prerequisite: Senior standing at MWSU with successful completion of EDU Junior Experience or BS or BA degree.

EDU/ENG 512 Teaching Writing with Technology (3) Sp. In this course, participants will learn how to use technology to improve writing and learning in their classrooms. With these technologies, students will

• Design writing assignments that follow the writing process
• Review software and Web design considerations
• Critique their own designs as well as existing software and Web programs for possible incorporation into their own curriculum
• Learn how to harness the power of Web 2.0 to create writing and learning communities
• Develop a CD portfolio of course lessons and assignments for use in their teaching.

Prerequisite: Senior standing at MWSU with successful completion of EDU Junior Experience or BS or BA degree. Participants should have a basic understanding of computer applications.

EDU/ENG 610 Prairie Lands Writing Project Invitational Institute (6) Su. This four-week writing workshop (plus spring orientation and fall reflection) brings together teachers, grades k – 16, as they prepare to assume leadership roles that promote good writing in their own schools. Participants will

• Write, revise, and publish their own writing
• Study current theory and research, especially research of teachers of writing
• Share classroom expertise, especially their most successful writing practices.

May be repeated once for a total of twelve credits. Prerequisite: Admission into the Invitational Institute: at least one year of successful teaching experience; a commitment to writing as a way to learn and to communicate learning; recommendation from building administrator, department head or Prairie Lands Teacher Consultant; potential for leadership; successful meeting with Prairie Lands interview team.