The Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction program teaches best practices for personal learning and evaluation, multicultural perspectives, globalized learning, family and community engagement, and how to best differentiate instruction for all students. You’ll demonstrate mastery of specific learning outcomes (often using your own classroom as a basis for learning) and receive credit toward your degree. As you complete each assignment/project, an outcomes evaluator will use detailed rubrics to review your artifacts and provide feedback.

Program Options and Specialized Studies

Under the M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction you may wish to pursue:

• The Curriculum and Instruction Plan: Within this program, you will have the opportunity to study in depth the most current research in assessment and student learning, differentiated instruction, curriculum design and evaluation, and instructional theory and design.
• STEM Specialized Study: In this specialized study, students will have the opportunity to learn more about STEM legislation and expansion of STEM offerings in school, curriculum integration, grants and community partnerships to benefit STEM program, standards and assessments in STEM, and content and resources in STEM and science education.
• National Board Certification Specialized Study: As you pursue your National Board Certification you will enroll in three National Board courses, starting each fall, where you will benefit from individualized support from an NBCT in addition to having the opportunity to join a regional group remotely, or in person, during the school year. You will learn about other support activities including WEA's Jump Start and the Home Stretch seminars. You will earn 18 credits toward your M.Ed.
• Elementary Education Specialized Study: In this specialized study, students have the opportunity to earn a master's degree with a specialized focus in Elementary Education and if desired, earn a WA state Elementary Education endorsement (for WA state teachers only). Courses cover studies in literacy, mathematics, STEM, behavioral analysis and other topics that enable you to be successful in today's elementary classroom.
• M.Ed. Alternative Route - Specialized Study (for those who want to earn a WA state teacher's certificate): Complete 24 graduate credits in the Alternative Route program to earn your teacher's certificate and endorsement(s) in high needs areas (Special Education, ELL, or Math). Complete four additional core courses (15 credits) at the graduate level to complete your M.Ed.
• Specialized Study: Do you have a specialized area of study you would like to pursue? Talk with your advisor and program coordinator to explore a customized option for you.

Learning Outcomes

Throughout the Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction program, you’ll learn:

• Various types of research and purpose for improving educational practices
• Global, theoretical, and practical issues affecting education and learning development
• Professional contribution to the improvement of the school community and profession
• Three major theories: behaviorism, cognitivism, and constructivism
• Current, research-based practices to effectively assess student learning
• Effective instructional techniques
• Quality principles within differentiated instruction