Updates

  • The Graduate Research Courses Committee presented a proposal to revise the graduate research sequence within the program. Since the implementation of the revised graduate program (Fall 2006), assessment data had indicated that the intended pool of candidates for whom ELE 5100 – Introduction to Graduate Studies in EC/ELE/MLE (3 hrs.) was designed does not currently exist. ELE 5100 was intended for new graduate students entering the program, while the majority of the graduate students in the program first complete courses for the Reading Teacher Endorsement and then choose to continue in order to complete a master’s degree.

    Before proposing the elimination of ELE 5100, the Graduate Research Courses Committee reviewed the content of ELE 5100 – Introduction to Graduate Studies in EC/ELE/MLE (3 hrs.), ELE 5250 – Research in Education (3 hrs.) and ELE 5900 – Applied/Action Research in Education (3 hrs.) in order to insure program integrity.

    The CEPS Curriculum Committee approved the proposed changes in the Graduate Research courses on Monday, February 22, 2010 (i.e., elimination of ELE 5100; Revised Course Proposal – ELE 5250; and ELE 5900 - Variable Credit). These changes were approved by CGS on April 6, 2010 and COTE on April 13, 2010.

  • When it was identified that no graduate level content area reading course existed for early childhood (Preschool to Grade 3) and or lower elementary (Grades K-4) teachers, a revised course proposal for MLE 5270 was created in order to fill that need at the graduate level (i.e., ELE/MLE 5270 – Content Area Literacy Instruction).
  • In order to be proactive in regard to discussions occurring at the State level as to best practice, ELE/MLE 5270 – Content Area Literacy Instruction (3 hrs.) has been added as a “departmental basic education course” (i.e., a core requirement for all graduate students) within the program.
  • The Graduate Research Courses Committee developed a Handbook for Action Research that has been adopted by the department. The handbook includes the rubric that will be used to assess the Action Research Projects completed by the graduate students in the program.
  • An Exit Survey for graduate students has been implemented in order to obtain information regarding the degree to which the Graduate Program in Elementary Education has met the students’ needs as professional educators by providing opportunities for advancement and growth as it relates to each of the Graduate Standards.
  • The department developed a Graduate Certificate in Reading Instruction designed for educators who wish to advance their knowledge and performance in teaching reading in order to serve as Title I Reading teachers or Reading/Literacy Coaches. The Graduate Certificate in Reading Instruction was approved by CGS on Oct. 20, 2009 and COTE on Oct. 27, 2009. EIU has received approval from the Illinois Board of Higher Education (IBHE) for the Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Reading Instruction, effective Fall 2010.