Specific Requirements (2012-13 catalog)
Prerequisites:
Students must have held or currently hold a valid teaching credential or take EDUU 515 - Teaching the Adult Learner.
Core courses (24 credits):
EDUU 600 Research and Evaluation Methods 3
*EDUU 600 is a prerequisite for all other core courses and candidates are advised to follow this structure.
Electives (12-27 credits):
Electives must be 500 or 600 level courses selected from graduate courses currently available to Brandman University education graduate students in any program, provided the courses help the Community to reach its learning goals. A minimum of 50% of the course credits (15 credits) must be in special education. In the event that the Community determines it needs to have a new course developed to meet its specific Learning Community goals, the education faculty of Brandman University will work with the group to develop such a course or courses. It is understood that such courses must first be approved by the appropriate faculty/administrator prior to being used in the degree. In addition, the proposed electives along with a rationale for choosing those electives must be submitted to the faculty/administrator for approval as meeting the intent of the Professional Learning Community emphasis.
Total credits 30
Candidates must progress through the program as a cohort, completing their coursework and demonstration of mastery at approximately the same time as their peers.
- Each candidate must develop a portfolio that documents his/her personal growth and mastery within the learning community. The portfolio would include artifacts, reflections, collaborative learning, best practices, and documentation of an Area of Expertise pursued as part of the degree.
- Each candidate must create and conduct a presentation reflective of his/her area of expertise.
Demonstration of Mastery
The Learning Community will show Demonstration of Mastery by developing a community portfolio that documents its professional growth as a learning community. This includes the Professional Learning Plan, artifacts demonstrating the progress and attainment of goals, and a reflection of the community learning experiences and how this will impact them as special educators.