Location:

La Crosse, United States

Program Type:

Full Degree

Degree Level:

Master

Specialty:

Curriculum & Instruction

Program Overview

Program Description:

The ME-PD Learning Community program is a fully accredited master's degree program offered in partnership with UW-La Crosse College of Liberal Studies and the School of Education. Its unique format sets it apart from many traditional graduate degree programs. The format is based on Adult Learning Theory which embraces the unique needs of adult learners. The ME-PD Learning Community program is facilitated by a team of educators who have experience in this delivery model as well as PK-16 teaching experience and expertise in the core curriculum. The ME-PD Learning Community program curriculum is aligned to the Wisconsin Teacher Standards and the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards. The curriculum is integrated and spiraled over four semesters. In addition to face-to-face time spent within Learning Community, students can expect to spend time outside of class completing required readings, written work, online activities (utilizing Desire2Learn) and applying learning to work environments. Students develop an individualized Professional Development Plan (PDP) which guides them through the two year program. From the PDP, students develop a portfolio that serves as evidence of growth and application to practice. Students can also elect to incorporate PI-34 criteria into the PDP. As students move through the two year program, they choose an area of emphasis for their Action Research which will culminate in a scholarly Action Research paper. This 30-credit graduate program will influence how students think about learning, teaching and assessment while allowing for constant professional improvement. Students will learn practical skills that are immediately applicable to work settings and may be tied to district or workplace goals. Because of the unique format and integrated curriculum, we do not allow any transfer of graduate credits into the Learning Community program. The curriculum is a progressive spiral of sequential content, knowledge and skills related to the seven curricular strands. Grading in the program is a three-pronged process involving self-assessment, peer assessment and graduate faculty facilitator assessment at the end of each semester. Assessment strategies will be addressed early in the first semester. Technology is integrated throughout the two years so reliable, up-to-date, efficient computer access is required year round for daily correspondence. We offer 4 versions of this program, Face to Face, Blended, Online and Adventure based. The Face-to-Face learning community format provides more direct time working in person with your community. This format is for people who learn better by interacting with others and want to develop a stronger and more personal network of relationships with cohort members. The Face-to-Face Leaning Community program meets one weekend per month during the academic year (not in June or July) for two years providing 10 face-to-face sessions per year. The Blended Learning Community meets twice a semester, once at the beginning and once at the end of the semester, for two years for a total of eight face to face meetings with your community. Meeting times, on the designated weekend, are Saturday 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. and Sunday 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m. The Online format combines 3 semesters of 100% online learning and 2 Summer sessions, each include a Face-to-Face week long summer institute. Our Adventure Based Learning Community offers the Face-to-Face Masters program through Experiential Education. Adventure Based program overview and goals: Learn about and understand the history, philosophy and foundations of Experiential Education. Learn about and understand group development and group process by “deeply living the process” while studying it. Incorporate the skills and understanding of the group process in our work as educators and facilitators of caring and effective communities. Learn outdoor living skills that will be used throughout the program and beyond. These will include, but are not limited to: Wilderness First Aid, Leave No Trace principles, Wilderness camping and cooking, Canoeing, Rock Climbing, Ropes course programming and gear selection. Additional personal and professional individual and group goals to be identified by the cohort throughout the program.

Format:

Hybrid

Additional Program Information

Accreditation:

The ME-PD Learning Community program is a fully accredited master's degree program.

Financial Aid:

Yes

Requirements:

Graduate exams are not required for admittance into the ME-PD Learning Community program.

International Requirements:

http://www.uwlax.edu/oie/IA/Graduate/Grad_Adm.htm