MERGED

CURRICULUM

October 19, 2009

Purpose To implement a comprehensive teacher

preparation curriculum that provides necessary background in special education

for general education teachers; and, necessary background in academic and

pedagogical content knowledge for special education teachers

Implementation Conditions Prepares graduates for multiple certificates Meets all standards

Certification Accreditation University, ACHE, etc…

Engages university faculty in field-based practices

Can be completed in 4 semesters Maximizes academic efficiencies Makes effective use of school/clinical faculty

History Met among ourselves Studied previous standards Met with our partners Studied relevant literature Implemented innovations Created curriculum models

Multiple Pathways

MULTIPLE PATHWAYS Learning Styles Cultural Differences Personal Circumstances Access to Technology Changing Standards Career Goals Prior Experience Pedagogical Approaches

PLURALITY OF OUTCOMES

IT WILL TAKE EVERYONE

THREE GUIDING QUESTIONS

MERGED CURRICULUMWhat should teacher education candidates know and be able to do?

STANDARDS

ASSESSMENT

CURRICULUMWhat kind of enabling experiences must be provided?How will we know when the candidate is proficient?

MULTIPLE STANDARDS

Alabama Quality Teaching Standards

Employer Expectations

University Requirements

Accreditation Requirements

Alabama Commission on Higher Education

DIVERSFIED CURRICULUM

Clinical Field ExperiencesWikis, Blogs, PodcastsTutoringSummer InstitutesVideoconferencingLarge Group Lectures

Work Teams

Small Group DiscussionIntensive SeminarsShadowingDirected StudySelf-StudyStructured Interviews

HOW WILL WE KNOW?

Direct ObservationPortfoliosVideo DocumentationStructured InterviewsDemonstration

Standardized TestsSpecialized AssessmentsComprehensive ExamsDemonstrationSimulation

Learning Community ANDIDATE

Candidate Characteristics

Teacher Quality Enhancement

Resources

Action Items Set specific objectives Identify critical personnel

University College Schools Other – i.e., ALSDE, ACHE, NCATE

Identify and assign roles and responsibilities Identify and secure other necessary resources Clarify specific artifacts and work products Set a timetable for full implementation

MERGED

CURRICULUM

October 19, 2009