The University of St. Thomas

School of Education

Program Features

Education Specialist (Ed.S) in Curriculum and Instruction
A Model for Leadership in Learning Communities

This program is a post-master’s program. It is designed for persons who hold or seek positions of leadership in curriculum and instruction. Professionals in training and development can enhance their curriculum development and instruction skills in this program.

Ed.S. encompasses four themes relevant to successful curriculum and development:

  • Research
  • Leadership
  • Innovation
  • Assessment

These themes anchor coursework, reflect the overall program tenor and provide the potential for change in the educational community.

By earning this degree you will be able to:

  • Conduct appropriate and varied research to find answers to complex questions and issues in curricular development.
  • Provide a model for leadership in their learning communities as responsible decision-makers and continuing learners.
  • Assess the quality, creativity and value of curriculum design, instructional implementation of curriculum and student development in their learning communities.

Expected Learning Outcomes
Core 1 Outcomes

  • Complete phase one of professional portfolio development.
  • Demonstrate knowledge of field-based applications for analysis of language, culture and learners.
  • Develop three different case study projects describing and summarizing data gathered on three individual learners.
  • Develop curriculum for a multicultural and multilingual classroom.

Core 2 Outcomes

  • Complete phase two of professional portfolio development.
  • Assess the effectiveness of alternative curriculum models and design for specific school contexts.
  • Complete two context analysis papers describing and analyzing the political, social, and philosophical contexts of a learning community.
  • Develop and assess curriculum instructional strategies for students with special needs.

Core 3 Outcomes

  • Develop and assess of a variety of research methodologies in both quantitative and qualitative analysis.
  • Develop a frame for individual research questions, gather initial data and present your research project to a faculty committee.