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Master of Arts in Teaching for North American Division
 The Department of Curriculum and Instruction Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) is similar to the fifth year program and can be taken in place of the fifth year.  The M.A.T. is for persons who have a bachelor’s degree and wish to obtain the State of California Professional Clear Credential along with a master’s degree. Those who have earned a credential as an undergraduate are not able to take the M.A.T. but may take a Master of Arts degree (M.A.), which is an academic degree not tied to a credential.
The Master of Arts in Teaching is a terminal degree which provides the fifth year credential for the North American Division.
The single subject credential prepares teachers for middle and high school teaching and the multiple subject prepares teachers for elementary school teaching.
 The following is general information on this program so prospective students are encouraged to contact Digital Learning for advising on your specific program needs. Nine graduate units may be transferred with departmental approval. These must not have been a part of any other degree.
 Admission Requirements
1.      Official evidence of a four year bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with an overall grade point average of 3.0(B) or higher on a 4.0 scale.
2.      Submit a Graduate programs application to La Sierra University. Request transcripts and recommendations as required on the application form.
3.      International Students are expected to meet the English proficiency requirements for admission to the University.
4.      Submit a resume that outlines pertinent academic and professional activities along with an essay describing the goals you intend to achieve by completing the program.
5.   CSET passed
6.   Apply to the Teacher Education Program

The following coursework is required before acceptance into Teacher Education
            HPSC     274   Construction of American Political Life                                 4 units
{or Constitution Exam may be taken at a community college}          
            HLED    214   Dimensions of Health                                                             4 units
            EDCI     214   Teaching in the Multicultural Classroom                                3 units
One of the following courses
            EDFO     305 Psychological Foundations of Education                                 4 units
            EDCI     507  Psychological Theories of Instruction                                      3 units
* These courses are in addition to the required units for the Master of Arts in Teaching.
Entrance into the program requires the following:
            GPA 2.75
            CSET {California Subject Examinations for Teachers (CSET)}                     passed
with writing section {either multiple subject or single subject}          
            CBEST {California Basic Educational Skills Test (CBEST) }                       passed
            Computer test                                                                                                  passed
Certificate of Clearance
            TB test
Before doing Student Teaching all students need to have there CPR Certificate on file: You can get the paperwork from the LSU Credential Analyst.
Before student teaching the multiple subject candidates must pass RICA and the results filed with the LSU Credential Analyst.

     RICA {Reading Instruction Competence Assessment (RICA)}        

The student must work with an online advisor in Distance Learning from the beginning of the program. The advisor will help the student plan the program to meet the goals of the student and the requirements for the credential.  

Seventh-Day Adventist Coursework

            PSYC  234      Developmental Psychology                                                    4 units
            EDCI  504      Philosophical Aspects of Christian Education                         3 units
            RELH 483      History of Seventh-day Adventism                                         4 units
            RELT  245      Christian Beliefs                                                                      4 units
            Any RELB      Bible Doctrine Course                                                             4 units
            One elective in any Religion Course                                                               4 units

Masters Coursework

            EDCI  512      Faith and Learning                                                                   3 units
            EDCI  514      Curriculum Planning                                                                3 units
            EDCI  516      Computers in the Classroom                                                    3 units
            EDCI  564      Special Education in the Regular Classroom                            3 units
          12 units

Professional Courses for the Multiple Subject Credential {Elementary Teaching}

            EDCI  510      Classroom Management                                                          2 units
            EDCI  510 L   Classroom Management Lab                                                   1 unit
            EDCI  520      Reading K-8                                                                            4 units
            EDCI 520L    Reading K-8 Lab                                                                      1 unit
            EDCI  521      Mathematics K-8                                                                     3 units
            EDCI 521L    Mathematics K-8 Lab                                                               1 unit
            EDCI  522      Language and Literacy                                                             3 units
            EDCI  523      Culture, Society, Religion and Ethics                                       4 units
            EDCI  527      Science, Health and P.E. K-8                                                   2 units
21units
           
            EDCI 524       Fieldwork* {Student Teaching}                                              15units
                                                                                                       Total  M.A.T.    48 units
If your district does not have the fifth year program then the following two courses are also required:
            EDCI 511      Advanced Health & Safety in Education                                  3 units
            EDCI 513      Advanced Study of Teaching English                                       3 units
                                  Language Learners (Lab included)                

Professional Courses for the Single Subject Credential {Secondary Teaching}

            EDCI  510      Classroom Management                                                          2 units
            EDCI  510 L   Classroom Management Lab                                                   1 unit
            EDCI  518      Reading in the Content Area                                                    4 units
            EDCI 518L    Reading in the Content Area Lab                                              1 unit
            EDCI  522      Language and Literacy                                                            3 units
            EDCI  523      Culture, Society, Religion and Ethics                                       4 units
            EDCI  529      Middle Grades Strategies in a                                                  2 units
                                    Multicultural Classroom                                 
            EDCI  529L   Middle Grades Strategies in a                                                   1 unit
                                    Multicultural Classroom Lab                        
            EDCI 530      Secondary Theory and Practice                                                 2 units
            EDCI  530L    Secondary Theory and Practice Lab                            1 unit 
           21 units
            EDCI 556       Fieldwork* {Student Teaching}                                             15 units
       Total  M.A.T.    48 units
If your district does not have the fifth year program then the following two courses are also required:
            EDCI 511      Advanced Health & Safety in Education                                  3 units
            EDCI 513      Advanced Study of Teaching English                                       3 units
                                  Language Learners (Lab included)  

*Fieldwork:  Student teaching requires weekly visits from a La Sierra University appointed supervisor. Any fieldwork outside of the local area requires the student teacher to be responsible for paying all costs of a visit by a Curriculum and Instruction faculty supervisor. The exit observation visit will be arranged near the end of the field work.
 La Sierra University Teacher Education Program does not advise Student Teaching under Intern status. The regular Student Teaching Program is recommended.
**California State Requirement: Embedded in the Teacher Education program are the California Teacher Expectations which can be found on the side bar. These will be tested during the program in the Teaching Performance Assessments as required by California State Teacher Credential Commission.
Read TPE/TPAs on the side bar very carefully. A separate fee is required to cover the TPAs. All four tasks must be passed before the credential may be applied for.

For information on the Digital Learning Program contact ed_online@lasierra.edu
For information on the La Sierra University oncampus program contact aoliver@lasierra.edu

La Sierra University

La Sierra University is a Seventh-day Adventist coeducational institution of higher learning offering high quality graduate programs for motivated, professional students. Students from more than 75 countries attend the University, which has a total annual enrollment of approximately 2,400 students. Enrollment includes undergraduate, graduate students who have the choice of taking classes oncampus or through Digital Learning. Our low student-teacher ratio means that graduate students have the opportunity to interact with professors who are specialists in their fields and some of the best Christian thinkers in the nation.

Other positive features of this student-friendly program include an expedited admission process, the option of entering the program during any quarter of the year, the choice of being a full- or part-time student, and an individualized graduate program,

Note: This guide does not replace the printed information in the current La Sierra University Graduate Bulletin.

La Sierra University

4500 Riverwalk Parkway
Riverside , CA 92515-8274

Course Descriptions
Master Coursework
EDCI 512 Faith and Learning (3)
This course examines cotemporary thinking about spirituality, world views, epistemology, ontology, and axiology as they relate to Christian and public education. The focus is on the development of educators who are critical thinkers that are able to examine, evaluate and synthesize values, spirituality, and education.
EDCI 514 Curriculum Planning (3)
Provides an overview of current and historical philosophical trends; studies issues related to curriculum; examines issues of gender and cultural/ethnic diversity; and reviews the basis for curriculum development in a democratic society.
EDCI 516 Computers in the Curriculum (3)
Designed to develop teacher skills in computer-assisted and computer-managed instruction against a background of the legal, social, and thical issues related to the use of educational technology. Meets computer requirements for the California Statre Clear Teaching Credential and the North American Division educational technology initial and renewal certification requirements.
EDCI 564 Special Education in the Regular Classroom (3)
A study of the responsibilities of the regular educator and the special educator for teaching students with special needs. Methods of identifying students with disbilities, planning individualized educational-programs, and developing appropriate teaching strategies are explored. Federal and state laws governing the education of students with special needs are included. Twenty hours of observation is required.
Credential Coursework
EDCI 510 Classroom Management (2)
This course focuses on classroom management and discipline. It examines a variety of strategies for effective classroom management and acceptable classroom practice.
EDCI 510L Classroom Management Lab (1)
This laboratory experience provides opportunity for the credentials candidate to interview teachers, and observe and practice good classroom management techniques.
EDCI 511 Advanced Safely and Health in Education (3)
Safety and health, including the physical, mental, emotional and social aspects of the individual student and school site, are dealt with in terms of maximizing student achievement. Specific strategies for prevention and intervention are included. Federal and state laws, district policies, and school site implementation are discussed. Twenty hours of fieldwork are required.
EDCI 513 Advanced Study of Teaching English Language Learners (3)
In this course, each candidate builds on the knowledge, skills, and abilities acquired during the professional teacher Education Program for the delivery of comprehensive, specialized instruction for English learners. Thirty hours of fieldwork is required. Ten hours must be in the University’s English Language Program as both an observer and a presenter. Note: To those teachers already holding full time teaching positions, most of their observation can be within their school site. However, five hours must be an observer and a presenter in the University’s English Language Program.
EDCI 518 Reading in the Content Area (4)
Designed to assist the prospective single subject teacher to acquire knowledge and skills in teaching reading. The specific components of the reading process are examined, as well as appropriate methods and materials to be used in reading instruction. Assessment of students’ strengths and weaknesses relative to the reading act, the development of curriculum objectives, and planning of instruction are also included. Applications of skill and knowledge are provided through a practicum, in a single subject classroom. ELD and mild/moderate disabilities components addressed. Prerequisite: EDCI 204, EDFO 305 or EDCI 507, and acceptance into the Teacher Education Program.
EDCI 518L Reading in the Content Area Lab (1)
Application of skills and knowledge are provided through a fieldwork experience in which class members instruct groups of students in the secondary reading class. Must be taking in conjunction with EDCI 518.
EDCI 520 Reading K-8 (4)
Reading is designed to aid the prospective teacher in developing knowledge and skills in the teaching of developmental reading in grades K-8. the specific components of the reading process are examined as well as appropriate methods and materials to be used in instruction. Assessment of students’ strengths and weaknesses relative to the reading act, the development of curriculum objectives and planning of instruction are also included. ELD and mild/moderate disabilities components are addressed. Prerequisites: EDCI 204, EDFO 305 of EDCI 507, and acceptance into the Teacher Education Program
EDCI 520L Reading K-8 Lab (1)
Application of skills and knowledge are provided through a fieldwork experience in which class members instruct groups of students in the elementary or junior high school reading class. Must be taken in conjunction with EDCI 520.
EDCI 521 Mathematics K-8 (3)
The purpose of this course is to explore content knowledge, learning theory, and instructional strategies relevant to teaching mathematics in a linguistically, culturally, and economically diverse student population. Emphasis is placed on basic skills, manipulatives, problem solving, mathematical connections, estimation, mental math, assessment, cultural diversity, calculators, and computers as an integral part of teaching mathematics.
EDCI 521L Mathematics K-8 Lab (1)
This practicum is provided in a multicultural classroom where students may develop their teaching skills by putting theory into practice. Must be taking in conjunction with EDCI 521.
EDCI 522 Language and Literacy (3)
Development of an integrative approach to teaching language, writing, and basic language skills necessary for a successful use of the English language in both elementary and secondary schools. CLAD components addressed. Prerequisite: EDCI 204, EDFO 305 or EDCI 507, and acceptance into the Teacher Education Program.
EDCI 523 Culture, Society, Religion, and Ethics (4)
This course will focus on pedagogy, theory, research, and practice relating to the historical, legal, social, political, religious, and economic understandings of multiple linguistic and culturalgroups as they relate to education in Claifornia. Students will demonstrate their ability to appropriately use English to teach and communicate. There will be a focus on use of appropriate materials and the ability to plan equitable lessons. A study will be made of teaching religion, values, and spirituality in Adventist schools, teaching about religion in public schools and the practice of ethical and moral teaching. Prerequisite: EDCI 204, EDFO 305 or EDCI 507, and acceptance into the Teacher Education Program.
EDCI 524 Student Teaching in the Elementary School (1-18)
Provides the supervised teaching experience required for state and Seventh-day Adventist credentials. Weekly seminar on the organization and management of the classroom, discipline, and other relevant issues. Eighteen weeks of full participation is required. Prerequisite: EDCI 204, 414 or 520, 415 or 521, 416 or 522, 417 or 523, 418 or 527, EDFO 305 or EDCI 507, Acceptance into the Teacher Education Program, FBI or DOJ Certificate of Clearance, Acceptance into Student Teacher Education, CBEST, CSET, TB test, CPR, U.S. Constitution requirement.
EDCI 527 Science and Health K-8 (2)
Identifies the scope, sequence, methods, materials, and equipment utilized in teaching science and health. Coordinates the student’s learning experience in science and health among the home, school, and community. ELD components addressed. Prerequisite: EDCI 204, EDFO 305 or EDCI 507, and acceptance into the Teacher Education Program.
EDCI 529 Secondary Teaching in the Multicultural Classroom (2)
This course is designed to prepare the in-service secondary teacher to (1) develop skills in the use of a wide variety of teaching strategies, (2) gain knowledge and understanding of classroom organization and planning, (3) understand and teach to the various diverse student populations, (4)understand the professional, historical, and political issues involved in teaching, and (5) understand the use of curriculum frameworks for the State of California and the North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists. Prerequisite: EDCI 204, EDFO 305 or EDCI 507, and acceptance into the Teacher Education Program.
EDCI 529L Secondary Teaching in the Multicultural Classroom Lab (1)
EDCI 530 Secondary Theory and Practice (2)
Examines current theories of secondary education and practice. Involves selecting and organizing learning materials and opportunities. Identifies appropriate teaching strategies, provides instruction in developing course outlines and unit plans. Deals with organization, management, and discipline of the classroom. Prerequisite: EDCI 204, EDFO 305 or EDCI 507, and acceptance into the Teacher Education Program.
EDCI 530L Secondary Theory and Practice Lab (1)
A Field experience is required for application of skills learned in the course. The field experience will be in a single subject classroom. Must be taken in conjunction with EDCI 530.
EDCI 556 Student Teaching in the Secondary School (1-18)
Provides the supervised teaching experience required for state and Seventh-day Adventist credentials. Weekly seminar on the organization and management of the classroom, discipline, and other relevant issues. Eighteen weeks of full participation is required. Prerequisite: EDCI 204, 414 or 520, 415 or 521, 416 or 522, 417 or 523, 418 or 527, EDFO 305 or EDCI 507, Acceptance into the Teacher Education Program, FBI or DOJ Certificate of Clearance, Acceptance into Student Teacher Education, CBEST, CSET, TB test, CPR, U.S. Constitution requirement.

       

 

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