Dr. John Woodward
American College of Education has collaborated with mathematics expert John Woodward, Ph.D. and Voyager Education Services to develop a graduate-level mathematics teaching program. The research-based coursework provides educators with the knowledge and skills to adapt teaching and curriculum to the Common Core State Standards for grades K-6.
The courses are available individually or as a three-course mathematics concentration and may be taken in conjunction with a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction.
John Woodward, Ph.D., is an author and distinguished professor in the School of Education at the University of Puget Sound. He has written numerous articles for U.S. and international professional journals and coauthored four technology-based instructional programs. He also co-directs a nonprofit research institute that focuses on bilingual education, instructional interventions, technology-based instruction in math and science, and professional development models.
Voyager Education Services is a division of Voyager Learning, the nation’s most comprehensive provider of pre-K through grade 12 research-based intervention and online learning solutions. Voyager Education Services is committed to providing best-in-class support for teachers, teacher leaders and administrators through professional development, curriculum support, and school-wide improvement solutions. Voyager Education Services responds to educators’ changing needs and provides the tools needed to increase student achievement. Voyager Education Services is providing content and curriculum support for American College of Education’s Common Core State Standards program in mathematics.
The K-6 Common Core Mathematics courses may be taken as a three-course concentration or individually for graduate credit.
During this course, educators will investigate the philosophy guiding the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics for grades K-6 and learn how to balance instruction about problem-solving procedures with instruction targeting core math understanding. Educators will investigate and implement strategies to improve student performance in generalizing analogous problems, representing problems coherently, justifying conclusions, applying math to practical situations, using technology mindfully, explaining their steps accurately to other students, and synthesizing patterns or finding shortcuts. Educators will focus on standards related to numbers and number systems, operations, algebraic thinking, and fractions. Tasks will include analysis of current teaching practices, crosswalks of standards, and development of original instructional units aligned with the standards and utilizing evidence-based practices.
During this course, educators will focus on Common Core State Standards in Mathematics related to geometry, measurements, and data for grades K-6. Educators will investigate and implement strategies to improve student performance in generalizing analogous problems, representing problems coherently, justifying conclusions, applying math to practical situations, using technology mindfully, explaining their steps accurately to other students, and synthesizing patterns or finding shortcuts. Tasks will include analysis of current teaching practices, crosswalks of standards, and development of original instructional units aligned with the standards and utilizing evidence-based practices.
During this course, educators will examine research to improve their skills in planning, developing, and implementing instructional strategies and assessment instruments and protocols. Emphasis will be placed on effective modifications, interventions, and enhancements for special needs students. Educators will focus on the Common Core State Standards in Mathematics for grades K-6 to guide formative and summative assessments and the use of student performance data to increase student achievement across grade levels. Tasks will include analysis of student performance data, critique of current assessment practices and instruments, development of original formative assessments aligned with the standards and appropriate for all learners and designing effective intervention strategies for struggling students.
When the Concentration in K-6 Common Core Mathematics Standards is taken in conjunction with a Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction, the following courses complete the degree program.
This course explores the critical roles teachers play in decision-making through the perspective of multiple stakeholders. Learners engage in leadership interactions to develop problem-solving skills and the ability to become change agents for continuous school improvement. View Course Intro Video
This course focuses on the major theories, strategies, and applications utilized in P-12 standards-driven learning environments. Participants review and apply current literature and educational research studies concerning standards-based curriculum, implementation strategies and tools. View Course Intro Video
This course prepares teachers to establish high expectations for all students and to effectively evaluate and implement theories of motivation and cognitive engagement in classroom learning. Emphasis will be placed on different theories of motivation and how classroom, school, work, and social environments shape and influence student motivation. View Course Intro Video
This course assists students in developing rigorous, appropriate curriculum and instruction. Multiculturalism, culturally relevant pedagogy, differentiated instruction, and thematic, interdisciplinary unit planning are emphasized. Using a curricular framework, students plan, evaluate, reflect on, and adapt curricula experiences that build successful learning environments for all learners including English language learners. View Course Intro Video
This course examines the use of computer technology for managing 21st century classrooms and providing differentiated instructions to 21st century learners. Learners will evaluate their own use and their school district’s use of technology and develop action plans for integration and change. View Course Intro Video
The Capstone Experience is designed for candidates to demonstrate and document the impact of their knowledge and competencies gained throughout and as a result of the Curriculum and Instruction program.
Through classroom application of course content, this course provides students with substantial practical experience as they master and implement preventive and positive classroom management strategies. In addition, students acquire both theoretical and practical knowledge about the relationships between school-wide systems and behavioral development, learning, and achievement among students with diverse needs. View Course Intro Video
This course develops competencies in utilizing formative and summative assessment practices and data to inform and guide curriculum development and instruction. Classroom and school-based assessment tools provide teachers with the knowledge and skills required to meet the needs of diverse learners. Embracing assessment is the first step towards "data-based" decision-making in education. View Course Intro Video
This course enables students to become informed consumers of educational research and to develop skills that prepare them to carry out action research in their schools and classrooms. An emphasis is placed on providing students with knowledge that they can apply in determining whether particular research findings are relevant to their leadership and instructional practices, and to distinguish between trustworthy and non-trustworthy research. Throughout the course, students identify the elements that scientifically-based research and action research share. Emphasis is placed on how research can become a vital and relevant tool for teachers and school leaders. View Course Intro Video
This course prepares students to implement a school-wide leadership initiative to improve a comprehensive range of literacy skills. Specific principles and theories of reading instruction are evaluated in relation to currently employed practice so teachers can immediately strengthen instruction. Students examine the scientific research base underlying different models of reading instruction. Special attention is given to curriculum mapping, alignment, and the development of an implementation plan to strengthen literacy. View Course Intro Video