Differentiated Instruction

M.Ed. in Differentiated Instruction

Graceland University is proud to offer an online Master of Education in Differentiated Instruction based on the work of Dr. Carol Ann Tomlinson. Dr. Tomlinson, who appears as a video instructor in several of the program’s courses, is a world-renowned expert in differentiated instruction and assessment strategies and techniques. Dr. Tomlinson is author of The Differentiated Classroom: Responding to the Needs of All Learners, How to Differentiate Instruction in Mixed-Ability Classrooms and Fulfilling the Promise of the Differentiated Classroom: Strategies and Tools for Responsive Teaching.

Also featured in the program is Dr. William Glasser, author of several books on education including Choice Theory, The Quality School and Every Student Can Succeed. Dr. Glasser’s educational approach fosters instructional approaches like differentiated instruction that meet student’s individual needs and strengths.

This is the first Master of Education program to combine the ideas of Drs. Tomlinson and Glasser into a comprehensive course of study to help teachers meet the needs of an increasingly diverse student population within the context of today’s challenging standards-based curriculum.

Differentiated instruction and assessment strategies covered in the master’s program include: pre-assessment of learning styles and preferences, monitoring and managing student learning, modifying lessons based on student readiness, tiered instruction, flexible grouping and authentic assessment. The program is open to all certificated K – 12 teachers who are currently teaching. The program is video- and online-based and there are no residency requirements.

Program Benefits

Convenient: Study at home or school
Affordable: Priced to fit an educator’s budget
Valuable: Use this fully accredited degree for career advancement
Enjoyable: View video(DVD) of master teachers applying course content in real classrooms
Rewarding: Apply what you have learned to help all your students succeed
Collaborative: Share the excitement of learning with your faculty mentor and colleagues

Program Delivery

During a two-year period, a cohort of teachers will participate in 30 semester hours of continuously sequenced course work. Students will present an action research project and a presentation to their peers.

Course Descriptions

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Questions? Please Contact Us:
866.893.6881
distancelearning@graceland.edu

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Meet the needs of an increasingly diverse student population within the context of today’s challenging standards-based curriculum

Modeled after and utilizing coursework from Graceland University's award-winning Quality Schools emphasis.

Gleazer School of Education - 1 University Place - Lamoni, IA 50140 - 641.784.5000 | Online Programs - distancelearning@graceland.edu - 800.833.0524

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EDUC5130 Introduction to Choice Theory: Teaching Students Responsible Behavior 3 s.h.
Designed to give teachers the theory and skills to teach students how to take responsibility for their own behavior in school. Based on the work of Dr. William Glasser, this course leads participants through a series of learning activities designed to instruct them how to teach their students the concepts of Control Theory and to plan and implement a program of Responsibility Training in their classrooms.
EDUC5140 Creating a Professional Portfolio: Program Capstone Project 3 s.h.
Designed to provide participants an opportunity to reflect on their learning and professional growth with the construction of a culminating professional portfolio. The portfolio process will document and deepen students' knowledge of reflective practice and heighten their understanding of the competencies they have gained as a result of their participation in the master's program. In the process of creating their portfolios, participants will learn how to effectively describe, analyze, and reflect upon their experience in applying new knowledge in their teaching situations. The resulting professional portfolio will serve as a showcase for accomplishments in the M.Ed. program of studies.
EDUC5150 Motivation and Learning: Co-Operation and the Quality Classroom 3 s.h.
Designed to give teachers the theory and skills to create lesson plans that meet the basic psychological needs of students and gain their cooperation in the learning process. Based on the works of Drs. William Glasser, David Johnson and Roger Johnson, this course leads participants through a series of learning activities designed to instruct them in the concepts of Control Theory and Cooperative Learning and how these concepts can be combined in a program of instruction and behavior management.
EDUC5270 Classroom Management: Dealing with Discipline Problems 3 s.h.
Provide teachers the knowledge and skills to apply previously learned choice theory concepts to commonly occurring classroom discipline problems. As a course outcome, participants will develop a personalized plan designed not only to solve discipline problems but also to help students take responsibility for their own behavior.
EDUC5300 Gaining Parental Support: Building Home-School Relationships 3 s.h.
Teachers acquire the theory and skills to improve communication with parents, hold more effective parent conferences, and implement strategies that build a collaborative partnership between school and home. The course provides theoretical foundations and implementation designs that prepare teachers to work more effectively with parents to improve student achievement.
EDUC5500 Making Learning Meaningful: Every Student Can Succeed 3 s.h.
Teachers focus on the practical application of Dr. William Glasser's theories regarding competency-based education, authentic assessment, and real-world teaching strategies that help to ensure the success of every student. Teachers develop and apply instructional strategies that foster student self-management, cooperative learning, problem solving and the production of quality school work.
EDUC5660 Introduction to Differentiation: Applying Learner-Centered Instruction 3 s.h.
Provides an introduction to the philosophy of differentiation. Examines how classrooms can effectively support differentiating instruction and assessment to address the complex challenges of meeting the diverse learning needs of all students. Other issues include fairness and grading, developing study and academic skills, and challenging all students at appropriate levels.
EDUC5670 Differentiated Instructional Strategies: Meeting the Diverse Needs of Learners 3 s.h.
Designed to provide the knowledge and skills to apply differentiated instruction strategies for meeting the needs of an increasingly diverse student population within the context of today's challenging standards-based curriculum. Real-life video demonstrations will illustrate how to adapt curriculum content, processes, and products to match students' readiness, interests, and learning profiles. Other topics include: recognizing and teaching to different kinds of intelligences, understanding and accommodate various learning styles, implementing tiered assignments, utilizing authentic assessment techniques and designing dynamic and engaging lessons and units. Prerequisite: EDUC5660.
EDUC5680 Differentiated Assessment Strategies: Identifying Learners' Strengths and Needs 3 s.h.Collect information through ongoing assessment that will help plan instruction more effectively. Provide tools, surveys, checklists, and guidelines to accurately assess students' progress and plan for continued success. Learn how to: Identify learning styles and preferences, Use authentic and performance-based assessment, Learn techniques for ongoing, concurrent assessment, Discover the value of teaching students to self-evaluate, Improve student comprehension and retention, Obtain feedback to make your differentiated instruction more effective. Prerequisite: EDUC5670.
EDUC5690 Teaching in the Inclusive Classroom: Instructional Strategies for All Students 3 s.h.
Learn practical strategies to maximize learning for all students, including those with special needs. Learn inclusive teaching techniques first hand with video visits to classrooms where teachers are successfully educating both general and special education students. Activities will teach you how to design and implement curriculum modifications and adaptations based on the strengths and needs of your students. Learn how to: Utilize differentiated instruction to benefit both general and special education students, Select, implement, and evaluate lesson modifications to accommodate the needs of students with physical, emotional, or intellectual disabilities, Offer choices to help students develop self-management skills and apply assessment strategies appropriate to your students individual abilities. Prerequisite: EDUC5680.