Department of Curriculum & Instruction

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Department of Curriculum & Instruction

Overview of Programs

The Department of Curriculum and Instruction (C&I) prepares candidates to become teachers in elementary (K-6), secondary (7-12), and special education (K-12). The department offers one 4-year degree in elementary education, a secondary minor program that leads to teacher certification for selected undergraduate majors, and 3 Master's degree programs. Additionally, faculty in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction support other programs throughout the University.

Mission

The Department of Curriculum and Instruction prepares teachers and other professionals for leadership roles in a variety of national and global educational settings. The Department specifically champions the needs of black and other underrepresented students in urban communities. Asset-focused teaching methodologies and interdisciplinary coursework prepare candidates to (a) think and reflect critically; (b) analyze and solve problems; (c) make ethical decisions; (d) translate theory and research into effective practice; and (e) understand self, history, and community. The ultimate aims of the Department Programs are to develop graduates who will facilitate optimal teaching and learning for all students and to influence educational policies, practices, and outcomes.

Conceptual Framework

The conceptual framework for the teacher education programs emphasizes 7 major outcomes that aspire to develop reflective practitioners who are change agents, competent researchers, and educational leaders. The table below shows how candidates completing our CAEP accredited programs pass required tests for certification at an overall rate of 90% across the past 10 years.

Student Outcomes in Curriculum and Instruction

Program Completers	Number taking one or more required tests	Number passing all tests	Pass Rate (%)	Statewide average pass rate (%)
2018-2019	7	7	100%	79%
2017-2018	23	16	70%	76%
2016-2017	13	11	85%	79%
2015-2016	29	27	93%	85%
2014-2015	34	31	91%	89%
2013-2014	39	33	85%	89%
2012-2013	30	29	97%	90%
2011-2012	52	48	92%	91%
2010-2011	28	27	96%	93%
2009-2010	30	28	93%	91%
Overall	285	257	90%	---

Professional Training Goals

To realize the mission, successful candidates in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction are required to achieve several outcomes. These outcomes are categorized into five major categories:

Pedagogy,
Diversity and African American Cultural Competence,
Human Development,
Content Expertise, and
Professional Dispositions.

Pedagogy

Outcomes:
P.1 Classroom Management
Demonstrate effective classroom management practices to support optimal student learning.

P.2 Instructional Technology
Demonstrate effective instructional technology use to support optimal student learning.

Diversity and African American Cultural Competence

Outcomes:
D.1 Differentiated Instruction
Demonstrate the ability to address the needs of diverse learners by implementing evidence-based, differentiated instruction.

D.2 Culturally Affirming Orientations
Demonstrate culturally affirming orientations, expectations, and practices that support urban learners.

D.3 Talent Development Model
Demonstrate the ability to identify student, family, and community strengths and employ asset-focused approaches to instruction.

Human Development

Outcomes:
HD.1 Human Development
Demonstrate the role of human development in determining and meeting the needs of all students.

Content Expertise

Outcomes
C.1 Subject Matter Expertise
Demonstrate standards-based, subject matter expertise.

Professional Dispositions

Outcomes
PD.1 Dispositions
Demonstrate dispositions that promote the highest standards of teaching and challenge inaccurate assumptions about teachers, teaching, and the organizational contexts of education.

PD.2 Professional Identity
Demonstrate evidence of a professional identity that challenges the status quo and reflects a sense of advocacy with regard to the education of African American students.

Rated #1 by OSSE

Out of the Top 10 Educator Preparators who provide Teachers to DCPS

90%

Of Graduates Indicate "Satisfied" or "Very Satisfied" with their Training

100%

Of Program Graduates Pass Teacher Certification Exams

School of Education