Current Size: 100%
Department of Curriculum & Instruction
Practice School Teachers from 1900
The Department of Curriculum and Instruction (C&I) prepares candidates to become teachers in elementary (1-6), 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.