Current Size: 100%

School of Education

Department of Curriculum & Instruction

Overview of Programs

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.

CAEP Badge

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 93%.

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 (%)

2015-2016

29

27

93%

84%

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%

2008-2009

26

25

96%

89%

2007-2008

27

25

93%

88%

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 Completers Pass Teacher Certification Exam