2005-2006 Graduate Catalog 
    
    Mar 29, 2024  
2005-2006 Graduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Master of Arts in Science Education, K-8 (M.A.S.E)


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Vermont Science Initiative


The Vermont Science Initiative (VSI) is a continuing professional education program for licensed teachers of grades K-8. The graduate program is designed to build a cohort of skilled teachers of science who will serve as teacher-leaders in delivering professional development to colleagues within their schools and districts. The VSI supports the National Education Standards and the Vermont Framework of Standards and Learning Opportunities by providing a solid foundation in standards-based instruction through preparation in science content, pedagogical practices, assessment strategies, and leadership. Teachers will earn a Master of Arts in Science Education in this 36 credit, three-year program.

The program establishes a specific pathway to school leadership in science through a collaborative endeavor of science and education faculty of the three Vermont State Colleges. The science initiative offers courses over three consecutive summers and academic years. In each of the science units, teachers enrolled in VSI will spend two weeks in a campus residency immersed in content-rich science. In the ensuing academic year, students will complete the science content course and one additional education course per semester. Independent scientific research and action research projects are required of all students.

Students may select any of the four-year State Colleges for matriculation, and courses are open only to teachers enrolled in the program. Students in the program will move through the degree program as a cohort, and the next cohort is scheduled to begin studies in the Summer of 2004. Interested teachers can contact Dr. Metin Yersel (metin.yersel@lyndonstate.edu) at Lyndon State College, or the coordinator of the program, Dr. Elizabeth Dolci (dolcie@badger.jsc.vsc.edu), at Johnson State College for additional information.

Through this initiative, teachers will increase their content knowledge in science and critical thinking/problem solving skills, will utilize best teaching practices in the delivery of content-rich and inquiry-based science, and develop leadership skills so they can serve as a resource and deliver professional development to their colleagues.

The Program


  • EDU 5145 - Issues in Science Education Credits: 3
  • EDU 5465 - Educational Assessment in Science Credits: 3
  • EDU 5520 - Teacher Leadership Credits: 3
  • EDU 5925 - Application: Action Research Credits: 3
  • SED 5275 - Organic Chemistry and Biology Credits: 6
  • SED 5435 - Geology and Inorganic Chemistry Credits: 6
  • SED 5565 - Physics and Astronomy Credits: 6
  • SED 5690 - The Nature and History of Science Credits: 3
  • SED 5910 - Independent Study: Science Research Credits: 3
SED-5275, SED-5435, and SED-5565 are offered in sequence over three Summers in residency format on the senior college campuses of the VSC. The students enroll for six credits in the summer content courses, but meet for four of the six credits during this time. Students continue to meet during the fall and spring semesters to complete the remainder two credits.

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