University of Saint Mary Graduate Education Programs

• Master of Arts in Education Program
• Master of Arts in Teaching Program (distance learning)

LEARNING OUTCOMES ASSESSMENT

As a Master of Arts in Education or Master of Arts in Teaching graduate, you will be able to:

Draw from your knowledge of education theory and research to support the formal and informal education processes that impact P-12 students’ learning and the learning environment. Students say: “I feel as if I have been empowered by the program. I feel the knowledge I have gained has helped me become a better teacher. I look forward to using what I know in the future and watching my students to grow and succeed.” Demonstrate knowledge of diverse learners, including all forms of exceptionality, and create instructional opportunities that meet the needs of all learners. Students say: “This program helped me to be more aware of cultural diversity, giving more depth and breadth to my philosophy of teaching and learning.” Critically reflect on ethical and moral implications of actions as you relate to all learners. Apply your knowledge of curriculum content and design to support learners’ construction of knowledge. Implement appropriate instructional models, strategies, and technologies to enhance the learning of all students. Students say: “I learned that assessments are not the end of a unit of study, but they should guide the next step in the process. I learned that I can do research.” Utilize measurements and evaluation accurately and systematically to monitor and promote learning. Apply quality principles of leadership, including skills of effective communication, collaboration, and motivation to shape change and improve the learning community. Demonstrate the ability to be reflective practitioners by identifying a problem, examining research, advocating solutions, implementing a plan, and measuring and evaluating outcomes.

Our students say:
“I truly loved the MAT program format. The research-based format helped me learn more than I would have in a lecture-style format. Seeing the change in students as I chose a problem and designed an implementation plan to address the problem was the best part--it gave me power to solve problems in my teaching experience. I recommend it to all my colleagues.”

“Helped me to develop the habit of control reflection – constantly evaluating what I'm doing and why – where I am and where I'm going – and who I am.”

Our Beliefs and Values

Saint Mary graduates demonstrate their commitment to teaching and learning by:

• fostering the learning of all students;
• dedicating themselves to life-long learning and professional development;
• providing leadership in shaping change within learning communities;
• respecting and honoring diversity and global perspectives;
• performing critical analysis and reflective practice;
• fulfilling professional responsibilities with honesty and integrity;
• encouraging and modeling self-assessment; and
• promoting student learning utilizing assessments, technologies, and best instructional practices.

• Graduates of the Master of Arts in Education (MAE) and the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) achieve student outcomes, with mean scores on assignments at 92% or above.
• Graduates significantly increase their use and analysis of beliefs and values in educational approaches, as measured on the pre and post Philosophy of Teaching and Learning essays.
• Graduates increase their knowledge and use of research-based education strategies.
• Graduate exceed expectations for demonstrating learning outcomes. The Professional Portfolio is the final project and measures proficiency on learning outcomes Mean score for all outcomes was at least 4.27 out of 5.0 points, with 4.0 rated as exceeding expectations.
• As a result of the MAT program, graduates increased their knowledge and use of research-based instructional strategies, and gaps among elementary, middle, and secondary teachers were reduced.
• As a result of the MAE program, graduates perceived the program as having a strong influence on their knowledge and use of research-based instructional strategies.