EDUC 871 Investigations in Curriculum Change

Review and evaluation of theories, models, and strategies for change; recognition and use of this knowledge as a practical guide to problem solving.

For information regarding prerequisites for this course, please refer to the Academic Course Catalog.

Research in specific areas of academic interest is necessary for professional growth. For this course, these specific areas of research will focus on curricular and leadership-related issues at either the K–12 or college and university level. Emphasis will be placed on how these issues impact the realm of educational leadership. The course will also address the question of how leadership applies to teaching and learning as related to constructs in the realm of curriculum.

Textbook readings and lecture presentations

No details available.

Course Requirements Checklist

After reading the Course Syllabus and Student Expectations, the candidate will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview.

Discussions (4)

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the candidate is required to create a thread in response to the provided prompt for each Discussion. The candidate will then substantially reply to at least 2 other classmates’ threads. Discussions will be graded on the quality of the analytical content review, personal reflection, and application examples. All posts must be in current APA format (both in-text citations and proper end references). Key points should be summarized effectively, well organized, and backed with cited research, examples, and thoughtful analysis. The thread must be between 450–500 words, and the replies must be between 100–150 words. The Discussions must meet all other writing expectations detailed in the grading rubric. (CLO: A, B, C, D, E)

Learning Assessment Assignments (4)

The candidate will write 4 Learning Assessment Assignments throughout the course. The assignment must follow the relevant prompt listed in the assignment instructions and will be graded on the quality of the analytical content review, personal reflection, and application examples. Key points, personal ideals, or applications in each section should be summarized effectively, well organized, and backed with cited research and thoughtful analysis. Each assignment must be between 2–3 pages (not including the title and reference pages) and written in current APA format (including a title page, in-text citations, a running head, page numbers, organizational leveled headings, and a reference page). No abstract is required. Each assignment must meet all other writing expectations detailed in the grading rubric. (CLO: A, B, C, D, E, F)

Leadership and Scripture Assessment Assignments (2)

Leadership traits and practices will be examined in light of scriptural insight and understanding. The candidate will review the assignment prompt and assigned Scripture readings and demonstrate understanding of leadership principles and scriptural insight, along with practical application to current or future leadership roles. Key points, personal ideals, or applications should be summarized effectively, well organized, and backed with appropriate scriptural references and thoughtful analysis. Each assignment must be between 1–2 pages (not including the title and reference pages) and written in current APA format (including a title page, in-text citations, a running head, page numbers, and a reference page). Each assignment must meet all other writing expectations detailed in the grading rubric. (CLO: G, J)

Annotated Bibliography Assignment

The candidate will select a topic of study focusing on curriculum and/or curriculum leadership issues for the Literature Review Assignment and locate 10 scholarly sources surrounding the topic. The candidate will write an annotated bibliography of the 10 sources, providing a critical analysis and thoughtful reflection of each source. Each annotation must be at least 1 paragraph, and the assignment must be written in current APA format (including a title page, organizational leveled headings, spacing, and margins), following the provided sample annotated bibliography as a formatting guide. Sources should include research sources published within the last 5 years and seminal theorist sources that may be older. The assignment must meet all other writing expectations detailed in the grading rubric. (CLO: H)

Synthesis Paper Assignment

The candidate will complete a paper regarding the assigned theorists. The assignment will be graded on the quality of the analytical content review, personal reflection, and application examples. Key points, personal ideals, or applications in each section should be summarized effectively, well organized, and backed with cited research and thoughtful analysis. The assignment must be between 4–5 pages (not including the title or reference pages) and written in current APA format (including a title page, in-text citations, a running head, page numbers, organizational leveled headings, and a reference page). The assignment must meet all other writing expectations detailed in the grading rubric. (CLO: A, B, C, D, E, F, G)

Synthesis Presentation Assignment

The presentation will provide thoughtful analysis, insight, understanding, and application of topics reviewed in the course. The candidate will create a professional, attractive PowerPoint presentation appropriate for a faculty in-service, conference, or related venue, which, if given, would last approximately 45–55 minutes (20–30 slides). The assignment will be graded on the quality of the analytical content review, personal reflection, and application examples. Specific guidelines and writing expectations can be found in the instructions and rubric. Key points, personal ideals, or applications should be summarized effectively, well organized, and backed with cited research and thoughtful analysis. No audio or video is required in the presentation. The presentation must follow current APA format (including a title slide, in-text citations, and a reference slide). (CLO: A, B, C, D, E, F, G)

Literature Review Assignment

The candidate will write a review of literature focusing on curriculum and/or curriculum leadership issues based on sources and topics identified in the Annotated Bibliography Assignment, Synthesis Paper Assignment, and Synthesis Presentation Assignment. This paper must include a minimum of 10 scholarly sources. Sources should include research sources published within the last 5 years and seminal theorist sources that may be older. The assignment must be between 13–15 content pages (not including the title, abstract, or reference pages) and written in current APA format (including a title page, an abstract page, in-text citations, a running head, page numbers, at least 2 levels of headings, and a reference page). The assignment must include an original topic for advanced research, an introduction, a conclusion, and a theory section based on the topic under study. Key points must be summarized effectively, well organized, and backed by cited research and thoughtful analysis. The assignment must meet all other writing expectations detailed in the grading rubric. (CLO: J)