Innovative graduate program propels record enrollment

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Lamar University Academic Partnership 

Lamar University has lowered the cost of master’s degrees for public school teachers across Texas by providing its long-standing programs in an innovative manner through a public-private partnership. The university’s spring enrollment is poised for a record high due in large measure to response to the novel distance education delivery of the graduate program, officials said.

Since it was first offered in October 2007, the program has attracted more than 2,000 public school teachers employed in more than 200 partner school districts across Texas. The 18-month electronically delivered Master’s of Education program is housed in the College of Education and Human Development.

Lamar has entered into a public-private partnership with Higher Education Holdings, LLC of Dallas. Using HEH’s assistance with marketing, production, and dissemination, Lamar is offering the Master’s in Educational Leadership degree statewide. The innovative program takes Lamar’s fully accredited degree program and delivers it electronically to individual teachers throughout the state. It is the same degree offered on Lamar’s campus in the traditional face-to-face method. Whether offered electronically or face-to-face, the courses are taught by Lamar University faculty members.

In developing the program, the university sought to help improve K-12 students’ learning through advanced training for their teachers and remove two principal barriers to enrollment of in-service teachers in graduate education: high cost and inconvenience.

“This is perhaps the first time that the cost of education has been significantly lowered,†said Kevin Smith, associate provost for academic affairs.

“Access, affordability and assistance with K-12 instruction are higher education concerns heard throughout the state and the nation,†Smith said. “This innovative program directly responds to all three. Courses are available at the time and place of the student's choosing; the degree program is the most affordable in the state; and high quality, contemporary curricula add graduate-level skills and knowledge to the state’s teacher corps.â€

The rigorous and highly intensive 12-course, 36-semester-hour program is comprised of course materials delivered via DVDs developed by Lamar professors. Support staff provide academic services. Access to libraries, embedded readings and full-text holdings is provided through the Internet, and communication takes place by e-mail and in study groups.

The program began in October, but early assessments indicate it has been academically rigorous and well received by teachers and administrators, Smith said. “Lamar will monitor and evaluate the program over time to ensure we continue providing the highest quality program possible.â€

Becky Allmendinger, a Richardson ISD teacher, remarked, “The Lamar University Academic Partnership program has been such a great experience for me. Course topics are relevant to current teaching practices and provide immediate application to the classroom setting. The course software is easy to navigate and my academic coach is always available to answer any questions that may arise. Discussion boards allow for collaboration between participants, while providing real-time interaction with a small-group feeling. As I complete my first course, I look forward to continuing my graduate program.â€

Through these partnerships, school districts use Lamar University’s high-quality master’s programs to recruit, retain and enhance the effectiveness of the very best teachers and administrators.

Teachers can earn the degree in 18 months through an innovative learning system that allows educators to work in their school or in the convenience of their homes.

Students take one five-week class at a time. There is a one-week break between each class, and a two-week break between every other class. Students take eight classes in a year.

The delivery is extremely flexible. “It allows me to work at my own pace on my master’s degree and still be a teacher, wife and mother,†said Jessica Sandoval, a teacher in the Birdwell ISD. “Having the opportunity to work from your home and get feedback from your classmates who are experiencing what you are is wonderful.â€

Two master’s degrees are available, the Master’s of Education in Teacher Leadership, and the Master’s of Education in School Administration. Both programs have a common core of courses, then specialize in later courses.

The teacher leadership program is a non-thesis master’s degree program fully aligned to national teaching standards. The program is designed to develop effective instructional leaders who can implement a vision of learning. This includes designing curriculum, implementing research-based instructional strategies, motivating students, using assessment for learning, managing effective classrooms and engaging the larger community to support learning.

The school administration program is a non-thesis principal certification master’s degree program fully aligned with the Texas State Exam (TExES) Competencies and the Educational Leadership Constituent Council (ELCC) standards. The program is designed to develop leaders who can build inclusive communities that support learning for all students in cultures of continuous improvement.

The application-based curricula of both programs meet the practical needs of educators and school districts through relevant, research-based content.

“The Lamar Masters of Education in School Administration is challenging and the expectations are high,†said Debbie Cotton, Richardson ISD. “ But knowing that I'm finally back to school working on my goal, am paving the way for future career opportunities, and am already able to apply new knowledge in my current teaching position make the effort worthwhile. I look forward to my Fed Ex course delivery every six weeks or, as my daughter puts it, 'Mommy, your present is here.' This opportunity truly is a gift and I am confident that choosing Lamar was the right choice both personally and professionally.â€

More information about the Lamar University Academic Partnerships is available online at www.academicpartnership.com/lamar or by e-mailing [email protected].

http://www.lamar.edu/newsevents/articles/221_5981.htm