This work has been undertaken by the primary faculty members for this program, Peggy Gaskill and Norma Bailey. The Master of Arts in Middle Level Education articulates a sound philosophy of middle level education, promotes the understanding of the developmental needs of early adolescence and maintenance of a developmentally responsive learning environment, prepares teachers to apply organizational structures and instructional strategies appropriate for the middle level learner, such as interdisciplinary teams, flexible scheduling, integrated instruction, active learning, and the use of a variety of classroom grouping patterns, prepares teachers to work collaboratively with other teachers, staff, parents, and the community, stresses the integration of knowledge and the teaching of lifelong learning skills which facilitate critical thinking and problem solving, and requires continuous and progressive teaching experiences which provide meaningful interaction with young adolescents and exposure to exemplary middle level practices. Students will be able to transfer the theories of middle level education into school and classroom practices during university classroom and middle level field experiences. Admissions Criteria Applicants for admission to the Master of Arts in Middle Level Education program must have an undergraduate degree and a teaching certificate. They also must have an undergraduate grade point average of at least 2.7 on a 4.0 scale.
Admission is required for assignment to a faculty adviser.
Since the adviser and the student must discuss and sign the program requirements, individuals interested in obtaining a degree should seek admission to the appropriate program early in their studies. Prior courses and transfer credits that may be included on the degree are limited. Applications for admission to this degree program are accepted throughout the year. Summer students may complete middle level courses during a two-summer rotation. Timely registration for courses is important since there are class size expectations for offering each course.