Therefore, our program does not offer a single, traditional approach to inquiry, such as a research course which focuses primarily on quantitative measures or a master's thesis to be completed at the end of your program. Rather, we provide multiple opportunities for inquiry and require all students to develop a professional portfolio to document their inquiry and professional development over time. We have designed a program that integrates inquiry into all of our courses, particularly the core courses, so that students can experience diverse forms and approaches to inquiry. Much of this inquiry is field- based, conducted by students in their classrooms and schools, and derived from students' own questions and professional goals. The M.A.C.T. program's courses are organized into a spiraling curriculum that shifts in emphasis from one year to the next with integrated themes or curriculum strands running throughout the program.
Most students complete their program of study in three years.
Conceptual and analytic inquiry also are emphasizes in foundations courses, or those courses that focus on complex questions and perennial issues in education in social and historical contexts. During Year 1, students learn that there are many legitimate forms of inquiry that can help them explore a variety of questions of personal and professional interest. And they will begin to engage in inquiry across their courses and in their workplace settings in ways that are relevant to them as practitioners. TE 808 is the second core course in the program to help students design and anchor such inquiry. Also, students attend closely to learner diversity and explore how academic achievement, social equality, justice, and building a learning community can be fostered in the classroom.