Education & Human Development

Graduate Programs

Middle Level Education
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Graduate Concentration

PM.Ed. and C.A.S. Degrees
This individually designed program for middle level teachers emphasizes curriculum, instruction and assessment that is developmentally responsive for young adolescents, age 10-15. Like the ideal middle level experience, the graduate concentration is rigorous, collaborative, comprehensive, exploratory and relevant. Taught by the graduate faculty of the state's advanced degree and research institution, it is built around courses, inquiry and field-based projects to enrich and extend theory, practice and leadership in middle level education. Successful completion of the program fulfills professional requirements for a middle level endorsement (LINK) from the Maine Department of Education.

Degrees
The middle level concentration is available to educators pursuing a Master's of Education degree (M.Ed.) or a Certificate of Advanced Study (C.A.S.).

Requirements
The M.Ed. program consists of a core of middle level education courses, selected courses and electives for a minimum of 33 semester hours. Twelve to 15 hours must be in professional education courses at the 500-600 level in registration with the University of Maine and the M.Ed. program must include two seminars or one seminar and one practicum.

Selected courses are devoted to developing further breadth and depth of knowledge in academic specialties and/or human development. A course in educational measurement or research is strongly recommended.

For electives, students may select from a variety of courses appropriate to the diverse role of the middle level teacher. Such courses might include study in adolescent literature, counselor education, special education, leadership, supervision, research, and summer institutes.

The C.A.S. is an individually planned program providing a cohesive program of professional development for teachers and educational specialists and requires a minimum of 30 semester hours in a teaching area beyond the master's level.

Core Courses

• EDC 524 - Curriculum and Organization of the Middle School/Junior High School - Examines the overall design for middle level education as suggested by the unique developmental characteristics and needs of young adolescents, curriculum and organizational issues. (3 credits)

• EDM 520 - Teaching at the Middle School/Junior High School - Examines appropriate teaching strategies for middle level students. (3 credits)

• EML 595 - Seminar in Middle Level Education - Examines current issues in middle level education research and practices: curriculum, communicating with the public, articulation, parent programs and staff development. (3 credits)

• ERL 537 - Literacy Across the Curriculum - Investigates the reading and writing strategies students need for success in various subjects at the middle level. (3 credits)

• EDU 580 - Middle Level Education Institute - Examines critical aspects of middle level education - curriculum, instruction, and assessment. (3 credits)

Middle Level Education Institute 2002 information will be available soon

The Practicum
Students are encouraged to take on the challenge and earn the rewards of a field-based practicum project. This extensive research commitment allows students to define and explore specific issues and important questions in middle level education, contribute to the knowledge base, and provide leadership for changing or strengthening practice in their schools.

Application Information
Students wishing to matriculate into the M.Ed. or C.A.S. program must submit a completed application form, transcripts of undergraduate and graduate work, three letters of reference and a test score (Miller Analogy Test or Graduate Record Examination) to the University of Maine Graduate School. Application forms and graduate catalogs are available by calling the Graduate School at (207) 581-3218, or online at http://www.umaine.edu/graduate/default.htm

For more information, contact:
Dr. Edward Brazee
5766 Shibles Hall
University of Maine
Orono, ME 04469-5766

Phone: 207/581-2484
Fax: 207/581-2423

ed.brazee@umit.maine.edu