Education & Human Development

Graduate Programs

Graduate Outreach Program
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The Graduate Outreach Program is an option for obtaining the M.Ed. degree in Curriculum, Assessment and Instruction through participation in a regional cohort. This 33-credit hour non-thesis master’s degree is intended for certified educators to enrich experience and skills and bring positive change to their schools. The program usually requires a five-year commitment. The College’s Teacher Education Faculty group has oversight of the Graduate Outreach Program.

Each candidate in the Graduate Outreach Program belongs to a designated cohort with its own schedule of core courses and faculty advisor. A sequence of 24 credits of core courses is required for each cohort. In addition, each candidate has 9 credits of electives.

The eight core courses (24 credits) are:

• EDH 600 Seminar in Education in the United States
• EDC 533 Dynamics of the Curriculum
• EDH 540 Students-at- Risk and their Families
• EDS 520 Educational Assessment
• EDS 615 Seminar in Methods of Teaching
• EDA 521 Evaluation of Instruction
• EAD 652 Dynamics of Change
• EDG 657 Practicum

The 9 credits of elective are generally to be taken at the 500+ level. In some cases 400+ level course may apply. Regardless, all electives must be pre-approved by the faculty advisor or program coordinator. At the time of application, potential students may request that prior graduate courses be brought into their program. This is usually limited to 6 credits.

Outreach course are not listed in the UMaine schedule. Course information is distributed by e-mail to cohort members, and registration for core courses is usually completed on-site. Core courses in the Graduate Outreach Program are available to those not in the cohort only if seats are available and permission is obtained from the program coordinator.

Candidates devote a year to a major inquiry project specifically designed to address issues, problems and opportunities in their schools and districts. Through these projects, candidates make a significant contribution to school improvement and quality of instruction in Maine. Examples of recent practicum topics include:

• Block Scheduling
• Visual Literacy
• Home/school partnerships
• Inquiry-based science
• Explorations in high school math
• Geographic literacy
• Computer-assisted instruction

Hallmarks of the Program

• strong advising and continued mentoring with experienced and committed faculty

• research-based practica designed to meet individual interests and specific school needs

• reflective sharing and collegiality among a supportive cadre of teachers committed to change and excellence

• small classes led on-site by UMaine faculty

• healthy debate and discussion of important educational issues, problems and ideas based on real experiences and current research

• skill development in the areas of critical thinking, grass roots leadership, professional writing, educational research, and technology in the classroom

• increased professionalism, self-confidence and commitment to improving the quality of instruction and the total educational experience for children and teachers

• conveniently located regional centers around the state where University faculty and practicing teachers work together and learn from one another.

Current Graduate Outreach Program site are located in Aroostook County, the Kennebec Valley, Downeast area and Western Maine. New sites are in the process of being developed.

For further information, contact Rebecca Libby at (207) 581-2444.