Science Education Online -- The Schools of Education at the University of Massachusetts Amherst (UMASS Amherst) and Lowell (UMASS Lowell) worked in collaboration with the College of Natural Science and Mathematics (UMASS Amherst) to develop a M. Ed./CAGS program for elementary and middle school teachers with an emphasis in science and science education. SEO is an Approved Master’s Degree Program for Professional Licensure in Massachusetts in the areas of general science (1-6 and 5-8), earth science (5-8), elementary education (1-6), and teacher of students with moderate disabilities (PreK-8).      Courses are provided that focus on science content and science education (including pedagogy, curriculum, and research).      Each SEO course incorporates and adapts what is known about best practices for teaching science and is comprised of science content that faculty believe is most critical for subject matter understanding.  Direct links are made to the content outlined by the state science curriculum frameworks and national science education standards. Content includes subject matter knowledge, inquiry, and relevant mathematical and technological skills and understandings. The construction of each course is guided by the standards for professional development established by the National Science Education Standards.    Aided by materials developed by the course instructors, participants engage in a variety of guided and open-ended inquiries as the primary means of developing their understanding of science concepts.  Threaded discussions, electronic journals, email and document-sharing options allow for high levels of interaction among participants and with the instructors.

Contact:
Kathy Davis, University of Massachusetts,http://www.umass.edu/seo/

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