Department of Curriculum & Instruction

Associate Professor: McInroe, Department Chair
Associate Professor: Edmistion, Certificaiton Officer
Instructors: Bull, Neal, Roper

Mission and Goals: The mission of the Department of Curriculum and Instruction is to guide future teachers to develop leadership, excellence, and virtue within a Christian environment. We aim to support student development of pedagogical, intellectual, and ethical behavior appropriate for professional roles in the school setting. To this end, we have developed a set of courses and field experiences that build progressively to prepare graduates to be successful in their roles as teachers in our schools.

Special Programs and Opportunities:

ATPE: Membership is available in the campus chapter of the Association of Texas Professional Educators. Activities include informational meetings, guest speakers, and an opportunity to participate in meetings at the state and regional levels.

Kappa Delta Pi: The Eta Epsilon Chapter of Kappa Delta Pi provides recognition and an opportunity for service in an international honor society. Membership is reserved for education majors and minors who have a 3.25 grade point average at McMurry, at least 60 hours of credit, and one semester of coursework at McMurry.

Departmental Scholarships: Four scholarships are offered for the junior or senior year to outstanding students.

Departmental Honors: Please see the description of the Honors Program under the Special Program section earlier in the catalog.

The Teacher Education Program: A liberal education combined with adequate professional and specialized study constitutes the best preparation for a successful teaching career. The Department of Curriculum and Instruction at McMurry University offers the Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education degree and the professional development (Curr) minor to qualify students for the Texas Provisional Teaching Certificate. The Provisional Certificate gives the holder legal authority to perform teaching duties in the public schools of Texas at the grade level and in the academic specialization(s) designated on the face of the certificate. The Department of Curriculum and Instruction, with the advisement of the Education Advisory Council, is responsible for establishing policy and providing leadership for the teacher education program. Because of the multidisciplinary nature of teacher education, several departments of the University are represented on the Education Advisory Council. The administration of McMurry University strives to promote a close, cooperative relationship between the Department of Curriculum and Instruction and the other academic departments of the University. The teacher education program at McMurry is accredited by the Texas Education Agency (TEA).

DISCLAIMER: All requirements and conditions for admission to the teacher education program or for certification are subject to change at the direction of Texas Education Agency and/or the State Board of Educator Certification. If you are currently enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education, your certification will be EC-6.

Checklist for Qualifying for a Teaching Certificate:

In addition to all certification requirements established by the State of Texas, McMurry University has established requirements for certification that are above and beyond normal graduation requirements.  To secure a recommendation for certification from McMurry, one must meet the following criteria:

1. Completion of an approved degree program leading toward certification and the CURR professional development minor.
2.  The Overall grade point average of 2.75 will include transfer courses and courses completed at McMurry, as calculated by the Registrar.
3. Grade point average of 2.75 with no grade lower than a “C” in each of the following areas:

       a.  For EC-6 certification

            -Professional development courses in the Curriculum and Instruction minor; and

             - All required courses for the Early Childhood Education degree

        b. for 4-8 courses:

            -Professional development courses in the Curriculum and Instruction minor; and

             - All required courses for the 4-8 Teaching field

        c. for 7-12 courses:

             -Professional development courses in the Curriculum and Instruction minor; and

             - All required courses for the 7-12 Teaching field

         d.  For All Level certification

              - Professional development courses in the Curriculum and Instruction minor; and

             - All required courses for the All -Level Teaching fields.

1. Successful completion and passing of all certification tests in your area as required by the State of Texas.  If a student does not pass on the first attempt, the student must wait 30 days before retaking the test.  The State allows 5 attempts per certification test. 
2. Fingerprinting and background checks are required
3. Application for certification must be completed before a student can be recommended for a standard certificate.

Important details on each of these steps are outlined in subsequent sections of the catalog. Students are urged to read the catalog carefully and consult closely with their faculty advisors in planning their programs of study.

ADMISSION TO TEACHER EDUCATION PROGRAM

Criteria for Admission

1. Declared major in an approved teaching field with a minimum of 12 semester hours of coursework in the field (15 hours in science or math), and a declared minor in Curriculum and Instruction.
2. Overall grade point average of 2.75 or higher, including transfer courses and courses completed at McMurry. The overall grade point average will be calculated by the Registrar’s Office for students who transferred to McMurry. (Students who have been out of college for 5 years or more can be considered under the “interrupted studies” criteria. However, coursework might not be accepted due to certification requirement changes and/or length of absence)
3. Demonstrate basic skills in reading, written communication, and mathematics. This can be determined with coursework or taking the TSIA.  Contact curriculum advisors or the certification office for specifics.
4. Evidence of freedom from serious mental and personality defects or physical handicaps that would seriously impede effectiveness in the classroom or employment as a classroom teacher. The Education Advisory Council may require that the student, at his or her own expense, take a physical examination and/or submit to a psychological evaluation, including tests or inventories. Such evaluation must be completed, and a report submitted to the Council by a licensed mental health professional who is acceptable to the University and aware of the Council’s concerns regarding the candidate’s admission to the Education Preparation Program. Students will not be admitted to the Education Preparation Program or clinical teaching and teaching internship until the evaluation results are submitted to and reviewed by the Council and a final decision is made by the Education Advisory Council. Failure to comply with this process may result in non-admission to or dismissal from the Education Preparation Program.
5. No pattern of serious, documented behavioral problems.
6. Agreeing to the Texas Teacher’s Code of Ethics.
7. Ability to meet the general requirements for the Provisional teaching certificate, as stated in the “Requirements of the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) for Provisional Certificate” section of this catalog.
8. Successful completion of ENGL 1310, ENGL 1320, and MATH 1311 or higher.
9. Successful completion of CURR 3300 Foundations of Learning and Development, with a grade of “C” or better.
10. The faculty in the school of education will conduct at least one interview for each applicant. Written samples may also be required.

Note: Requirements for admission to the Education Preparation Program, which are in effect when the teacher candidate is admitted to the program, shall be followed unless specifically relieved in individual cases by a three-fourths majority of the Education Advisory Council when admission to the program is considered.

Admission Procedure

Students should apply for admission to the Education Preparation Program while enrolled in CURR 3300- Foundations of Learning and Development. The application is made in writing and submitted to the CURR department office. Transfer students should delay such application until they have completed 12 hours in the teaching field (15 hours in science or math) and one semester of work in residence at McMurry. All sections of the required tests listed on the Checklist for Qualifying for a Teaching Certificate must be passed, or proof of exemption must be provided before any CURR courses above 3300 are taken. The Education Advisory Council will not consider an application until all requirements are met.

• Students who do not meet the requirements for the program are precluded from enrolling in Curriculum and Instruction courses. Upon request, a student who has been denied admission to the program may be permitted to appear before the Education Advisory Council to appeal the denial.
• Failure to be admitted to the Education Preparation Program or, if admitted, to complete the required course sequence in a timely manner will require the student to choose a different minor and a non-teaching field major. After two attempts at completing the requirements, a student must choose a different non-teaching major and minor.  This includes coursework.  Should a student fail a course two times, the student will be asked to choose a different non-teaching major and minor.
• The applicant should understand that admission to the Education Preparation Program does not constitute assurance of certification in Texas.

ADMISSION TO CLINICAL TEACHING OR TEACHING INTERNSHIP

The State of Texas requires a minimum of 490 hours of full-time clinical teaching. Clinical teaching and internship are the capstone courses in the Education Preparation Program.

Criteria for Admission:

1. Evidence of freedom from serious mental and personality disorders or physical disabilities that would seriously impede effectiveness in the classroom or employment as a classroom teacher. The Education Advisory Council may require that the student, at his or her own expense, take a physical examination and/or submit to a psychological evaluation, which may include tests or inventories. Such evaluation must be completed, and a report must be submitted to the Council by a licensed mental health professional who is acceptable to the University and aware of the Council’s concerns with regard to the candidate’s admission to clinical teaching or teaching internship. Students will not be admitted to clinical teaching or teaching internships until the evaluation results are made available to and reviewed by the Council and a final decision is made by the Education Advisory Council. Failure to comply with this process may result in non-admission to or dismissal from clinical teaching or teaching internship.
2. No pattern of serious, documented behavioral problems as evidenced by a departmental review of the student’s file.
3. Willingness to abide by the Texas Educator’s Code of Ethics.
4. Ability to meet general requirements for the standard teaching certificate, as stated in this catalog’s “Requirements of the State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) for Provisional Certificate” section.
5. For clinical teaching: completion of 112 semester hours. For internship: a bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 120 credit hours.
6. Overall grade point average of 2.75 or higher, and will include transfer courses and courses completed at McMurry, as calculated by the Registrar.
7. Grade point average of 2.75 or higher with no grade below “C” in any course listed under the degree requirements for the teaching certification desired.
8. Completion of all courses listed under the Certification degree plan with the exception of 7 hours of clinical teaching or teaching internship, and an additional 3 credit hours.
9. Approval granted by the Education Advisory Council.

For elementary education candidates (EC-6):

Criteria listed above in 1 through 9 will apply.

For middle school education candidates (4-8):

Criteria listed above in 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 9 will apply, and

• Completion of CURR 3300, CURR 3302, CURR 4334, CURR 4325, CURR 4125, READ 3342, and CURR 3365 and at least twenty-seven hours in an approved teaching field with a GPA of 2.75 in the teaching field.

For secondary education candidates (8-12):

Criteria listed above in 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 9 will apply, and

• Completion of CURR 3300, CURR 3302, CURR 4334, CURR 4325, CURR 4125, READ 3342, and CURR 3365 and at least twenty-seven hours in an approved teaching field with a GPA of 2.75 in the teaching field.

For all-level certificates:

Criteria listed above in 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 9 will apply, and

• Completion of CURR 3300, CURR 3302, CURR 4334, CURR 4325, CURR 4125, READ 3342, and CURR 3365 and at least twenty-seven hours in an approved teaching field with a GPA of 2.75 in the teaching field.

Other requirements for all clinical teachers:

• Students may not enroll or audit more than ten semester hours (six hours of clinical teaching, 1-hour clinical teaching seminar, three hours of additional course work), including concurrent enrollment at other institutions during the semester of clinical teaching, without permission of the Department.
• Student teachers are required to remain on their assigned school campuses during regular school hours. All extracurricular activities and job assignments must be declared prior to the beginning of clinical teaching and must be approved by the department.

REQUIREMENTS OF THE TEXAS EDUCATION AGENCY (TEA) FOR PROVISIONAL CERTIFICATE

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) has established general requirements for the Standard teaching certificate. These requirements include:

1. Bachelor’s degree from, and the recommendation of, an institution of higher learning approved for Education Preparation by the SBEC;
2. Be at least eighteen years of age;
3. Be of good moral character as evidenced by the recommendation of a Texas senior college;
4. Undergo a fingerprint and background check as a requirement for Texas Certification.
5. Be willing to support and defend the constitutions of the United States and Texas;
6. Have college credit or examination credit in knowledge of the Texas and federal constitutions and United States history;
7. Must demonstrate basic skills in reading, written communication, and mathematics.
8. Achieve a satisfactory score on the certification examinations prescribed by the State Board of Education. These tests are required as a criterion for receipt of the Provisional teaching certificate.
9. Submit an application for certification to the State certification authority accompanied by the appropriate fee.

McMURRY REQUIREMENTS FOR CERTIFICATION

In addition to all certification requirements established by the State of Texas, McMurry University has established requirements for certification which are above and beyond normal graduation requirements. To secure a recommendation for certification from McMurry, one must meet the following criteria:

1. Completion of an approved degree program leading toward certification and the CURR professional development minor
2. Overall grade point average of 2.75 and will include transfer courses and courses completed at McMurry, as calculated by the Registrar.
3. Grade point average of 2.75 with no grade lower than a “C” in each of the following areas:
   1. for EC-6 certification:
      • Professional development courses in the Curriculum and Instruction minor; and
      • All required courses for the Early Childhood Education degree
   2. for 4-8 certification:
      • Professional development courses in the Curriculum and Instruction minor; and
      • All required courses for the 4-8 teaching field
   3. For All level and 7-12 certification:
      • Professional development courses in the Curriculum and Instruction minor; and
      • All required courses for the All-level or 7-12 teaching field

Students who have completed degrees before entering the Education Preparation program must meet the requirements of their individual certification plans before they will be approved for certification.

POLICY EXCEPTIONS

Exceptions to the policies stated in this Bulletin require action by the Education Advisory Council. A request for variation should be submitted in writing to the Department of Curriculum and Instruction at least one month in advance of the time it is desired. Students will be notified in writing of action taken by the Education Advisory Council on their variance requests.

TEACHING CERTIFICATES

Grades 7 through 12 and All Levels Certificates

This option is for students planning to teach in secondary schools grades 7 through 12 and for students who are seeking all-levels certification in those fields which require all-levels certificates. The options for these teaching fields are listed below. The coursework requirements for each teaching field will be specified by the department responsible for that teaching field; the courses required for the Curriculum and Instruction professional development minor are specified below.

Required Courses for Secondary and all levels Curriculum and Instruction minor:

Six hours clinical teaching based on area of preparation

Grades 4 through 8 Certificates

This option is for students planning to teach in grades 4 through 8. Teaching fields are available in the following fields. The coursework requirements for each teaching field will be specified by the department responsible for that teaching field; the courses required for the Curriculum and Instruction professional development minor are specified below.

Required Courses for Middle School Curriculum and Instruction minor:

Six hours clinical teaching based on area of preparation

Early Childhood Education Program and Degree

Early Childhood through Grade 6 Certification

This option is for students who plan to teach in grades EC through 6. The curriculum will include coursework in early childhood development as well as reading, language arts, science, mathematics, social studies, art, physical education, drama, and music for elementary majors; students seeking bilingual certification will take additional coursework in Spanish and Spanish culture. The certification will be Early Childhood through Grade 6 Generalist or Early Childhood through Grade 6 Bilingual Generalist.

Suggested Sequence of Required Major Courses for the Early Childhood Education Major:

ENDORSEMENTS

The Department of Curriculum and Instruction also offers coursework leading to the following supplemental teaching endorsements.

English as a Second Language (EC-6)

Required courses for the EC-6 ESL Supplemental teaching endorsement are: READ 3310, READ 3334 , ECED 4330 , and CURR 4305.

Required Courses for the EC-12 Bilingual Generalist Major:

All courses listed above for the EC-12 Generalist major and EC-12 Curriculum and Instruction minor as well as the following courses: BIED 3301 , BIED 3331 , BIED 3375 or BIED 3336, BIED 4322 SPAN 1410 , SPAN 1420 , SPAN 2310 , SPAN 2320  

Bilingual Supplemental (EC-12)

Students who pursue Bilingual certification must be prepared to take the Texas Oral Proficiency Test (TOPT) in Spanish. Course work that will support the language requirements: SPAN 1410 , SPAN 1420 , SPAN 2310 , SPAN 2320 . Qualified students may make arrangements with the Modern Language Department for credit by exam for these courses. Please see your advisor for information if you are currently pursuing this endorsement. As the new state standards come into effect, you will be advised and your degree plan may be modified. Currently, READ 3310, READ 3334 , ECED 4330 , and CURR 4305 are required for this certification and the ESL endorsement.

Aides to Teachers

McMurry University offers a program for instructional classroom aides in EC-6, which offers an opportunity to take courses late afternoon, early evening, and online, leading to a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Early Childhood Education. When the program is successfully completed the student will be eligible for a standard Texas teaching certificate in EC-6 and ESL endorsement. Approval for beginning this program requires the student to submit official employment verification as a teacher’s aide. Questions concerning this program should be addressed to the head of the Curriculum and Instruction department or the Aides to Teachers Director.

FasTrack PROGRAM

McMurry University offers a FastTrack program for post-baccalaureate students to become certified teachers. Students who hold a degree and meet the requirements for admission to the Department of Curriculum and Instruction and the FasTrack Program may apply through the FasTrack director for admission to the program. Professional education courses are offered face-to-face and online. Students with sufficient hours in an undergraduate major that is an approved secondary teaching field may be prepared for either clinical teaching or a paid internship by completing 21-28 credit hours of coursework. Individual plans will vary in requirements based upon evaluating each student’s undergraduate coursework. Elementary post-baccalaureate programs are available and can generally be completed within one calendar year before joining the FastTrack program. Each applicant will schedule a required interview with the FasTrack director prior to application to the program. It is required that the applicant pass the Pre-Admission Content Test (PACT) in the area where certification is sought. Two grades of C- or below or 2 withdrawals from the program requires a 5 year waiting period before the student can reapply to the McMurry FasTrack Program. 50 clock hours of field-based experience to be completed prior to clinical teaching, or internship. Up to 15 clock hours of field experience may be provided by the use of electronic transmission, or other video technology based method.( Rule 228.35 (b) (1) of the Texas Education Code). The McMurry FasTrack program requires more hours than this state minimum.

For all questions, please contact the department chair, FasTrack Director or Certification Officer.

TEACHING FIELDS AVAILABLE THROUGH OTHER DEPARTMENTS

English Language Arts / Read (4-8) - See Department of English 
Mathematics (4-8) - See Department of Mathematics  

Programs

• Early Childhood Education, BS
• Multidisciplinary Studies I (Grades 7-12), BS
• Multidisciplinary Studies II (Grades 4-8), BS

• Bilingual Education Supplemental Endorsement (EC-12)
• English as a Second Language Endorsement (EC-12)

• Physical Sciences (Grades 7-12) Teaching Field
• Science (Grades 4-8) Teaching Field
• Social Studies (Grades 4-8) Teaching Field
• Special Education Supplemental (EC-12)

Courses

• CURR XX99 - Special Topics
• CURR 4X95 - Independent Studies
• CURR 4X96H - Honors Tutorial
• CURR 4X97H - Honors Thesis
• CURR 2305 - Technology and Education
• CURR 3300 - Foundations of Learning and Development
• CURR 3302 - The Inclusive Classroom
• CURR 3365 - Special Learners
• CURR 4121 - Professional Development Internship EC-6
• CURR 4125 - Professional Development Internship 7-12
• CURR 4160 - Classroom Observations and Reflections
• CURR 4167 - Internship Seminar I
• CURR 4168 - Internship Seminar II
• CURR 4194 - Clinical Teaching Professional Development in Schools
• CURR 4198 - Clinical Teaching Seminar
• CURR 4331 - Elementary Classroom Management
• CURR 4332 - Elementary Planning and Assessment
• CURR 4334 - Secondary Classroom Management
• CURR 4335 - Secondary Planning and Assessment
• CURR 4350 - Methods and Management in the Elementary School
• CURR 4351 - Planning, Curriculum, and Assessment in Elementary Schools
• CURR 4354 - Methods and Management in the Secondary School
• CURR 4355 - Planning, Curriculum, and Assessment in Secondary Schools
• CURR 4388 - Teaching Internship
• CURR 4600 - Clinical Teaching

• ECED XX99 - Special Topics ECED
• ECED 3300 - Frameworks of Early Childhood Education
• ECED 3330 - Teaching Elementary Math I EC-6
• ECED 3331 - Teaching Elementary Math II EC-6
• ECED 3360 - Teaching Social Studies EC- 6
• ECED 3370 - Assisting and Advancing Special Learners
• ECED 4330 - Language Acquisition and Development
• ECED 4370 - Teaching Science EC-6

• READ XX99 - Special Topics
• READ 3300 - Introduction to the Teaching of Reading EC-6
• READ 3315 - Children and Adolescent Literature
• READ 3316 - Children’s Literature II
• READ 3332 - Teaching Disciplinary Literacy Grades 4-8
• READ 3334 - Reading and Language Arts in the Multilingual Classroom
• READ 3335 - Reading, Instruction and Assessment
• READ 3338 - Teaching Reading Grades 7-12
• READ 3340 - Teaching Reading Grades 4-8
• READ 3342 - Teaching Disciplinary Literacy Grades 7-12
• READ 3380 - Teaching Language Arts
• READ 4310 - Language Foundations
• READ 4337 - Diagnostic and Corrective Reading Grades EC-6