Foundation Action Research Masters Degree

Delia Stafford
Haberman Educational Foundation

What happens when classroom teachers take a masters degree?

More than 50% of the teachers who take masters degrees leave the classroom for other positions in the same district or in other districts. For the teachers who remain in the classroom after finishing a masters degree there is no evidence that they are more effective or their children have learned more.

What should happen when classroom teachers take a masters degree?

There should be value added for the teachers and the children of the district. The teachers should be more effective and their students should learn more.

What’s Special About This Action Research Masters Degree?

This masters degree is based on  classroom teachers doing action research studies in their own classrooms. This is a “hands-on” program for teachers. Just as students learn most when they see the relevance of their studies, teachers learn best when they study their own students, in their own classroom settings, following their own curricula,  using the assessments required in their own school districts.  Just as students become highly motivated when they solve the problems they face, teachers are searching for better ways  of meeting the challenges they face as teachers. The focus of this Action Research Program is not  on  going to college classes but on studying their own teaching.

How does this action research masters degree utilize what we know about how

people learn?

Learning is less effective when people are  taught in one place and are expected to transfer what they have learned to another place at another time. Learning is most effective when people learn in the same place they are expected to use what they have learned. Learning is most effective when people have to implement what they have learned under the very same conditions. In this action research masters program there is no transfer of learning required. What the teachers learn to demonstrate they use immediately in their own classrooms working under the very same conditions.

Who will benefit when classroom teachers take this action research masters degree?

The teachers will become more competent at analyzing and solving their instructional problems. Their students will learn more. The teachers who complete the program will become more effective and more likely  to remain in the district as teachers.

Can a group of teachers from the same school district take this action research masters degree?

Yes,  teachers from the same school and same school district can become a valuable support group for one another. Since they work under the same conditions they will benefit from sharing what they learn with one another.

Can an individual classroom teacher take this action research masters degree?

Yes.

What will teachers actually study in this action research masters degree?

Teachers will become proficient in how to conduct action research studies in their own classrooms. Teachers will become more skillful at analyzing the dynamics of what is happening in their schools and classrooms, why those things are happening and what might be tried to improve the conditions of teaching and learning.   Teachers will become more willing and able to self-reflect and identify their own strengths and weaknesses. National Louis University is a respected, accredited teacher preparing institution with   over a century of experience in improving classroom teachers. The Haberman Educational Foundation has helped over 260 school districts select and train more effective teachers for diverse student populations.

Who is eligible to enter this action research masters program.

Any currently employed teacher  who has completed a bachelors degree and is a teacher of record; that is, has the official responsibility of teaching a class(es) of students.  Since the focus of the program is on teachers studying the students they currently teach, it is necessary for all applicants to the program to be currently teaching. Teachers of all grades, subject matters and specialties are invited to participate. 

How long is the program?

The program may be completed in 1½ years but may take longer for applicants who desire to work at a slower pace.

Can applicants who enter the program with other teachers from their same schools and districts complete the program at their own pace?

Yes. The fact that teachers may work cooperatively does not prevent them from finishing the program in different semesters.

Will any of the program be offered on-line?

Yes, there will be an NLU faculty member specifically devoted to being the on-line advisor for this program.  There will also be _____weekends of face-to-face meetings required at the beginning and completion of the program.  These in-person meetings may occur in the school district of the participating teachers. 

How many courses must a teacher take to complete the program?

The program is 33? credits however these credits are awarded for the work teachers complete in their action research studies. There are only ____ cr. of  coursework for studies in addition to the required action research studies. This is not a program of traditional coursework but a systematic study by teachers of what is going on their classrooms and how to improve their practice.

Will teachers get the same salary adjustment for completing this action research masters program as their district’s provide teachers who have completed traditional masters programs?

Yes.

Is there a final thesis or exam required to complete this action research masters program?

No.

How much does the program cost?

____

What will be the cost of books and other materials required for participated in the program?

App. $______ will be required for books and other materials.

Will my school district help me pay these costs?

Individual teachers are responsible for the tuition. In some cases the Haberman Educational Foundation will arrange with the school board to

pay all or part of a teacher’s tuition.

Will teachers who have already completed a masters degree be eligible to participate in this program?

Definitely.  Many school districts have salary schedules that go beyond the masters level. Some have salary  increments for teachers  at 15 credits beyond the masters, others at 30 credits.  This action research program is available to all classroom teachers currently teaching children.

Why should a school district be interested in having its teachers take this program?

Accountability.  If teachers’ salaries are increased there should be some connection to improved student learning. This program is based on teachers actually demonstrating their improved effectiveness on the basis of increased student learning.

For more information contact:

Sue Hansen

shansen@nl.edu