In many ways, progress and change within education and training organizations and systems is driven by research. This course enables students to choose a topic to research and guides them through the decision process of methodological approaches, research procedures and evaluation and interpretation of research results. Additionally, students learn ethical procedures and formal academic writing that can be applied to careers in education and training.

Presents both formal and informal measures for assessing learners' progress. Course involves analyzing various approaches to interpreting individual and group performance. Uses of formative and summative assessments are examined in relation to maintaining a positive learning environment based on research and best practices. A variety of learning assessment strategies will be examined such as the development of rubrics, journal evaluation techniques, standardized testing, universal design strategies, technology-based assessments and portfolios.

Get the knowledge, skills and strategies you need to assess and evaluate instructional and other educational programs in traditional and non-traditional institutions. Focus on determining present status, determining future direction, charting a course of action and assessing progress toward desired outcomes. Study standardized and alternative forms of measurement as a means of evaluating and validating instructional outcomes.

Apply learning theory to strategies for determining learners needs; differentiating, implementing and sequencing appropriate instructional methods to meet those needs; identifying and providing learning support resources; and assessing effects upon student performance. Examine uses of various instructional methods such as learner-centered instruction, collaborative methods, distance learning methods and direct instruction.

Understand and design curriculum and assessments to support a personalized learning experience. Develop an individualized curriculum and assessment plan that will help learners rise to meet learning standards in K–12 education. Learn how to scaffold content to help K–12 students meet assessment goals.

Prerequisite: To be taken last or next to last; a grade of 'B' or higher is required.

Apply the rationale for and methods of developing a professional portfolio. Create a portfolio that includes a comprehensive collection of work and artifacts to demonstrate analysis, synthesis and evaluation of theoretical and practical knowledge gained in prior program courses. Demonstrate competency of your specific concentration area as well as of program outcomes. A supervising faculty member will evaluate your capstone project. A grade of B or higher is required.