Program Review for Early Childhood Education (M.Ed.)

2007-2008 Recommendations

I. Strengths:

1. Courses are aligned with NCATE Professional Standards.

2. Collaborative relationships exist between faculty and students.

3. The program has a full-time Graduate Coordinator.

4. Working relationships exist with the area community and businesses, such as The King Ranch Family Trust Early Education Center.

II. Weaknesses:

1. The program currently has only one full-time Early Childhood faculty member.

2. Less than 30% of the EC courses are offered on-line.

3. There is currently an unfavorable balance between time for research and teaching/ administrative duties.

III. Recommendations:

1. It is recommended that a new faculty member or members be hired who will possess the following attributes:

i. Basic statistical analysis aptitude.

ii. Experience in working with technology courses and teaching on-line courses.

iii. Diverse background knowledge and experience in order to enhance the existing faculty members’ repertoire and enrich the learning environment for the EC students.

2. The faculty in the Early Childhood program should continue working to increase the number of graduate courses offered through non-traditional modalities (it is recognized that, after the resignation of one faculty member, the only Early Childhood professor on campus is also working to increase the academic courses offered online at the undergraduate level).

3. The expectations for teaching, service and research should be reflected in teaching load reductions and the number of positions for research faculty. While the university is clearly placing a greater emphasis on research and scholarly activity, the resources and time required to fulfill this expectation appear to be lacking. It appears the faculty senate would be an appropriate committee in which to bring this issue to light.

IV. Program Recommendation:

The Early Childhood Master’s program is recommended for continuation.

V. Dean’s Comments (Michael Daniel):

I fully agree with all the recommendations made. However, the attributes listed for a new faculty member were not included in the job description currently being advertised to replace the faculty member who left in January 2008. The program may have to take advantage of faculty from other specializations in order to expose their students to higher quality statistical analysis and technology usage.

I disagree with the comment under “Weaknesses” that there is only one faculty member in the program. There is currently, in spring 2008, only one faculty member, due to a late resignation by the second faculty member. There are currently two faculty FTE allotted to this program (undergraduate and graduate combined). If enrollments do not increase, the second position may be lost.

Recommendation number 3 could apply throughout the College and most of the University. I agree with the recommendation, and I believe that Provost Clayton and President Juarez also agree. However, it is not financially possible to meet this recommendation in the near future.