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The Richard W. Riley College of Education and Human Sciences:
Education Specialist (EdS) in Learning, Instruction, and Innovation

The EdS in Learning, Instruction, and Innovation program is for classroom teachers, instructional coordinators, and any educators who wants to enhance their effectiveness through new and creative approaches to curriculum, assessment, and technology integration. Educators explore creative approaches to learning that integrates technology with the needs of learners in a global community in the program’s advanced graduate coursework.

Through this education specialist program, educators gain the perspectives, knowledge, and expertise to develop and implement out-of-the-box solutions and innovative experiences grounded in authentic learning. Graduates of the program are prepared to foster a culture of innovation in their educational environment as a classroom teacher or school leader.

Note on Educator Licensure or Certification

This program does not lead to educator licensure or certification. Educators are advised to contact their individual school districts as to whether this program may qualify for salary advancement.

Learning Outcomes

All EdS graduates will be prepared to:

  1. Apply discipline-specific knowledge to address issues in educational settings.
  2. Apply evidence-based practices to address a problem within the academic and/or work environment and propose a solution.
  3. Communicate information to a variety of stakeholders using oral and written formats.
  4. Practice ethically as a professional in the field of education.
  5. Collaborate with diverse stakeholders to promote continuous improvement in educational settings.
  6. Advocate for social change to make a positive impact in educational settings.

In addition to the shared EdS outcomes above, Learning, Instruction, and Innovation graduates will be prepared to:

  1. Create innovative instruction, curriculum, and assessment grounded in theory and previous research.
  2. Create innovative solutions to learning challenges.
  3. Collaborate with a variety of stakeholders.
  4. Analyze instructional needs to develop innovative intervention plans for learning.
  5. Evaluate problems and issues in learning, instruction, and innovation.
  6. Ground decisions based on research in learning, instruction, and innovation.
  7. Participate in the profession ethically.
  8. Support global diversity and multiculturalism through the use of innovative curriculum and assessment in designing instruction.
  9. Utilize research to create innovative instruction, curriculum, and assessment to effect social change in the workplace.

Degree Requirements

  • 45 total quarter credits
  • Foundation course (5 credits)
  • Research course (5 credits)
  • Specialization courses (30 credits)
  • EdS Capstone Project (5 credits)
  • ePortfolio

Curriculum (45 total credits)

Foundation Course (5 credits)

OR

  • Students may take this as a non-degree course.

(6-week version)

Research Course (5 credits)

Specialization Courses (30 credits)

  • Students may take this as a non-degree course.

Capstone Course (5 credits)

Course Sequence

The recommended course sequence is as follows:

Quarter Course Credits
Quarter 1

EDSD 7002 - Leading the Future of Education

 OR 

EDSD 7006 - Leading the Future of Education (6-week version)

5 credits
Quarter 2

EDSD 7092 - Innovations and the Diffusion of Learning Technologies

5 credits
Quarter 3

EDSD 7410 - Creativity and Innovation

5 credits
Quarter 4

RSCH 7110 - Research Theory, Design, and Methods

5 credits
Quarter 5

EDSD 7411 - Authentic Assessment

5 credits
Quarter 6

EDSD 7093 - Leading Change

5 credits
Quarter 7

EDSD 7107 - Designing Instruction for eLearning

5 credits
Quarter 8

EDSD 7412 - Innovative Curriculum

5 credits
Quarter 9

EDSD 7900 - EdS Capstone Project: Creating and Supporting Effective Educational Practices

5 credits