Loyola University Maryland Center for Montessori Education

Loyola University Maryland Center for Montessori Education Graduate Student Manual Center for Montessori Education In Partnership with Houston Montessori Institute Bellaire, Texas 2015-2016 1

Loyola University Maryland Center for Montessori Education Dean, School of Education: Dr. Joshua Smith, Ph.D. Smith earned his B.A. in U.S. History, M.S. in Educational Psychology and Statistics, and Ph.D. in Educational Psychology and Methodology from the University of Albany, State University of New York, where his dissertation focused on parents and teachers perceptions of behavioral problems in pre-school children. He has provided professional consulting services to the Archdiocese of Indianapolis, Indianapolis Public Schools, the Metropolitan School District of Lawrence Township (Ind.), and several other school systems and educational organizations. His awards and honors include the 2006 Indiana University Trustees Teaching Award and the National Advising Association s 2002 Outstanding Advising Award. Director, Center for Montessori Education: Mr. Jack Rice, M.B.A. Jack Rice comes to Loyola with 22 years of experience in education; the last 11 as head of two Montessori schools in Canada and Australia. Jack holds honors BSc from the University of Western Ontario, a diploma in Secondary Education from McGill University, an honors specialist designation in Science Education from the University of Toronto and an MBA from York University. Jack was introduced to Montessori Education at the Toronto Montessori Institute (TMI) in 2003 and has been a passionate advocate of Dr. Montessori s work ever since. Jack served on the Montessori Australia Foundation s Head of School advisory committee and has presented at several Montessori conferences in Australia, Canada and the United States. Program Coordinator: Ms. Carrie Stroup Carrie Stroup earned her B.S. in Psychology from Union College and is currently working toward her M.P.S. in Industrial/Organizational Psychology at University of Maryland, Baltimore County. Ms. Stroup has been on staff with Loyola s Montessori graduate programs since 2008. 2

Table of Contents Welcome to the Program. 4 Introduction to Loyola University 1. About Loyola 5 2. School of Education. 5 3. The Center for Montessori Education.. 5 4. Contact Information.. 6 Program Guidelines 1. Purpose and Outcomes.. 6 2. Courses of Study 6 3. Tuition and Schedules 7 4. Academic Standards / Evaluation Criteria / Incompletes.. 7 5. Financial Aid Procedures.. 8 6. Intensive Summer Program in Baltimore (Eligibility). 8,9 7. Academic Advising... 9 8. WebAdvisor.. 9 9. Refund Policy... 9 10. Grievance Procedures, Academic Sanctions and Appeal Processes. 10 11. Certificate of Advanced Study 10 Appendices Appendix A: Primary Multi-Summer Program Course of Study 11 Appendix B: Tuition and Registration Schedules Primary Program 12 Appendix C: Grading Criteria, Primary Program... 13-15 Appendix D: Disability Support Services... 16 3

Dear Montessori graduate students: On behalf of the entire community at Loyola University Maryland, we would like to welcome you to the Master of Education Program in Montessori Studies, offered in partnership with Houston Montessori Institute. The unique nature of this partnership dictates that three documents govern your time during the program. The first document I refer you to is your student handbook at Houston Montessori Institute. The first 27 credits of your Loyola graduate degree are taken at an AMI training institute. The policies and guidelines relating to your time at the institute are governed by the specific conditions at Houston Montessori Institute. In their handbook you will receive information on the Institute including its accreditations, affiliations and licenses. This document will introduce the staff and faculty at the institute and provide an orientation to their facilities and resources. In addition the Institute handbook will supply you with course schedules and timelines. The second document to note is the Graduate Catalogue, prepared annually by Loyola University Maryland. This document, which you receive upon acceptance to the program, contains all course descriptions and outlines the policies and procedures which apply to all graduate students at the University. The catalogue outlines Standards of Student Conduct, Grievance Procedures, Appeals Processes, Graduation protocols, etc. The third document is this Graduate Student Manual which exists as a supplement to both your Institute Handbook and Loyola University s Graduate Catalogue. This manual will describe the Center for Montessori Education and highlight the most relevant information to you as you progress through your graduate degree. I wish you well in your studies. Yours in Montessori, 4

Introduction 1. About Loyola Loyola University Maryland is a Catholic comprehensive University, in the educational and spiritual traditions of the Society of Jesus and the Religious Sisters of Mercy, dedicated to the ideals of Liberal Arts education. The educational mission of Loyola University in Maryland is to challenge students to learn, lead and serve in a diverse and changing world. Within the Jesuit traditions of intellectual excellence, social justice, ethical responsibility, and Cura Personalis, the School of Education at Loyola University promotes leadership and scholarship in the development of teachers, counselors, administrators, and other educators. 2. School of Education The Reverend Peter-Hans Kolvenbach, S.J., Superior General of the Society of Jesus, has described the goal of Jesuit Education with the following words: We aim to form men and women of competence, conscience and compassionate commitment. In recognition of its connection to the Jesuit mission of the Loyola University community, the Education Department has adopted the three words, Competence, Conscience, and Compassion as its motto. These words capture the goals that the Education School sets for its students and form the organizing structure for its learning outcomes. The School s conceptual framework states that it envisions an extensive learning community grounded in the values of our Jesuit mission, informed by a learner-centered model of instruction, and seeking to cultivate educational leaders of competence, conscience, and compassion (see www.loyola.edu/education). 3. The Center for Montessori Education Loyola University became interested in Montessori education in 1991 through a partnership with the Washington Montessori Institute. The University became the first to offer a Graduate Degree in Montessori Studies which combines the AMI diploma and graduate credits from the University s School of Education. The model has grown to include partnerships with 10 additional training centers across North America, including Houston Montessori Institute in Bellaire, Texas. The Center for Montessori Education facilitates the Montessori Graduate program and is dedicated to the growth of Montessori Education across the world. (See www.loyola.edu/montessori). 5

4. Contact Information Carrie Stroup Program Coordinator, Center for Montessori Education castroup@loyola.edu 410.617.7765 Jack Rice Director, Center for Montessori Education jhrice@loyola.edu 410.617.2308 Mechelle Palmer Sr. Associate Director, Graduate Admissions mjpalmer@loyola.edu 410.617.7741 Danielle Ballantyne Assistant Director, Financial Aid dballantyne@loyola.edu 410.617.5205 Program Guidelines 1. Purpose and Outcomes The purpose of the graduate program in Montessori Education is to guide adults as they prepare for the work and responsibility of helping each child to develop the fullness of his or her potential. The programs provide students with opportunities to develop an understanding of a child's stages of development and the different conditions and strategies necessary to support development at each stage. Loyola s Center for Montessori Education prepares individuals to direct Montessori classrooms and to assume positions of leadership in the field of Montessori Education. The course of study incorporates in its entirety the teacher training course of the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) plus additional graduate course work in educational research, special education, and current educational trends. 2. Courses of Study At Houston Montessori Institute programs offered include: Primary Multi-Summer Students enrolled in Loyola s Montessori M.Ed. program at HMI complete their graduate courses in Montessori Studies and successfully complete their AMI oral and written exams before completing their studies at Loyola University Maryland over a 3.5 week summer intensive session. See Appendix A for the course by course listing for each program by concentration. 6

3. Tuition and Schedules Students in the Masters of Montessori Education at Loyola University are jointly enrolled at Houston Montessori Institute and pay tuition to both organizations. Currently the tuition cost at Loyola University for this program is $335 per graduate credit. The fees at Houston Montessori Institute for the 2015 / 2016 school years are $9,975 for the Primary Training. See appendix B for the applicable tuition and registration schedule as well as the total program costs. 4. Academic Standards / Evaluation Criteria In order to successfully complete the graduate degree from Loyola University Maryland the candidate s overall GPA must be 3.0 or greater and they must pass their AMI exam. The receipt of one F or two grades of C+ or lower will result in dismissal from the program. Procedures for Academic Sanctions as well as Appeal Processes are outlined in Loyola s Graduate Catalogue. Students are placed on Academic Probation if their GPA falls below 3.0 after a given semester or if they are given a mark of C in any of their classes. As stated above, a second C results in dismissal from the program. The evaluation criteria are published for each course. While elements of the AMI program are graded on a pass / fail basis, Loyola graduate credits require a grade for each course. Grades are posted at the end of each semester for which a student is enrolled. Students can access their grades via the Web through Loyola s administrative intranet system, WebAdvisor. No grades are given in person or over the telephone. At the discretion of the course instructor, a temporary grade of I (Incomplete) may be given to a student who is passing a course but for reasons beyond the student s control (illness, injury, or other nonacademic circumstance), is unable to complete the required coursework during the semester. The responsibility for completing all coursework within the agreed upon time rests with the student. The grade of I may remain on the record no longer than the time period agreed to by the instructor, and the student and may not exceed one semester. If the I is not resolved satisfactorily within the agreed upon time period, a grade of F (0.000) will be recorded by the Records Office as the final grade, and the student will be dismissed from the program in accordance with the Academic Standards and Dismissal policy. Students may not graduate with a grade of I in any course on their record. See appendix C for the grading criteria for each program by concentration. 7

5. Financial Aid To assist you with your educational expenses at Loyola you may wish to contact the Office of Financial Aid. Resources include Federal Direct Stafford Loans and Maryland State Senatorial and Delegate Scholarships. It is advisable to submit applications for federal loans no later than April 1 for Multi-Summer format programs and July 1 for Academic Year format programs in order to have funds available to you soon after the start of the program. More information regarding financial aid is available on our website at http://www.loyola.edu/academic/montessori-partners/tuition-and-fees. We recommend that you watch the webinar provided on the financial aid process. You may also contact the office of Financial Aid at the University directly at 410-617-5205 or toll-free at 800-221-9107, ext. 5205. See also, www.loyola.edu/financialaid. 6. Intensive Summer Session in Baltimore (M.Ed. candidates only) The last 9 credits towards your Master s degree are earned in a 3.5 week intensive summer session at Loyola s Evergreen campus in Baltimore. The session normally commences on the third Wednesday in June, however exact dates are confirmed each year in January. Three Graduate Courses are taken by all students: SE 761 ED 600 ED 625 Introduction to Special Needs Introduction to Educational Research Advanced Study in Education Both SE 761 and ED 600 courses are concluded at the end of the intensive summer session. ED 625 is the culminating project for the Master s program in Montessori Education. This course begins during the summer session, however students are given one month upon the conclusion of the session to complete and submit their advanced study. A student has 5 years from the commencement of their program to complete their degree. Therefore for AMI Academic Year students the final 3 courses in Baltimore can be taken in any of the five subsequent summers. Students who pursue their AMI training in a multi-summer format will have 3 summers to choose from, in the case of A to I training, and 2 summers, in the case of primary or elementary. Each January prior to an intensive summer session, an informational e-mailing will be sent from the Montessori department to all eligible students. This e-mail will contain the confirmed dates for the program as well as directives on how to secure a place in the summer courses. Attendance at each summer session is limited to 100 students. Therefore, students must first reserve their placement by submitting a Reservation Form. Only those students who submit a 8

Reservation Form will receive registration materials to enroll in the upcoming intensive summer session. Student housing is available at the Evergreen Campus for the Intensive Summer Session. We strongly encourage students to consider on campus housing given the proximity of the residences to the library and the lecture rooms. More information on the summer session is available at: http://www.loyola.edu/academic/montessori-partners/summer 7. Academic Advising Your AMI trainer is an Affiliate Faculty Member of Loyola University. In addition to delivering the AMI curriculum they will also be available to guide you as you move through the Montessori Graduate Program. If you have any logistical issues throughout the program; forms, payment, registration, etc. your first point of contact should be the Program Coordinator, Carrie Stroup. Your academic advisor for the program is the Director of the Center for Montessori Education, Jack Rice, who can assist you with any concerns you may have regarding your courses at the Institute or on campus at Loyola. 8. WebAdvisor WebAdvisor (https://webadvisor.loyola.edu) is Loyola s on-line, administrative access system, allowing registered students to view their grades, accounts receivable balances, and financial aid awards. Students authorized to use WebAdvisor must have a User Name and Password. If you need assistance with establishing a username, password, or you need to have your password reset, contact Technology Services at 410-617-5555. 9. Refund Policy The refund policy is governed by the procedures outlined in Loyola s Graduate Catalogue. 9

10. Grievance Procedures, Academic Sanctions and Appeal Processes Grievance procedures for the University are outlined in the Graduate Catalogue. Grievances in relation to the Montessori Graduate Program are to be directed to the Director of the Center for Montessori Education, Jack Rice. In general, Grade Appeals are submitted to and dealt with by your Instructor. In the case of Academic Sanctions (probation / dismissal), appeals are received and dealt with by the Director of the program. Final appeals can be brought to the Dean of the School of Education whose decisions are final. 11. Certificate of Advanced Study A 30 credit Certificate of Advanced Study is available to students with an existing Master s in Education degree (M.Ed.); the course of study for the Certificate of Advanced Study is identical to the Master s program except that the final three summer courses are substituted with one course, ED 627, an Advanced Research Project which can be done remotely rather than during the Intensive Summer Session. This option is popular for students not wishing to complete a second Master s degree, but who are looking for a University designation to pair with their training and access to Federal Financial Aid. Courses of Study can be accessed online at: http://www.loyola.edu/academic/montessori-partners/current-programs Tuition Schedules can be accessed online at: http://www.loyola.edu/academic/montessori-partners/tuition-and-fees 10

Appendix A: Primary Multi-Summer Program Course of Study Summer 2015 MO 634 Foundations of the Montessori Method (3 cr) MO 630 Human Relations and Self Awareness Among Young Children (3 cr) 6 credits Summer 2016 MO 636 Teaching Strategies and Social Development (3 cr) MO 631 Language Arts / Reading - Curriculum and Instruction (3 cr) MO 635 Perceptual Motor Development (3 cr) MO626 Practicum Part 1 (3 cr) 12 credits Summer 2017 MO 632 Mathematics and Science Curriculum and Instruction (3 cr) MO 633 Creative Activities (Music, Art, Movement and Drama) (3 cr) MO628 Practicum Part 2 (3 cr) 9 credits Comprehensive Examinations Summer 2018-2020* ED 600 Foundations of Educational Research (3 cr) ED 625 Advanced Studies in Education (3 cr) SE 769 Teaching Students with Special Needs (3 cr) 9 credits TOTAL 36 credits. *A student has 5 years from the commencement of their program to complete their degree. Therefore the final 3 courses in Baltimore can be taken in any of the three subsequent summers. These courses must be completed by Summer 2020. 11

Appendix B: Tuition Schedule Primary Multi-Summer Tuition and Registration Schedule A. Total Tuition and Fees Loyola Tuition (36 Credits x 335.00 Per Credit) $12,060.00* Registration Fee (4 semesters) 100.00 Graduation Fee 150.00 Loyola M.Ed. $12,310.00* Houston Montessori Institute Tuition 9,975.00 Total $ 22,285.00* B. Loyola Registration & Tuition Payment Schedule Tuition (6 Credits x 335.00 Per Credit) Summer 2015 $ 2010.00 Registration Fee 25.00 Registration due: July 1 $ 2035.00 Tuition (12 Credits x 335.00* Per Credit) Summer 2016 $ 4020.00* Registration Fee 25.00 Registration due: May 15 $ 4045.00* Tuition (9 Credits x 335.00* Per Credit) Summer 2017 $ 3015.00* Registration Fee 25.00 Registration due: May 15 $ 3040.00* Tuition (9 Credits x 335.00* Per Credit) Summer $ 3015.00* Registration Fee (2018-2020) 25.00 Graduation Fee 150.00 Registration due: April 25* $ 3190.00* *Plus any tuition increase effective each Summer ** Information regarding the Graduate Summer Sessions (for in-residence Education Core courses) will be emailed to all eligible students in January of that year. Only those students who then reserve a place in that year s Graduate Summer Session will be mailed registration materials 12

Appendix C: Grading Criteria M.Ed. in Montessori Education: Primary Program Evaluation Criteria MO626 PRACTICUM Part 1: Observation To develop the skill of scientific observation through guided observational exercises and through the observation of young children in a Montessori prepared environment. 5% The supervising teacher will initial a time card 70% The student s observation journal, records, and written reports 15% Theory paper: Observation 10% Adhering to Observation Guidelines MO628 PRACTICUM Part 2: Practice Teaching To practice the various professional and personal skills which a Montessori teacher uses. By working under a qualified Montessori teacher with a group of children, the student may focus on one professional task at a time. Student teachers may discern which facets of their personalities are most effective with young children at this stage of development. 5% The supervising teacher will initial a time card 15% The teacher trainer will observe and discuss the student s practice 50% The student s observations, interpretations, records, and written reports 30% Adhering to Practice Teaching Guidelines while working with children MO630 HUMAN RELATIONS AND SELF AWARENESS 630 To show by demonstration and lecture a group of activities known in Montessori education as the Practical Life Exercises. These exercises are designed to enable independent functioning, social grace, and self-esteem among children between the ages of three and six plus years. Content includes Development of Coordinated Movement, Health, Safety both indoors and outdoors, and spontaneous, free choice of activities. 10% Attendance and satisfactory participation in class and practice 20% Hands-on practice of the materials and activities 40% Student s Practical Life teaching manual 20% Theory Paper: Introduction to the Practical Life Exercises 10% Theory Paper: Prepared Environment 13

MO631 LANGUAGE ARTS/READING CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION 631 To show by demonstration and lecture the exercises for the development of spoken and written language development, pre-reading and reading skills appropriate for children from three to six plus years. Content includes a focus on self-confidence and self-expression within a social setting. There is also emphasis on spoken and written language in the areas of daily life, story telling, composition, literature, geography, history, biology, science, music, art, as well as the functional aspects of grammar, syntax, and reading analysis. 10% Attendance and satisfactory participation in class and practice 20% Hands-on practice of materials and activities 40% Student s Language teaching manual 5% Hand-made reading materials 20% Theory Paper: Introduction to Language 5% Notes on Language Cultural extensions MO632 MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION 632 To show by demonstration and lecture the exercises of mathematics and science which give sensorial foundations for counting, arithmetic, geometry, algebra, and fractions of whole numbers, as well as for biological and physical science experiences appropriate for young children. 10% Attendance and satisfactory participation in class and practice 20% Hands-on practice of materials and activities 40% Student s Mathematics teaching manual 20% Theory Paper: Introduction to Math paper 5% Geography Folders 5% Notes on Language Extensions for sciences MO633 CREATIVE ACTIVITIES (MUSIC, ART, MOVEMENT AND DRAMA) 633 To focus on developing potentialities as the basis for designing learning experiences in art, music, movement, drama, and literature. 10% Attendance and satisfactory participation in class and practice 70% Student s teaching manual (Art and Music sections) 10% Notes on appreciation of Literature, Music and Art 10% Presentation of song/movement to group Title: MO634 FOUNDATIONS of the MONTESSORI METHOD 634 To give a survey of the development of the young child in accordance with the psychology of Montessori. Particular emphasis is given to children three to six plus years old. 10% Attendance and satisfactory participation in class and practice 90 % Theory papers: The Human Tendencies, The Absorbent Mind, Sensitive Periods, The Four Planes of Development 14

MO635 PERCEPTUAL-MOTOR DEVELOPMENT 635 To show by demonstration and lecture a group of activities known in Montessori education as Exercises for the Education for the Senses that are designed to lead the child to an intelligent and imaginative exploration of the world. Content includes identification of a child s process of classifying his world, problem solving, and critical thinking. 10% Attendance and satisfactory participation in class and practice 20% Hands-on practice of the materials and activities 40% Student s Sensorial teaching manual 20% Theory Paper: Introduction to Sensorial Exercises 10% Handmade sensorial materials MO636 TEACHING STRATEGIES AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT 636 To workshop teacher-learner interaction, analyze planning techniques and learning environments, general classroom management, and inter-personal relationships. 10% Attendance and satisfactory participation in class and practice 10% Written observation assignment: children s social interactions, conflict resolution 10% Lesson planning based on observation. 70% Theory Papers: Social Development, Deviations and Normalization, Freedom and Discipline, and The Role of the Adult WRITTEN AND ORAL COMPREHENSIVE EXAMINATIONS Students must receive a passing grade in each section of the exam in order to pass the examination. 15

Appendix J: Disability Support Services The mission of Disability Support Services is to provide students with disabilities the equal opportunity to participate in all Loyola programs and activities. This is done by coordinating accommodations and supports, so students can learn, lead and serve in a diverse and changing world. If you have a disability that is documented with the Disability Support Services Office (DSS) and wish to discuss academic accommodations, please contact your AMI Director of Training as soon as possible. If you have a disability that has not been documented, you may contact the Disability Support Services Office at dss@loyola.edu or (410) 617-2750 for assistance, and the DSS website is www.loyola.edu/dss. Loyola graduate students with disabilities must document the disability through the Disability Support Services Office if they are requesting accommodations. 16