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Online/distance Graduate program that gives credit for years & experience in the Theatre classroom – How?

  • 1.  Online/distance Graduate program that gives credit for years & experience in the Theatre classroom – How?

    Posted 04-20-2018 13:49

    I am in a position to make something like this happen, but I wonder what it could look like?

    Would students provide documentation of their teaching experience and get credits (3? 6? 9?) towards a degree for those years/courses?

    Would students submit a portfolio that meets certain requirements and then receive a given number of credits towards a degree?

    Please share any ideas or models that you know of. This sounds like a valid component of a graduate degree.



    ------------------------------
    Rosalind Flynn
    Head of the M.A. in Theatre Education
    Director, The High School Drama Institute
    The Catholic University of America
    Washington, DC
    drama.cua.edu/graduate/MATE
    drama.cua.edu/summer
    ------------------------------


  • 2.  RE: Online/distance Graduate program that gives credit for years & experience in the Theatre classroom – How?

    Posted 04-21-2018 13:54

    Would this be for a PhD program? I'm interested!

    As for verification, when I got my CTE Endorsement on my teaching certificate here in Colorado, I had to prove a certain amount of hours working 'in the industry' (as well as teaching experience). I'm attaching the two verification forms that the state of CO uses (which have to be signed by a former or current supervisor) –you could tweak them to suit the information needed for your program.

    In terms of how much credit to give to each hour worked, I don't know, but I hope that credit would be given to teaching employment as well as related industry employment (for instance, I've been a high school Theatre Manager for 7+ years, and while I had a teaching certificate during that time, the positions were classified, not certificated)?

    Please keep us posted!



    ------------------------------
    Beth Rand, EBMS
    Lighting Designer
    School Theatre Operations Coach

    Next HIGH SCHOOL THEATRE MANAGEMENT ONLINE COURSE for Drama Teachers: Summer session starts June 4th. Fall session starts Sept 10th. http://www.presett.org/theatre-management-course.html

    NEW SERVICE: REP PLOT DESIGN - Never have to re-hang and re-focus all your lights again! (Can be accomplished remotely if you're not in the Boulder/Denver area.) http://www.presett.org/repplot.html

    Author of "HIGH SCHOOL THEATRE OPERATIONS" and more tech theatre books at http://www.presett.org/helpful-books-for-you.html.

    www.PRESETT.org
    Westminster, CO
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 3.  RE: Online/distance Graduate program that gives credit for years & experience in the Theatre classroom – How?

    Posted 04-25-2018 18:19
    As most of the folks in this boat hold down at least two full-time jobs (some kind of classroom and after school theatre production), honoring experience (including current work, past work, and credits earned beyond the currently held MA) would be very attractive.  (As this program does not yet exist, I have taken graduate theatre course work beyond the MA from the University of Northern Colorado without working toward another degree.) 

    I would like to see opportunities offered through EdTA/ITS.  As these events are already on our radar, they can be integrated into already busy schedules.

    A Ph.D. that fits into our work/family schedule would be VERY appealing. 

    I look forward to future developments.

    ------------------------------
    [William] [Myatt] [Director of Theatre]

    [Pleasant Valley High School]

    [myattw@pleasval.k12.ia.us][563-332-5151][Bettendorf][IA][USA]
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: Online/distance Graduate program that gives credit for years & experience in the Theatre classroom – How?

    Posted 04-27-2018 13:38
    Thanks, Elizabeth and William,
    We will be meeting about all of this soon and I definitely will keep you updated--when there's something worth reporting!
    I appreciate your responses!
    Rosalind
    *

    ------------------------------
    Rosalind Flynn
    Head of the M.A. in Theatre Education
    Director, The High School Drama Institute
    The Catholic University of America
    Washington, DC
    drama.cua.edu/graduate/MATE
    drama.cua.edu/summer
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 5.  RE: Online/distance Graduate program that gives credit for years & experience in the Theatre classroom – How?

    Posted 04-28-2018 08:07
    Hello Rosalind - For years I have loved using your Reader's Theatre activities in my theatre classes! 

    I have long wished for a graduate program that would give credit for experience.  AND for a program I could do online.  I have a BA in theatre/dance and completed 5 graduate level education courses that were required to get my teaching license.  I have 14 years of very successful full time classroom theatre teaching experience, plus several other years of freelance work as a teaching artist.  Plus all sorts of professional development to keep the license requirements.  I have learned how to teach IB Theatre and IGCSE Drama and taught theatre for ESL and learned tons more about tech than I got in university.  I have learned - on the job - about effective assessment and data collection and behavior management and have directed dozens of plays and musicals.  All that learning, application, and demonstrated ability should count for something, formally.

    I suppose some would say that experience alone doesn't prove competency.  I know plenty of people who have lots of experience and don't do a very good job.  But I also know plenty of people who have graduate degrees and are not fully competent at their work.  The challenge, as your question pinpoints, is to come up with a fair way to quantify the expertise gained through experience.  As teachers, we are forever working to identify goals/desired outcomes - perhaps that's a logical starting place.  If, say, the program is a Masters in Theatre Education, there could be a bouquet of standards identified and a certain amount of experience could replace coursework (for example, 2 years teaching a Theatre Arts course that includes theatre history units = a teaching theatre history course) so long as the candidate can satisfactorily complete as assessment in that area.  The online program would then, in essence, be a series of assessment processes in areas the candidate wants credit for experience.  This approach could leave room for candidates to make some choices and would carry a good deal of accountability.

    Good luck with this!  If you can make it happen, I'll be among the first to sign up!!

    ------------------------------
    Julia Wharton
    Theatre Director/Educator
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 6.  RE: Online/distance Graduate program that gives credit for years & experience in the Theatre classroom – How?

    Posted 04-29-2018 08:44
    Hi Julia--

    Thanks so much for your thorough and thoughtful response! (And thanks also for the Readers Theatre scripts "shout out!" It's always so nice to learn that the resources you put out there are actually reaching teachers and students!)

    The MATE faculty at Catholic U is meeting to examine and update the program this coming Tuesday and I am bringing copies of all the responses to this forum to share with the faculty. At present, we are only 2 courses (6 credits) short of being able to offer the MATE degree as a completely online option. These discussions have got me thinking that a solution could be offering up to 6 credits for verifiable experience.

    To Be Continued!

    ------------------------------
    Rosalind Flynn
    Head of the M.A. in Theatre Education
    Director, The High School Drama Institute
    The Catholic University of America
    Washington, DC
    drama.cua.edu/graduate/MATE
    drama.cua.edu/summer
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 7.  RE: Online/distance Graduate program that gives credit for years & experience in the Theatre classroom – How?

    Posted 04-30-2018 15:01

    I have taken several classes and workshops throughout my 20 years, and completed 1 year of the MFA program at Southern Oregon University. The several credits went toward licencesure and salary credit. Does anyone know a program that would accept these credits toward an MFA. 


     
     
    Amy Sando,
    Douglas High School Drama
    782-5136
     
    "You've got to paint the picture and then walk into it. And if you ever find you can't paint the picture, just don't walk."



    Original Message


  • 8.  RE: Online/distance Graduate program that gives credit for years & experience in the Theatre classroom – How?

    Posted 05-30-2018 08:06
    Hi Rosalind - Any news on this online degree process?

    ------------------------------
    Julia Wharton
    Theatre Director/Educator
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 9.  RE: Online/distance Graduate program that gives credit for years & experience in the Theatre classroom – How?

    Posted 06-05-2018 16:00
    I honestly do think we are going to be able to make this happen, but universities, in my experience, tend to move at a glacial pace. Add to that pace that it is now summer and pretty much no one is on campus or even in town.

    So, I will take up the quest later this summer and on into the fall.

    The main challenge is to figure out how to make the credits for work experience happen.... That looks like it will be the key to having enough credits for the degree.

    Please keep nudging me on this! Any and all ideas are welcome!

    ------------------------------
    Rosalind Flynn
    Head of the M.A. in Theatre Education
    Director, The High School Drama Institute
    The Catholic University of America
    Washington, DC
    drama.cua.edu/graduate/MATE
    drama.cua.edu/summer
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 10.  RE: Online/distance Graduate program that gives credit for years & experience in the Theatre classroom – How?

    Posted 06-06-2018 08:46
    All:

    i know im late to the party but I'd really be interested in a PhD/EdD program in Educational Theatre that I could do online and that would give credit for experience. I have an MFA in Theayre for Youth from Arizona State and an MAT from Austin Peay State University. 

    I think that there must be a way to make this work and that organizations like EdTA, AATE, and TYA/USA should work together to make this happen for theatre educators. I'm in Tennessee and I really don't feel that we have a group that truly advocates for us at the state or national level. 

    There was question about MFA programs. There are 5 big programs for theatre for youth: Arizona State, University of Texas at Austin, University of Noth Carolina Greensboro, University of Central Florida, and University of Hawaii. I don't think any of them do a long distance program (I know ASU doesn't) but all might be open to the question of issuing credit for experience. 

    Cheers,
    -Riley

    ------------------------------
    W. Riley Braem, M.F.A.
    Director of Theatre
    Theatre Teacher
    Northwest High School
    Clarksville, TN
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 11.  RE: Online/distance Graduate program that gives credit for years & experience in the Theatre classroom – How?

    Posted 06-06-2018 10:01
    This is an exciting post. Bravo.
    I volunteer to act as a resource on how the experience component might be validated. Being able to offer at least some credit for real life educational experiences, innovations, and the documentation of learning would be an affirmation and might be able to serve as research sources for pre-service Theatre educators. I could see publication by EdTA for such abstracts to capture the past and present of our profession to inform and inspire the future. And could add to the coffers of the higher ed institutions that provide a PhD in Theatre education.


    Gai.jones@sbcglobal.net
    Gai@gaijones.com
    Www.gaijones.com


    Original Message


  • 12.  RE: Online/distance Graduate program that gives credit for years & experience in the Theatre classroom – How?

    Posted 06-09-2018 17:41
    Gai:
    Re:
    "I volunteer to act as a resource on how the experience component might be validated. Being able to offer at least some credit for real life educational experiences, innovations, and the documentation of learning would be an affirmation and might be able to serve as research sources for pre-service Theatre educators."

    ANY ideas or guidance you can provide in this area would be so welcomed!
    Rosalind
    *



    ------------------------------
    Rosalind Flynn
    Head of the M.A. in Theatre Education
    Director, The High School Drama Institute
    The Catholic University of America
    Washington, DC
    drama.cua.edu/graduate/MATE
    drama.cua.edu/summer
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 13.  RE: Online/distance Graduate program that gives credit for years & experience in the Theatre classroom – How?

    Posted 06-10-2018 12:14
    What a wonderful program to bring into existence! I know personally that family and full time jobs don't allow me the opportunity to advance my education! I have an AA, BA, and MLA all with theatre concentrations. I teach at a  catholic high school full time as well as an adjunct faculty member in the Theatre Department at a local community college, as well as serve the Artistic Director for a children's theatre. I would love to be able to go for a PhD or EdD but know there are virtually no opportunities! Would love to see what you guys are moving towards!

    ------------------------------
    Laura Beeman Nugent
    Theatre Teacher
    Loyola College Prep Troupe 6829
    Artistic Director
    Shreveport Little Theatre Academy
    Shreveport, LA
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 14.  RE: Online/distance Graduate program that gives credit for years & experience in the Theatre classroom – How?

    Posted 06-06-2018 18:21

    Kudos to all this! And, to put my two cents in…the university where I did my Masters is – I later learned – not "regionally accredited", and I'm not doing another Masters(!). So as well as being able to apply experience to a doctorate program, I also vote for one that will recognize and accept all Masters degrees… :-D



    ------------------------------
    Beth Rand, EBMS
    Lighting Designer
    School Theatre Operations Coach

    NEW!
    ONLINE TECH COURSES FOR STUDENTS AND TEACHERS http://www.presett.org/techieacademy.html . A great summer project!

    HIGH SCHOOL THEATRE MANAGEMENT ONLINE COURSE for Drama Teachers: Summer session June 4th (half full, 4 spaces left). Fall session Sept 10th. http://www.presett.org/theatre-management-course.html

    REP PLOT DESIGN - Never have to re-hang and re-focus all your lights again! http://www.presett.org/repplot.html

    "HIGH SCHOOL THEATRE OPERATIONS" and more tech theatre books at http://www.presett.org/helpful-books-for-you.html.

    www.PRESETT.org
    Westminster, CO
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 15.  RE: Online/distance Graduate program that gives credit for years & experience in the Theatre classroom – How?

    Posted 06-10-2018 15:59
    Rosalind, when I am asked to evaluate an educational Theatre program or  Theatre teachers' practice, I use models that have been created, as I am certain that you have a library of such documents; such as ETS.org The Praxis Theatre 5641 Study Companion. 
    So I might suggest that teachers of whatever level they have experienced and wish to secure Phd credits for practical innovations and practices in the classroom/rehearsal hall, could submit videos addressing Curriculum, Instruction, and Class Room Practices. 
    For example:  a Theatre educator of a high school class might submit videos or live Facetimes, YouTubes, showing students taking part in Spolin experiences or  Meisner, Bogart, Boal, and the list goes on or
    a video showing students taking part in Improvisation experiences based on the teachings of master Improv teachers
    or
    a video showing students demonstrating the mime techniques of Marceau
    or
    a rehearsal using the tenets of Mamet

    These videos could include papers explaining and justifying how the Theatre educator has taken the tenets of the masters and adapted them to the students' level and maturation.

    The above are brainstorming ideas. 


    ------------------------------
    Gai Jones
    gai.jones@sbcglobal.net

    www.gaijones.com
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 16.  RE: Online/distance Graduate program that gives credit for years & experience in the Theatre classroom – How?

    Posted 06-12-2018 13:25

    I think it's a great idea for teachers to submit videos addressing curriculum, classroom practices, showing students taking part in a variety of practices, and the such! What would be an equivalent way that those of us working in high school theatre (theatre managers, TDs, designers, technicians, CTE specialists, producers, etc) who may not be classroom teachers and don't have the same opportunity to create videos with students – some of whom don't have teaching certificates, but do have advanced degrees – to be able to document prior experience?



    ------------------------------
    Beth Rand, EBMS
    Lighting Designer
    School Theatre Operations Coach

    NEW!
    ONLINE TECH COURSES FOR STUDENTS AND TEACHERS http://www.presett.org/techieacademy.html . A great summer project!

    HIGH SCHOOL THEATRE MANAGEMENT ONLINE COURSE for Drama Teachers: Summer session June 4th (half full, 4 spaces left). Fall session Sept 10th. http://www.presett.org/theatre-management-course.html

    REP PLOT DESIGN - Never have to re-hang and re-focus all your lights again! http://www.presett.org/repplot.html

    "HIGH SCHOOL THEATRE OPERATIONS" and more tech theatre books at http://www.presett.org/helpful-books-for-you.html.

    www.PRESETT.org
    Westminster, CO
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 17.  RE: Online/distance Graduate program that gives credit for years & experience in the Theatre classroom – How?

    Posted 06-13-2018 10:03
    Still brainstorming.
    For those Theatre specialists/artists without access to daily youth in a learning environment, I might suggest a use of an app such as Coaches Eye; they could video a production/live project which they have designed and created and vocally record their creative prompt, justifying their choices. They could also include a reflective journal about the design and project.

    Gai.jones@sbcglobal.net
    Gai@gaijones.com
    Www.gaijones.com


    Original Message


  • 18.  RE: Online/distance Graduate program that gives credit for years & experience in the Theatre classroom – How?

    Posted 06-14-2018 17:23
      |   view attached
    Sounds like a great app!  And for those who are theatre managers, TDs, technical staff, and not designers, perhaps some sort of verification of experience form could be created for previous employers (schools/districts) to fill out.  Attached is the Colorado verification form for the CTE endorsement - perhaps that could be adapted to suit the experience verifications needed for the PhD?  Perhaps, also, some sort of portfolio could also be submitted demonstrating forms and documents used in the management and technical support of their high school theatres?

    ------------------------------
    Beth Rand, EBMS
    Lighting Designer
    School Theatre Operations Coach

    NEW!
    ONLINE CERTIFICATE COURSES FOR HIGH SCHOOL TECH THEATRE STUDENTS (AND TEACHERS) http://www.presett.org/techieacademy.html

    HIGH SCHOOL THEATRE MANAGEMENT ONLINE COURSE for Drama Teachers: Fall session Sept 10th. http://www.presett.org/theatre-management-course.html

    "HIGH SCHOOL THEATRE OPERATIONS" and more tech theatre books at http://www.presett.org/helpful-books-for-you.html.

    www.PRESETT.org
    Westminster, CO
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 19.  RE: Online/distance Graduate program that gives credit for years & experience in the Theatre classroom – How?

    Posted 06-11-2018 11:45

    I started a Masters's program in Theatre Production and Design at Southern Oregon University, but was only able to complete 1 year of the 3-year program.  Does anyone know if I could apply these toward an on-line Masters or get a few more credits  on-line?  

     
    Amy Sando,
    Douglas High School Drama
    782-5136
     
    "You've got to paint the picture and then walk into it. And if you ever find you can't paint the picture, just don't walk."


    ------------------------------
    Amy Sando
    Minden NV
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


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