Professional Development for Teachers

The newest way for teachers to take professional development/continuing education courses is via the Internet. Marygrove has partnered with Teachscape, a leading Silicon Valley technology company, to offer online graduate courses for K-12 teachers.

Available Online Courses
Each of the following courses offers three semester hours of graduate credit:

• Foundations of Reading (Grade K-6 teachers)
• Fundamentals of Mathematics (Grade 2-6 Teachers)
• Research-Based Instructional Strategies to Improve Student Achievement (Grade K-12 Teachers)
• Research-Based Instructional Strategies with a Mathematics Focus, K-12
• Proportional Reasoning in the Middle Grades, 6-8
• Teacher as Leader, K-12
• Instructional Design, K-12
• Understanding Teaching and Learning, K-12
• Meeting the Needs of all Students
• Effective Assessment (k-12)

Marygrove’s history of providing teachers with practical learning experiences is reflected in these courses, which offer a wide variety of teaching resources, media and activities to make coursework engaging and enjoyable. Courses may be completed where and when it’s best for the learner in a self-paced, independent study format.

Course Availability
Twenty-two courses are now available.  

Curriculum, Instruction, & Assessment
TEACHER AS LEADER, K–12
INSTRUCTIONAL DESIGN, K–12
UNDERSTANDING TEACHING AND LEARNING, K–12
RESEARCH-BASED INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGIES TO IMPROVE STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT, K–12
MEETING THE NEEDS OF ALL STUDENTS, K–12
EFFECTIVE ASSESSMENT, K–12
CLASSROOM ASSESSMENT FOR TODAY'S TEACHER, K–12
STUDENT-DIRECTED LEARNING TO FOSTER MOTIVATION AND ENGAGEMENT, K–12

Reading & Literacy
FOUNDATIONS OF READING AND LITERACY, K–6
ASSESSMENT & INTERVENTION FOR STRUGGLING READERS, K–6
READING IN THE CONTENT AREAS, K–6
THE READING AND WRITING CONNECTION, K–6

Elementary Mathematics
MEASUREMENT AND GEOMETRY FOR ELEMENTARY STUDENTS, K–5
PROBLEM SOLVING AND NUMBER & OPERATIONS FOR ELEMENTARY STUDENTS, K–5
FUNDAMENTALS OF MATHEMATICS: TEACHING FOR CONCEPTUAL UNDERSTANDING, 2–6
ALGEBRA FOR ELEMENTARY STUDENTS, K–5
DATA ANALYSIS AND PROBABILITY FOR ELEMENTARY STUDENTS, K–5

Middle Level Mathematics
PROPORTIONAL REASONING IN THE MIDDLE GRADES, 6–8
PROBLEM SOLVING AND NUMBER & OPERATIONS FOR MIDDLE LEVEL STUDENTS, 6–8
MEASUREMENT AND GEOMETRY FOR MIDDLE LEVEL STUDENTS, 6–8
ALGEBRA FOR MIDDLE LEVEL STUDENTS, 6–8
DATA ANALYSIS AND PROBABILITY FOR MIDDLE LEVEL STUDENTS, 6–8

Course Registration
To register for an online course, visit www.teachscape.com/marygrove and click on the registration icon or call 1-877-984-7277. Once registered, you will be assigned an academic semester for your course. This is important to save because it will be required on all correspondence with Marygrove College.

Tuition and Fees
Tuition $450 per course
Tuition price includes all materials and our money back guarantee.*

*If you are not completely satisfied with the course within the first two weeks, you may receive a refund of 100% of your tuition.

Course Expectations
You have one (1) year to complete the course requirements. This time period begins with the course start date. The course is divided into sessions that you will work on at your own pace. The sessions have recommended timelines, but the only requirement is completion within one (1) year of the start date. If you plan to complete the coursework in eight (8) weeks, plan to spend 5 hours per week on the course. If you plan to complete the coursework in sixteen (16) weeks, plan to spend 2.5 hours per week on the course.

Course Content Questions
Any course content questions may be directed to 1-877-984-7277 or courses@teachscape.com.  

Course Load Policy
A maximum of nine (9) semester hours maybe taken for each semester of registration.

Submittting Completed Coursework
Transmit the completed coursework to marygrovefinalassignments@teachscape.com. You must retain an electronic file of all coursework submitted. The College is not responsible for any lost coursework and will not return any of your coursework.

Indicate the term of your original registration and course number in the subject box of your e-mail and with the attached coursework (for example; W 2006, READ 500TCH). This is imperative to insure timely processing of your final grade.

Course Completion Deadline
All coursework must be completed and submitted electronically to Marygrove College no later than one (1) year from the start date of the course. Coursework not submitted by 12:00 midnight on the due date will be assigned a failing grade. Late submission requests must be made and approved by the Program Coordinator prior to the due date for the course. No exceptions will be made to this policy.

Academic Dishonesty
All members of the academic commuity at Marygrove College are expected to uphold the standards of academic honesty and integrity. Academic dishonesty includes such things as cheating on examinations, plagiarizing the work of others, and falsifying data or records. Such conduct may result in immediate dismissal from Marygrove College. Furthermore, Marygrove College students are expected to respect the integrity and personal rights of others and to allow for their educational progress at the College. Failure to do so may result in disciplinary action.

Request for Extension
Extensions will only be granted for extenuating circumstances. E-mail your request to the program coordinator, indicating all pertinent information (name, last 4 digits of your social security number, original coursework due date, course number(s)/course name(s) needing extension). Requests must be received prior to the course completion deadline. The fee for late submission is $100 per course. Once your request is received and approved, you will receive an e-mail confirmation from the program coordinator. Please include a copy of this confirmation when you submit your late fee.

Grade Determination
Each course will have its own grading rubric and evaluation criteria. Please consult the specific course syllabus for the grading scale. They are listed to the left.

Questions Concerning Grading
Questions concerning grading should be directed in writing to the Program Coordinator at Marygrove College. Include the following information: your name, the course number and name, term of registration and your email address. The evaluator assigned to your course will contact you directly via e-mail to resolve any questions.

Transcripts
Transcripts will be automatically mailed to the student’s address of record within four to six weeks of the receipt of coursework. Single grade reports are not sent. You may request an official copy of your transcript sent to your school district. The request must be received in writing in the Registrar’s Office. All transcript requests must be signed by the student. There is no charge for transcripts. Be sure to include your name, the last four digits of your SSN and the complete address where you would like the transcript sent. If your name has changed, please include the name used when you originally registered for the course. Please allow 10 working days for the processing of transcript requests.

Early Transcript Requests
Coursework is normally graded within a two-week period and an official grade report is sent immediately. Students requiring an expedited grading process must send a written request and check or money order, payable to Marygrove College, in the amount of $25. This request and fee must be received by the program coordinator prior to your work being submitted online. Your request must include your name, last 4-digits of your social security number, course number(s)/course name(s) and the specific address to where the early transcript must be sent. If you are taking multiple courses for one semester, one $25 early transcript fee will include all courses, including those taken in previous semesters. Requests received without a fee will not be processed.

Receiving Graduate Credit
These courses are approved for graduate credit by Marygrove College. Marygrove College is accredited by North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA).

Graduate credits may be applicable for certification/license renewal and/or salary advancement with prior approval from your state or school district. Students are responsible for checking with their states or school districts regarding the acceptance of these courses.

Marygrove College Contact Information
Transcripts
Registrar
Marygrove College
8425 W. McNichols Road
Detroit, MI 48221
Fax: (313) 927-1262

Late Submission Requests or Final Grade Questions
Program Coordinator: Donna Kerry
Phone: 888-236-1431
Fax: (313) 927-1753
E-mail: dkerry@marygrove.edu
Office hours: Mon. - Fri., 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Eastern time zone

Send Completed Coursework
marygrovefinalassignments@teachscape.com

Teachscape Contact Information
• Course registration
• Course start date
• Course cancellation
• Course withdrawal
• Course materials

Address:
71 Stevenson Street, 5th Floor
San Francisco, CA 94105
Toll free: 877-984-7277
Fax: (415) 344-0847
Email: courses@teachscape.com

Contact
Program Coordinator
Donna Kerry
Phone: 313.927.1276
Email: dkerry@marygrove.edu

Another way for teachers to take professional development/continuing education courses is what we call "distance learning" by watching DVD's of lessons. Marygrove is offering video graduate-level courses in partnership with Canter Laureate. The distance-learning model is based on an easy-to-use course study guide, informative DVD’s, readings from textbooks and journals, collaboration with colleagues, application of skills, written assignments, and submission of coursework

Course Areas
Each course offers three semester hours of graduate credit.

>> Policy & Procedures Winter '09 (pdf)

>> Policy & Procedures Summer '09 (pdf)

>> Application/Checklist/Cover Sheet Form (pdf)

Contact
Program Coordinator
Donna Kerry
Phone: 313.927.1276
Email:dkerry@marygrove.edu

The third option for teachers to take professional development courses is the traditional, in-classroom method. Marygrove offers more than 17 in-classroom, graduate-level courses that were designed by Performance Learning Systems (PLS).

>> Register for Courses online at www.plsweb.com.

Each course is worth three graduate credit hours.
You can choose from:

• Successful Teaching for Acceptance of Responsibility
• Bytes: Building your Technology Education and Skills
• Merging Educational Goals and Interactive Multimedia Projects - also online!
• Classroom Management: Orchestrating a Community of Learners - also online!
• Coaching Skills for Successful Teaching
• Building Communications and Teamwork in the Classrooms
• Brain Based Ways We Think and Learn
• Teaching through Learning Channels
• Achieving Student Outcomes through Cooperative Learning
• Discovering the Power of Live-Event Learning
• Teaching the Skills of the 21st Century - also online!
• Meaningful Activities to Generate Interesting Classrooms
• Purposeful Learning through Multiple Intelligences - also online!
• Designing Motivation for all Learners
• Differentiated Instruction for Today’s Classroom
• Learning to Read: Beginning Reading Instruction - also online!
• Reading to Learn: Comprehension Instruction - also online!

Plus many more possibilities!

Contact
General Information
Program Coordinator – Professional Development
Donna Kerry
Phone: 313.927.1276
Email:dkerry@marygrove.edu

Transcripts / Grade Reports
Registrar Coordinator
Raija Ruffin
Phone: 313. 927.1263
Email: rruffin@marygrove.edu

Course Registration
Students may register either online or via telephone.

Online Registration
To register for a PLS course, visit www.plsweb.com. Click onto either “onsite” or “online” classes. Click onto a course title. For onsite courses, you may enter your zip code to find convenient locations. When you have chosen a course, click onto “register now”. Online registrations will receive an instant e-mail confirmation.

Phone Registration
Phone registration is available by calling toll free (866) PLS-CLAS [866-757-2527].

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is your refund/cancel policy?
A. All registrations require a $50 non-refundable deposit per enrollment. Deposits may be transferred to a new course enrollment being offered in the same semester.

Q. Once my class is completed, when will I get my grade?
A. Within ten business days after the last class period, instructors must submit grades . Late grading will cause a delay in sending transcripts. PLS-Professional Development grade reports will be mailed within 24 -48 hours after grades are received for each class.

Q. Can I receive my grade earlier?
A. Students with a zero balance may mail or fax an early transcript request to the Registrar’s Office. The request should include name, student number, signature as well as the address to where they would like the early transcript mailed. The Registrar’s Fax number is (313)927-1262; the point of contact for transcripts is Raija Ruffin, Registrar Coordinator, (313)927-1263.

Q. Can I receive a letter of completion?
A. Marygrove College does not provide letters of completion.

Q. How do I register?
A. You may register on line (www.plsweb.com) or by calling toll free (866) 757-2527.

Q. How can I pay for classes?
A. Payment may be made by Visa, MasterCard, personal check or money order payable to Performance Learning Systems.

Q. Is there a minimum / maximum number of students allowed per class?
A. Minimum enrollment is twelve (12) students; maximum is thirty-five (35).

Q. If I have questions, whom should I contact?
A. For financial, course materials or location questions, please contact PLS at 1-866-757-2527. For all other questions, please contact the Program Coordinator, Donna Kerry at (313) 927-1276 or dkerry@marygrove.edu.

Here are some frequently asked questions students and prospective students have about Marygrove's online professional development for teachers courses.

Q. What is your refund/cancel policy?
A. Students will get a 100% refund if we are notified within two weeks (14 days) of registration. No refunds will be issued if you withdraw or cancel two weeks after the start date.

If you decide to cancel your course, send an email request to courses@teachscape.com and indicate the reason why you want to cancel your registration. Include your name and contact information in your email. Teachscape will acknowledge receipt of your request to cancel and process your cancellation. You will be eligible to receive 100% tuition refund. You will also need to return the materials you received to receive a materials refund minus shipping and handling.

Q. I prefer to use my PO box address. Why are you requiring a street address?
A. We use UPS for our shipments and they do not deliver to PO box addresses.

Q. What if I am currently using Teachscape as part of a Professional Development program?
A. Your graduate account is added to your existing account so you maintain a single login name and password.

Q. What should I expect after I turn in my assignments?
A. You will receive a transcript mailed to your address of record within 4 - 6 weeks of receipt of the coursework. No grade report will be mailed.

Q. I didn’t finish my work within the allowed period, what are my options?
A. You must request an extension to complete the course work. This must be done prior to the end of the course. Download and complete the course extension form. The late submission fee is $100. Mail to the Program Coordinator at Marygrove College. Extension requests received without payment will not be processed.

Q. When will I be notified of my grade?
A. Allow 4 - 6 weeks after you submit your coursework.

Q. If I have questions about my grade, who do I contact?
A. You can e-mail the program coordinator with your question. The evaluator assigned to your course will contact you directly via email to resolve any questions.

Q. How much time do I have to complete a course?
A. You have up to one year to complete the course. You may work on the sessions at your own pace. We have provided you with recommended timelines for completing the work, but the only requirement is that all work is completed and submitted within one year of initial registration.

Here are suggested guidelines with time expectations:

• If your goal is to complete in 8 weeks, then you should expect to spend 5 hours on task each week.
• If your goal is to complete in 16 weeks, then you should expect to spend 2-1/2 hours on task each week

Q. How will my assignments be evaluated?
A. Each assignment will be assessed against the rubrics provided. For each assignment, we have provided rubrics that outline what we are looking for in a well thought out and reflective response. You will find the rubric in the syllabus of your course.

Q. When do they start and when do they end?
A. Your start date will be determined at the time of registration. Normally, classes start every two weeks. You will receive an email informing you of your start date. You have up to one year from your start date to complete the course.

Q. How long do I have to complete the course?
A. One year.

Q. Can I withdraw from my course?
A. Yes. If you decide not to complete the course after the 2 week review period, you will need to officially withdraw from the course. You have 3 months from the course start date to withdraw. E-mail courses@teachscape.com to begin the withdrawal process. You will receive a grade of "W" (Withdrawn) for officially withdrawing. If you do not officially withdraw from the course, you will receive a failing (E) grade

Q. How do I request an official transcript?
A. To receive an official transcript, you must write or fax the Registrar at Marygrove College, 8425 West McNichols Rd., Detroit, MI 48221 or fax to (313) 927-1462. All transcript requests must be signed by you. There is no charge for transcripts. You must include your name, the last four digits of your SSN and the complete address where you want the transcript sent.