EDU 213 - Intro to Education

1. Gain an appreciation for the future of American education
   1. Explore challenges facing today’s educators such as restructuring the schools, financing public education, meeting diverse learning needs, modernizing the curriculum and utilization of new technology
   2. Examine the changing purpose of American education
   3. Examine educational innovations, their impact on students, administrators, teachers, parents and communities
2. Define basic terms, and concepts that have influenced the development of the American school system
3. Analyze the major events and factors influencing the development of the American school system
   1. Examine the development of modern American education from its roots in European civilization, with a focus on unique American characteristics
   2. Investigate the philosophical and sociological aspects of American education in relationship to American society
4. Develop an appreciation for the complexity and diversity of the American student population
   1. Explore changing American family lifestyles and their impact on children and education
   2. Develop an awareness of multicultural and gender equity concerns/issues which affect learning
   3. Scrutinize current laws and legal responsibilities of teaching, including PL94-142 and the impact of such laws on exceptional learners
5. Develop an appreciation for the variety of tasks involved in teaching
   1. Examine effective schools research and its impact on effective teaching practices
   2. Identify effective teaching practices utilized by teachers, including classroom management and discipline practices, from observing actual classroom situations
   3. Investigate professionalism in teaching, including professional affiliations, continuing education curriculum development, mentoring and peer coaching
   4. Value the need for teachers to be proficient in developing new technologies and innovations
6. Examine the structure of the American schools, its organization and personnel
7. Explore curriculum, including orientations, development and patterns found in pre-schools, elementary and secondary schools
8. Show an understanding and appreciation of Effective Schools’ characteristics that focus on improved student outcomes
9. Explore the legal aspects of teaching in the political structure of American schools
   1. Examine legislative implications for education
   2. Examine the teacher’s legal restrictions and freedoms
   3. Investigate the evolution of the rights and responsibilities of American students, including their right to “due process.”
10. Develop a personal philosophy of education
    1. Explore ideas about teaching in relation to the major themes in American educational history
    2. Explore one’s own ideas about education in light of the dominant educational philosophies and theories
11. Reach a clearer career decision about teaching and personal aspirations in the field