EDU 210 - Foundations of Education

1. Analyze the historical events and individuals that have influenced the development of American Education.
   1. Identify individuals from past centuries that have made significant contributions to education.
   2. Illustrate the differences between early American Education and the current education system.
   3. Discuss early educational laws and policies and how/if they are still impacting education today.
2. Examine the professional aspects of teaching.
   1. Summarize the variety of roles a teacher has both at school and in the community.
   2. Describe ways a teacher can participate in professional development and the importance this has on quality instruction and teaching.
   3. Demonstrate an understanding of effective school characteristics that focus on improved student outcomes.
   4. Explain ways to effectively collaborate with administrators, colleagues, parents, and community members.
   5. Summarize the requirements needed to become a teacher including entrance and exit exams, GPA, and practicum/student teaching experiences.
3. Outline the governance, organization and support of the American Education system.
   1. Explain the organizational structure of the American public school.
   2. Discuss the support and funding provided to schools at a local, state, and federal level.
   3. Describe past and current trends in educational reform and how they impact teaching.
4. Investigate the legal aspects of teaching in the political structure of the American School.
   1. Review significant educational laws and the role they have played in the development of American Education.
   2. Discuss the importance of a professional code of ethics as it relates to teachers and administrators.
   3. Compare the legal rights and responsibilities of teachers and students including their right to “due process.”
   4. Examine teacher’s legal restrictions and freedoms.
5. Develop an appreciation for pedagogy as it relates to classroom management and instruction.
   1. Identify various instructional strategies used to achieve an optimal learning environment for all students.
   2. Compare various types of curriculum and effective ways to implement them.
   3. Describe ways educators differentiate instruction to accommodate student’s social, physical and cognitive differences.
   4. Discuss your current strengths in teaching as well as areas you want to grow in professionally.
   5. Compare various methods of assessing student achievement and the importance of using multiple methods to get the best overview of student learning.
6. Summarize Educational Philosophies and the influence they have on teaching.
   1. Name and explain the schools of philosophy.
   2. Identify various educational philosophies and their influence on classroom instruction.
   3. Develop and articulate a personal philosophy of education.
7. Explain the influence societal issues have on American Education.
   1. Develop an appreciation for the complicity and diversity of the American student population.
   2. Discuss the changing structure of the American Family and the impact it has on children and education.
   3. Express ways to create a classroom environment accepting to all students.
8. Assess changes to the American Education system as well as your future involvement in this career field.
   1. Explore challenges facing today’s educator such as restructuring schools, funding, meeting diverse learning needs, curriculum changes and the utilization of new technology.
   2. Predict future educational innovations and their impact on students, administrators, teachers, parents and communities.
   3. Defend your decision to continue the pursuit of a career in teaching or your decision to choose a different career path.