School and Society
Catalog Description
Explores the relationship between schools and society. The readings, discussion, and reflections are designed to help aspiring teachers develop an understanding of the philosophical, historical, socio-cultural, and legal foundations of education.
Course Outcomes:
As a result of participating in this course, prospective teachers will be able to:
- identify and write about their personal opinions of current educational issues
- articulate a personal philosophy of education based upon their own experience and beliefs and their understanding of
- major philosophies of education
- engage in dialog about critical issues of education and pedagogy
- describe how school reform movements in the nation and in Oregon have influenced curriculum and instruction in today's schools
- apply school law in their professional practices
- identify major educational and social trends in the U.S. throughout the history of the United States
- understand and participate in the politics of education
- explain national and local issues of school governance and finance
Topical Outline
1. Critical Pedagogy
- Pedagogical values as social construction.
- Power, justice, and equity in schools and community.
2. Philosophies of education
- Classical philosophies.
- Basic philosophical issues and concepts.
- Major contemporary philosophies of education.
3. History and politics of education in the U.S.
- Development of formal schooling in the U.S.
- Current practices in historical context.
- Educational change and societal trends.
4. Education in global context
- Educational demands of living in a globalized society.
- Comparative national approaches to improving education.
5. Purposes of Schooling
- Conceptions of excellence in education.
6. Curriculum and the politics of education
7. School Reform
- The history of modern school reform
- Standards and standards-based education
- Nation at Risk, Goals 2000, and national standards
- Oregon School Reform, 21st Century Schools Act
8. School Culture and life
- Rules, rituals, routines.
- Teacher roles
- Peer groups
- Effective schools
- Sex equity, racial justice, students with special needs
9. School finance and governance
- The role of federal, state, and local governments.
- School law
- Least restrictive environments
- Civil rights, sex equity, racial justice
- Student and teacher rights and responsibilities
- Oregon tenure laws, grounds for dismissal, loss of license.
Assessment
Students will be assessed on their ability to develop a first draft of a personal philosophy of education for their Professional Portfolio which synthesizes information about philosophies and purposes of education and curriculum.
Students will be assessed on their ability to think critically about educational issues as evidenced by entries in their Reflective Journals.
Students will be assessed on their understanding of topical areas through written essays and oral presentations.
Students will be assessed on their ability to synthesize information about the purposes and philosophies of education, curriculum theory, and effective schools and apply it in the collaborative design of an ideal educational environment.