●      Students will be able to explain and give examples of how changes in our country’s political economy and ideology have impacted public schools.

●      Each student will begin to build his/her personal educational philosophy, based on information from Aristotle to contemporary influences.

●      Students will be able to explain and give examples of instructional techniques effective with all learners.

●      Each student will be able to explain and give examples from the Texas Beginning Educator Support System (TxBESS).

●      Students will be able to explain and give examples from the Texas Code of Ethics and Standard Practices for Professional Educators.

●      Students will promote learner centered instruction as preferable to teacher centered instruction.

●      Each student will “sell” the desirability of equity in the classroom.

●      Students will become salespersons for choices and differentiation assignments in the classroom.

●      When presented with current issues, students will encourage an analysis of both sides of the issue.

Attendance

Students are expected to attend all meetings of the classes in which they are enrolled. Although in general students are graded on intellectual effort and performance rather than attendance, absences may lower the student’s grade where class attendance and class participation are deemed essential by the faculty member.

Students should participate in all class activities of this course. It is important that students should meet all the deadlines as posted. In case of any emergency situation (like death or illness in family and so on) it is important that the student should report the same to the professor in a timely manner. It is your course and the primary intention should be to reach the goals and acquire proficiency in the topics discussed in the course. Although in general students are graded on intellectual effort and performance rather than attendance, absences may lower the student’s grade where class attendance and class participation are deemed essential.

Excessive tardiness or absence (as determined by the professor), disruptive online attitude, or failure to consistently class requirements might result in instructor-drop, if required. Student will be dropped from the class after 5 absences when there has been no communication from the student. It is the candidate’s responsibility to make up any missed work. Being repeatedly late for class will also result in a grade reduction regardless of other marks. Tardiness will result in loss of classroom disposition points and three instances of tardy arrival will be counted as one absence.

Any student who misses class (for any reason) remains responsible for contacting other students to obtain class In the event that a class member is absent, for whatever reason, that individual assumes responsibility for contacting the instructor to account for missed work and to turn in work. It is impossible to provide a summary of all that takes place during any given class via email. If a student is going to be absent, they have the responsibility to contact the instructor to turn in assignments and obtain copies of any handouts from the missed class. Tentative assignment due dates are listed on the course schedule. While the actual due dates may vary due to the flow of the class, all assignment due dates will be finalized and announced in class well in advance of the specific date. Late work, unless arrangements are made by the student and approved in advance by the instructor, will not be accepted for full credit.

Instructor Drop

As per the College policies, an instructor may drop a student any time during the semester for excessive absences, for consistently failing to meet class assignments, for an indifferent attitude, or for disruptive conduct. Instructor will give the student a verbal or written warning prior to dropping the student from the class. The instructor-drop take precedence over the student-initiated course drop of a later date. The instructor will assign a grade of either WF or F through the first 8 weeks of this semester. After this period, the grade will be an F. The date the instructor drop form is received in the Office of the Registrar is the official drop date.

Computer Requirements

Taking this class requires you to have access to a computer (with Internet access) to complete and upload your assignments. It is your responsibility to have (or have access to) a working computer in this class. Assignments are due by the due date, and personal computer technical difficulties will not be considered a reason for the instructor to allow students extra time to submit assignments, tests, or discussion postings. Computers are available on campus in various areas of the buildings as well as the Academic Success Center. Your computer being down is not an excuse for missing a deadline!!

Instructor Classroom Policies

Students are expected to assist in maintaining a classroom environment which is conducive to learning. In order to assure that all students have the opportunity to gain from time spent in class, unless otherwise approved by the instructor, students are prohibited from engaging in any form of distraction—this includes, but is not limited to, pagers and cell phones. In the classroom, cell-phones need to be put away so that they do not disrupt the learning environment for you and others.

Actions and behavior should reflect professionalism. Non-compliance with classroom polices will result in loss of points for that particular assignment or meeting. Inappropriate behavior or dressing in the classroom shall result, minimally, in a request to leave class and a Professional Fitness Form will be filed for review with the college. If the instructor must file a Fitness Alert Form for any reason, including failure to demonstrate appropriate teaching dispositions, the student may receive an instructor drop with an "F" for the course

Cheating, collusion, and plagiarism (the act of using source material of other persons, either published or unpublished, without following the accepted techniques of crediting, or the submission for credit of work not the individuals to whom credit is given) will not be considered. I use turnitin for the written assignments and D2L directly syncs with it (you do not have to do anything). You will be able to see the plagiarism percentage and are welcome to make changes and resubmit BEFORE the due date. Any plagiarism of 30% and above is too much and the assignment will not be graded, given a zero, and no make-up allowed!!!

Late Work 

25% off per day per assignment (including Saturday and Sunday). So, if the assignment is for 100 points, you can make a maximum score of 75 after one day, 50 after two days, 25 after three days, and zero after 4 days if all your answers are correct. There is NO late work on any chapter or ethic quizzes! All this is non-negotiable!!! If there are any issues/confusions, contact me BEFORE the assignment is due (at least 48 to 24 hours before the assignment is due). Time shown as on D2L or email will be followed.

NOTE: Computer or D2L issues do not provide an excuse. Extensive use of the MSU D2L program is a part of this course. Each student is expected to be familiar with D2L as it provides a primary source of communication regarding assignments, examination materials, and general course information. You can log into D2L through the MSU Homepage. If you have trouble, please contact the technicians listed for the program or contact your instructor. Do not wait until the last minute to submit the assignment. Delays or sending through email will be counted late!

Note: You may not submit a paper for a grade in this class that already has been (or will be) submitted for a grade in another course, unless you obtain the explicit written permission of me and the other instructor involved in advance.

Plagiarism is the use of someone else's thoughts, words, ideas, or lines of argument in your own work without appropriate documentation (a parenthetical citation at the end and a listing in "Works Cited")-whether you use that material in a quote, paraphrase, or summary. It is a theft of intellectual property and will not be tolerated, whether intentional or not.

Student Honor Creed

As an MSU Student, I pledge not to lie, cheat, steal, or help anyone else do so."

As students at MSU, we recognize that any great society must be composed of empowered, responsible citizens. We also recognize universities play an important role in helping mold these responsible citizens. We believe students themselves play an important part in developing responsible citizenship by maintaining a community where integrity and honorable character are the norm, not the exception.

Thus, We, the Students of Midwestern State University, resolve to uphold the honor of the University by affirming our commitment to complete academic honesty. We resolve not only to be honest but also to hold our peers accountable for complete honesty in all university matters.

We consider it dishonest to ask for, give, or receive help in examinations or quizzes, to use any unauthorized material in examinations, or to present, as one's own, work or ideas which are not entirely one's own. We recognize that any instructor has the right to expect that all student work is honest, original work. We accept and acknowledge that responsibility for lying, cheating, stealing, plagiarism, and other forms of academic dishonesty fundamentally rests within each individual student.

We expect of ourselves academic integrity, personal professionalism, and ethical character. We appreciate steps taken by University officials to protect the honor of the University against any who would disgrace the MSU student body by violating the spirit of this creed.

Written and adopted by the 2002-2003 MSU Student Senate.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights protection for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Disability Support Services in Room 168 of the Clark Student Center, (940) 397-4140.

The professor considers this classroom to be a place where you will be treated with respect as a human being - regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, political beliefs, age, or ability. Additionally, diversity of thought is appreciated and encouraged, provided you can agree to disagree. It is the professor's expectation that ALL students consider the classroom a safe environment.

All instructors in the Department have voicemail in their offices and MSUTexas e-mail addresses. Make sure you add your instructor's phone number and e-mail address to both email and cell phone lists of contacts.

Obligation to Report Sex Discrimination under State and Federal Law

Midwestern State University is committed to providing and strengthening an educational, working, and living environment where students, faculty, staff, and visitors are free from sex discrimination of any kind. State and federal law require University employees to report sex discrimination and sexual misconduct to the University’s Office of Title IX. As a faculty member, I am required to report to the Title IX Coordinator any allegations, personally observed behavior, or other direct or indirect knowledge of conduct that reasonably may constitute sex discrimination or sexual misconduct, which includes sexual assault, sexual harassment, dating violence, or stalking, involving a student or employee. After a report is made, the office of Title IX will reach out to the affected student or employee in an effort to connect such person(s) with resources and options in addressing the allegations made in the report. You are also encouraged to report any incidents to the office of Title IX. You may do so by contacting:

Laura Hetrick

Title IX Coordinator
Sunwatcher Village Clubhouse
940-397-4213

laura.hetrick@msutexas.edu

You may also file an online report 24/7 at Maxient 

Should you wish to visit with someone about your experience in confidence, you may contact the MSU Counseling Center at 940-397-4618. For more information on the University’s policy on Title IX or sexual misconduct, please visit MSU Texas Title IX

Senate Bill 11 passed by the 84th Texas Legislature allows licensed handgun holders to carry concealed handguns on campus, effective August 1, 2016. Areas excluded from concealed carry are appropriately marked, in accordance with state law. For more information regarding campus carry, please refer to the University’s webpage at https://msutexas.edu/campus-carry/rules-policies.

If you have questions or concerns, please contact MSU Chief of Police at police@msutexas.edu.