Objectives

·        Students will be able to explain and give examples of how changes in our country’s laws and regulations have impacted public schools.

·        Students examine the varied views on the purpose of education and will be able to explain and give examples of how schools work to shape society.

·        Each student will begin to build his/her personal educational philosophy.

·        Students will be able to explain and give examples of instructional techniques.

·        Students will develop observational skills as a research technique and demonstrate ability to apply this technique to draw conclusions.

·        Students will interpret state school testing data and discuss what it means about student learning.

·        Students will identify and interpret comparative data regarding schools from other countries and schools from the US and make an argument regarding strengths and areas of opportunities in those schools.

·        Students will examine laws related to schools and how they relate to laws that apply to larger society.

·        Students will promote learner-centered instruction as preferable to teacher-centered instruction.

Attendance

Students are expected to be on time and in attendance at every class, and to

stay for the entire class. Tardiness, leaving early, and excessive absences are

considered evidence of lack of dependability, and are taken seriously.

In a three-hour course such as this, any more absences than two are

considered excessive. A fourth, seventh, or tenth absence from class will each

result in the reduction of one letter grade for the final grade in this class.

It is the student’s responsibility to make up any missed work. Being repeatedly

late for class will also result in a grade reduction regardless of other marks.

Any student who misses class (for any reason) remains responsible for

contacting other students to obtain class information or assignments. If a class

member is absent, that individual assumes responsibility for contacting the

professor to account for missed work or 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, he or she has the responsibility to contact the

professor 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.

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.