●       Learners are able to describe learning and thinking in elementary and middle science.

●       Learners will be able to develop curriculum and use effective instructional planning skills.

●       Learners will be able to develop appropriate assessment tools to assess students learning.

●       Learners will be able to use assessment data to design appropriate learning activities.

●       Learners will be able to develop lesson plans that involve students in an active learning environment.

●       Learners will be able to develop and implement effective teaching strategies.

●       Learners will be able to develop lesson plans/units that incorporate national standards in science and technology applications.

●       Learners will be able to develop lesson plans/units that incorporate state standards in science and technology applications.

●       Learners will be able to develop and implement learning environments that utilize various teaching/learning strategies.

●       Learners will be able to develop learning activities that involve the infusion of technology. 

Attendance

Absence Policy - Professional teachers are dependable, reliable, and responsible. Therefore, candidates 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 (3) are considered evidence of lack of dependability, and are taken seriously. Candidates will receive a grade of F on the third absence. If a candidate is taking ‘blocked’ courses that are taught at a Professional Development School, requiring field experience, the candidate will be dropped with an F from those classes as well.

 After an absence from the course it is imperative that a student schedule an appointment with the course instructor to discuss attendance. Failure to schedule and attend a conference will result in the loss of classroom participation and disposition points and also in grade being lowered by one letter. It is the candidate’s responsibility to make up for any missed work. It is also expected that you will complete all course field experience hours in a professional manner. Professional conduct is expected when observing or participating in school settings (e.g., dressing appropriately, arriving on time, remaining for the entire pre-arranged time, not canceling, and demonstrating respect in all interactions with young people, parents, teachers, and staff). If you must miss your field experience for any reason, you are expected to call the school and the teacher you are working with before school begins for the day. You must also contact the course instructor by e-mail or phone to let me know you will not be present and arrange a time with me when we can discuss the most appropriate way to make up that absence.  Excessive tardiness (determined by the professor) can be defined as an absence and subject to the absentee policy. Three instances of tardy arrival will be counted as one absence.

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 takes 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.

Class Participation

Students should participate in all 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 attitude, or failure to consistently class requirements might result in instructor-drop, if required. 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.

Each student brings a unique perspective and life experience to the learning environment and is expected to actively and thoughtfully participate by making pertinent contributions. All students are expected to read assignments and be prepared to discuss them. Note that you are provided with focus questions that are designed to structure your reading of the assigned texts. Moreover, additional readings may be assigned by the course instructor. Participating in class discussions and following expectations is a part of grade. Please come to class with questions or issues from the reading that you found central or worthy of further exploration. Students may also be asked to do activities and exercises related to the assigned readings or to lead discussions on a topic or reading. You will have many opportunities to participate in class and on D2L, and such is a very important part of this course.

Online Computer Requirements

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 or during virtual meetings, cell-phones need to be put away so that they do not disrupt the learning environment for you and others. Inappropriate behavior 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

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.

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!!!

Appendix A: Standards/Competencies

WCOE Standards

The outcomes for graduates of professional programs are based upon knowledge, skills, and dispositions in the following elements:

●      Learner Development - understand how learners grow and develop, recognizing that patterns of learning and development vary individually within and across the cognitive, linguistic, social, emotional, and physical areas, and design and implements developmentally appropriate and challenging learning experiences.

●      Learning Differences -understand individual differences and diverse cultures and communities to ensure inclusive learning environments that enable each learner to meet high standards.

●      Learning Environment - work with others to create environments that support individual and collaborative learning, and that encourage positive social interaction, active engagement in learning, and self-motivation.

●      Content Knowledge - understand the central concepts, tools of inquiry, and structures of the discipline(s) he or she teaches and creates learning experiences that make the discipline accessible and meaningful for learners to assure mastery of the content.

●      Application of Content - understand how to connect concepts and use differing perspectives to engage learners in critical thinking, creativity, and collaborative problem solving related to authentic local and global issues.

●      Assessment - understand and use multiple methods of assessment to engage learners in their own growth, to monitor learner progress, and to guide the teacher’s and learner’s decision making.

●      Planning for Instruction - plan instruction that supports every student in meeting rigorous learning goals by drawing upon knowledge of content areas, curriculum, cross-disciplinary skills, and pedagogy, as well as knowledge of learners and the community context.

●      Instructional Strategies - understand and use a variety of instructional strategies to encourage learners to develop deep understanding of content areas and their connections, and to build skills to apply knowledge in meaningful ways.

●      Professional Learning and Ethical Practice - engage in ongoing professional learning and use evidence to continually evaluate his or her practice, particularly the effects of his or her choices and actions on others (learners, families, other professionals, and the community), and adapts practice to meet the needs of each learner.

●      Leadership and Collaboration - seek appropriate leadership roles and opportunities to take responsibility for student learning, to collaborate with learners, families, colleagues, other school professionals, and community members to ensure learner growth, and to advance the profession.

Mathematics Generalist EC–6 Standards

●      Standard I. Number Concepts: The mathematics teacher understands and uses numbers, number systems and their structure, operations and algorithms, quantitative reasoning, and technology appropriate to teach the statewide curriculum (Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills [TEKS]) in order to prepare students to use mathematics.

●      Standard II. Patterns and Algebra: The mathematics teacher understands and uses patterns, relations, functions, algebraic reasoning, analysis, and technology appropriate to teach the statewide curriculum (Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills [TEKS]) in order to prepare students to use mathematics.

●      Standard III. Geometry and Measurement: The mathematics teacher understands and uses geometry, spatial reasoning, measurement concepts and principles, and technology appropriate to teach the statewide curriculum (Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills [TEKS]) in order to prepare students to use mathematics.

●      Standard IV. Probability and Statistics: The mathematics teacher understands and uses probability and statistics, their applications, and technology appropriate to teach the statewide curriculum (Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills [TEKS]) in order to prepare students to use mathematics.

●      Standard V. Mathematical Processes: The mathematics teacher understands and uses mathematical processes to reason mathematically, to solve mathematical problems, to make mathematical connections within and outside of mathematics, and to communicate mathematically.

●      Standard VI. Mathematical Perspectives: The mathematics teacher understands the historical development of mathematical ideas, the interrelationship between society and mathematics, the structure of mathematics, and the evolving nature of mathematics and mathematical knowledge.

●      Standard VII. Mathematical Learning and Instruction: The mathematics teacher understands how children learn and develop mathematical skills, procedures, and concepts, knows typical errors students make, and uses this knowledge to plan, organize, and implement instruction; to meet curriculum goals; and to teach all students to understand and use mathematics.

●      Standard VIII. Mathematical Assessment: The mathematics teacher understands assessment and uses a variety of formal and informal assessment techniques appropriate to the learner on an ongoing basis to monitor and guide instruction and to evaluate and report student progress.

●      Standard IX. Professional Development: The mathematics teacher understands mathematics teaching as a profession, knows the value and rewards of being a reflective practitioner, and realizes the importance of making a lifelong commitment to professional growth and development.

Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities Standards

DOMAIN I— DESIGNING INSTRUCTION AND ASSESSMENT TO PROMOTE STUDENT LEARNING

●      Competency 001: The teacher understands human developmental processes and applies this knowledge to plan instruction and ongoing assessment that motivate students and are responsive to their developmental characteristics and needs.

●      Competency 002: The teacher understands student diversity and knows how to plan learning experiences and design assessments that are responsive to differences among students and that promote all students’ learning.

●      Competency 003: The teacher understands procedures for designing effective and coherent instruction and assessment based on appropriate learning goals and objectives.

●      Competency 004: The teacher understands learning processes and factors that impact student learning and demonstrates this knowledge by planning effective, engaging instruction and appropriate assessments.

DOMAIN II—CREATING A POSITIVE, PRODUCTIVE CLASSROOM ENVIRONMENT

●      Competency 005: The teacher knows how to establish a classroom climate that fosters learning, equity, and excellence and uses this knowledge to create a physical and emotional environment that is safe and productive.

●      Competency 006: The teacher understands strategies for creating an organized and productive learning environment and for managing student behavior.

DOMAIN III—IMPLEMENTING EFFECTIVE, RESPONSIVE INSTRUCTION AND ASSESSMENT

●      Competency 007: The teacher understands and applies principles and strategies for communicating effectively in varied teaching and learning contexts.

●      Competency 008: The teacher provides appropriate instruction that actively engages students in the learning process.

●      Competency 009: The teacher incorporates the effective use of technology to plan, organize, deliver, and evaluate instruction for all students.

●      Competency 010: The teacher monitors student performance and achievement; provides students with timely, high-quality feedback; and responds flexibly to promote learning for all students.

DOMAIN IV—FULFILLING PROFESSIONAL ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

●      Competency 011: The teacher understands the importance of family involvement in children’s education and knows how to interact and communicate effectively with families.

●      Competency 012: The teacher enhances professional knowledge and skills by interacting effectively with other members of the educational community and participating in various types of professional activities.

●      Competency 013: The teacher understands and adheres to legal and ethical requirements for educators and is knowledgeable about the structure of education in Texas.

Attendance

Absence Policy - Professional teachers are dependable, reliable, and responsible. Therefore, candidates 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 (3) are considered evidence of lack of dependability, and are taken seriously. Candidates will receive a grade of F on the third absence. If a candidate is taking ‘blocked’ courses that are taught at a Professional Development School, requiring field experience, the candidate will be dropped with an F from those classes as well.

 After an absence from the course it is imperative that a student schedule an appointment with the course instructor to discuss attendance. Failure to schedule and attend a conference will result in the loss of classroom participation and disposition points and also in grade being lowered by one letter. It is the candidate’s responsibility to make up for any missed work. It is also expected that you will complete all course field experience hours in a professional manner. Professional conduct is expected when observing or participating in school settings (e.g., dressing appropriately, arriving on time, remaining for the entire pre-arranged time, not canceling, and demonstrating respect in all interactions with young people, parents, teachers, and staff). If you must miss your field experience for any reason, you are expected to call the school and the teacher you are working with before school begins for the day. You must also contact the course instructor by e-mail or phone to let me know you will not be present and arrange a time with me when we can discuss the most appropriate way to make up that absence.  Excessive tardiness (determined by the professor) can be defined as an absence and subject to the absentee policy. Three instances of tardy arrival will be counted as one absence.

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.

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 discussion boards or 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 be used.

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 experience difficulties, please contact the technicians listed for the program or contact your instructor. Do not wait till 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.