● 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

This course examines the role of the school in a democratic society with an emphasis on educational equity. Students will explore the reciprocal relationship of schools and society and the impact an understanding of student learning has on school structures. Additionally, students will practice observational research to develop their understanding of how students interact with one another, their school setting, and their learning.

Lateness of the submission will be determined by D2L. Please understand that D2L does not consider holidays or weekends and so do I. For example, if the due date of a particular assignment were 11:59pm, 6/5/2022, and you submitted the assignment at 12:00am, 6/6/2022, the D2L dropbox will mark your assignment as ONE day late. I will go by the D2L decision and will consider your assignment as ONE day late. To avoid missing the due date by such hairline margins, I advise you to submit the assignment well ahead. 

25% off per day per assignment (including Saturday and Sunday). This is ONLY for written paper assignments. 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, quizzes, surveys, or zoom meetings! All this is non-negotiable!!! If there are any issues/confusions, contact me BEFORE the assignment is due.

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.

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.