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.

 Satisfactory completion of the course will document that students have demonstrated the ability to:

1.  Explain and give examples of how changes in our country’s political economy and ideology have impacted public schools.

2.  Build his/her personal educational philosophy, based on information from Aristotle to contemporary influences.

3.  Explain and give examples of instructional techniques effective with all learners.

4.  Explain and give examples from the Texas Pedagogy and Professional Responsibility Standards (EC-Grade12).

5.  Explain and give examples from the Texas Code of Ethics and Standard Practices for Professional Educators.

6.  Promote learner-centered instruction as preferable to teacher-centered instruction.

7.  Explore equity in the classroom.

8.  Implement choices and differentiation assignments in the classroom.

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

see syllabus attachment

See syllabus attachment

·        Because of the absence of in class collaboration and face-to-face communication, participation in the discussion boards is crucial to the successful completion of this course.

Participation and Late Work Policy

Please complete all assignments on time. Assignments and Exams will be deducted by 25% for each late day. Complete readings prior to class schedule to ensure participation in course related content and activities. 

Participation Policy - (Read Welcome Letter on Course Home Page —D2L)

• Although the course requires a thorough understanding of the readings and assignments, online discussions will provide the basis for learning and assessment.

• Because of the absence of in class collaboration and face-to-face communication, participation in the discussion boards is crucial to the successful completion of this course.

• Instructor Drop. An instructor may drop a student any time during the semester for excessive absences or failure to participate in online classes, for consistently failing to meet class assignments, for an indifferent attitude, or for disruptive conduct. The instructor must give the student a verbal or written warning prior to dropping the student from the class. An instructor’s drop of a student takes precedence over the student-initiated course drop at a later date. The instructor will assign a grade of either WF or F through the first 8 weeks of a long semester, the first 6 weeks of a 10 week summer term, or the 11th class day of a 4 or 5 week summer term consisting of 20 days. After these periods 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.

• Please complete all assignments on time. Assignments will be deducted by 25% for each late day. Complete readings prior to class schedule to ensure participation in course-related content and activities. 

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.

All students seeking a Bachelor's degree from Midwestern State University must satisfy a writing proficiency requirement once they've 1) passed the 6 hours of Communication Core and 2) earned 60 hours. Students may meet this requirement in one of three ways: by passing the Writing Proficiency Exam, passing two Writing Intensive Courses (only one can be in the core), or passing English 2113. If you have any questions about the exam, visit the Writing Proficiency Office website at https://msutexas.edu/academics/wpr, or call 397-4131.

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.