EDUC 1301: Blended Course
Introduction to the Teaching Profession

INSTRUCTOR

COURSE INFORMATION

Catalog Description
Education 1301 is designed for students who are considering teaching as a career. The course offers students an opportunity to examine their motives for becoming a teacher and learn what is required to become a certified teacher in the state of Texas. Students ill also explore and discuss the current culture of schooling and classrooms, as well as the governance and funding structure of American schools. A 16 hour field experience in the public school setting is required.

Prerequisite
ENGL 1301 with a grade of C or equivalent score

Required Textbook/Supplies

  • Teachers, Schools, and Society with Course CD-ROM (Sadker and Sadker, 7th ed.)
  • Blank CD-ROM

Method of Instruction
Methods used to deliver course content will include course lectures, field experience, media observations, and discussion forums.

Course Website
The EDUC 1301 website is available through WebCT. This website contains all information related to the course such as the Syllabus, Weekly Schedule, chapter quizzes, and course tests. Access to the course website is only available to officially registered students.

Course Content

  • requirements for becoming a teacher in Texas;
  • characteristics of effective teachers;
  • effective teaching methods;
  • the four domains of the Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities Standards
  • issues and challenges surrounding teaching as a profession;
  • social challenges that impact students and schools;
  • the importance of diversity, equality, and social justice in delivering high-quality education for all students; teaching practices that are culturally relevant;
  • organizational structure of schools, from the local level to the federal level;
  • key sources of funding for public schools and issues related to over-reliance on any one of these sources.
Learning Outcomes
Performance Objectives
(& Measures)
Students will understand the basic requirements for becoming a certified teacher in Texas. 1. Students will maintain a journal to demonstrate their understanding of the four domains of the Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities Standards. A score of 70% or better is required to show mastery of this outcome.*

2. Using a valid 2+2 Agreement or an AAT degree plan, students will document their personal course requirements for transfer to a teacher preparation program at a four year institution. A score of 70% or better is required to show mastery of this requirement.*
Students will gain an understanding of effective teaching practices and the issues and challenges surrounding teaching as a profession.

1. Students will participate in a 16 hour field experience with varied and diverse student populations.

a) Students will complete observation forms after each observation hour to document effective teaching practices, student behaviors, and knowledge of other course content. A score of 70% or better is required to show mastery of this outcome. b) Students will write a reflective paper at the end of the field experience to demonstrate their understanding of effective teaching practices and issues and challenges surrounding teaching. A score of 70% or better is required to show mastery of this outcome.* 2. Students will view and respond to media observations, participate in discussion forums, and complete four examinations over the textbook material. 70% or better is required to show mastery of this outcome.*

*All written responses must be well written and reflect the student's ability to communicate effectively as per Domain 4 of the Texas Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities Standards.

Course Requirements and Grade Computation
Students' final grade will be determined by:

  • Textbook Assessments (40%)
    There will be four examinations over the material covered in the course textbooks. All examinations will be administered on one of the required class sessions. Refer to the Examinations link for specific test dates.

  • Field-experience Activities (30%):Students are required to participate in 16 observation hours in P-12 schools with varied and diverse student populations. As part of the field experience, students will complete an observation assignment for each classroom visit and one summary paper. Detailed information about this component is available in Web CT to officially registered students.

  • Media Observations and Discussion Forums (30%):
    Students will     view and respond to media observations from the course CD-ROM and participate in discussion forums. Detailed information about the assignments is available in the detailed weekly calendar in Web CT.

ACADEMIC POLICIES

Attendance Policy
In addition to attending all mandatory class sessions, students will be required to submit one or more assignments on a weekly basis. Attendance will be taken based on this regular participation. Two weeks of non-participation may result in withdrawal from the course.

Make-up Policy

  • Exams: administered only under special circumstances at the discretion of the instructor.
  • Field-experience Activities: a 10 point penalty for every day an assignment is late, for up to three days after the due date; assignments not turned in within that time period will merit a grade of zero.
  • Media Observations and Discussion Forums: late work not accepted for assignments in this category.  This policy is firm.

There are no extra credit assignments for this course so it is important to stay up-to-date with all assignments. For emergency situations, contact the instructor.

Requirements for Written Assignments
Written assignments will be graded for content, but errors in grammar, punctuation, and spelling will impact the final assessment. Use grammar check and spell check to edit carefully; consider utilizing the services of the tutors in the Student Learning Center (SLAC) in MLC 726 and the English Department (733-2503, GH 118 and 120).

"Hard" copies of assignments need to be typed or word processed. The heading needs to be placed on the upper right hand corner of the paper and should include your name, course/section number, the date, the title of assignment. Any bibliographic references to course readings or outside sources need to be cited using APA format (see links below). Assignments submitted electronically, must be completed in Microsoft Word (.doc), or RTF. Please note that I am unable to accept Works (.wps).

All submissions must be completed in Microsoft word (.doc), or RTF and sent as attachments to my email address: sybarra@mail.accd.edu. Please note that I am unable to accept Works (.wps).  ALWAYS make a copy of your work before submitting it.

APA Links:

http://webster.commnet.edu/apa/index.htm

http://www.apastyle.org/

Academic Dishonesty Policy
Students may be subject to disciplinary proceedings resulting in an academic penalty or disciplinary penalty for academic dishonesty. Academic Dishonesty includes, but is not limited to, cheating on a test, plagiarism and collusion. For additional information refer to the "Student Code of Conduct" in the San Antonio College Bulletin.

ACADEMIC RESOURCES

Computers on Campus
Ideally, students will have easy access to the required computer hardware and software to successfully complete this course. However, in the event of a system failure, students should consider using the computers in the locations noted below. To access SAC, go to the link for driving directions and campus maps, click on this link for Driving Directions and this link for Campus Maps.

For Internet Access and Research
Student Assistance Learning Center (SLAC) - Located on the 7th floor of the Moody Learning Center, room 726. Students need a 3.5" diskette; and must present a bill marked "Paid" for the current semester and a SAC ID.

Internet Skills Center - Located on the 4th floor of the Moody Learning Center, room 400B.

For Email
Loftin Student Center

Student Assistance Learning Center (SLAC)

Tutoring
Students' first source for help should be the instructor, but additional assistance can be found through tutors at the SLAC Lab in MLC 726. Although the tutors accept walk-ins, people who make appointments, get first priority. Also, tutors for certain classes have specific schedules, so it's best to make an appointment. Additionally, students may utilize the resources in the English Department (733-2503, GH 118 and 120) for assistance in editing written assignments.

COLLEGE POLICIES

ADA Statement
As per Section 504 of the Vocational Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities ACT (ADA) of 1990, if accommodation is needed, students must make the request through the Office of Disabled Student Services, CAC 124C, Phone: 733-2347.

Children on Campus Policy
According to The San Antonio College Catalog and The San Antonio College Student Handbook, "Students are urged not to bring children to either a class or a lab. Minors under the age of 12 must not be left unattended on campus." Should you need to come to campus, please be mindful of this important college policy.

Cell Phone/Pager Policy
Should you come to campus, turn off all telecommunication tools, particularly in study areas.

Code of Conduct
Students must also abide by the policies, procedures, and rules set forth in the "Student Code of Conduct." See the San Antonio College Bulletin for the full text of the "Code." http://www.accd.edu/sac/sacmain/schedule/SAC_Bulletin_05-06.pdf

For an internet course, students must be particularly mindful of "Nettiquette." For more information on this topic, go to Nettiquette.EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS
ACCD DPS Emergency Number - 222-0911
ACCD DPS General Phone - 208-8099
ACCD DPS Weather Phone - 208-8189 (for information on college closures)