syllabus - Faculty Home Pages - Kutztown University

EDU 100
PERSPECTIVES ON AMERICAN EDUCATION
Instructor:
Patricia Walsh Coates
Phone #: 610 683-4289
E-mail:
coates@kutztown.edu
Office:
238 Beekey Education Center
COURSE OBJECTIVE: A problem centered approach to the historical, philosophical, and sociological
foundations, as well as the organization of the American educational system. This course will examine the impact
that society, culture and politics has on the development of public education and what the status of public education
is today.
REQUIRED TEXTS: Johnson, Dupuis, Musial, Hall, Gollnick (2010)
Introduction to the Foundations of American Education, 15 th edition.
CLASS EXPECTATION: You will be expected to
• read for each class the assigned chapter and supplemental readings
• attend class on a regular basis
• attend class on the day of an exam.
• participate in all class discussions
• turn in writing assignments on the assigned day
GRADING: Final grades will tentatively be based on the following:
1. PHILOSOPHY OF EDUCATION (25% of your grade): Two - three page writing assignment. The
paper is designed to assist you in forming your own ideology on the teaching profession. You will
work on formulating ideas for the paper throughout the course of the semester. This assignment will
be turned into Taskstream and is the core assessment for the course.
2. FOUR QUIZZES (20% of your grade): There will be four unit quizzes throughout the semester.
These quizzes will be multiple choice format and will only cover the chapters in the specific unit. To
pass these assessments, it is mandatory that you read the chapters for each week. Sample quizzes are
available on the book website.
3. SCHOOL AND SOCIETY OUTLINE/PRESENTATION (25% of your grade): Library research
assignments and presentations will be assigned and presented throughout the course of the semester in
your home groups.
4. REFLECTION ON DIVERSITY QUESTIONS (10% of your grade): You are required to read the
Reflection on Diversity questions for assigned chapters and fully answer each question in paragraph
form. Due on assigned day.
5. EDUCATION IN THE NEWS QUESTIONS/REFLECTIONS (10% of your grade) You are
required to read the Education in the News articles for assigned chapters and fully answer each
question in paragraph form. Due on assigned day.
6.
7. CLASS PARTICIPATION (10% of your grade): This grade will be based on active participation in
discussions/ small writing assignments. Your participation in class discussions and activities is crucial
to your understanding course material. Attendance will be taken every class to ensure solid
participation.

TESTING/WRITING POLICY: All written work that is handed in for a grade must be typed, double spaced, and
with proper 1 inch borders. Deductions will be made for grammatical or mechanical errors. The Philosophy of
Education essay will be dropped on letter grade for each calendar day it is late. Tests must be taken on the assigned
date unless prior arrangements have been made with me. If you do not come to class on the scheduled day of an
exam, the make up exam is automatically dropped 50%. Please make sure you have a #2 pencil and a 100 question
scantron sheet on the day of an exam.
GENERAL INFORMATION:
• If you are having difficulty in class, please make arrangements to meet with me. My office is open to
you if you are struggling with an assignment or course content.
• We at Kutztown University wish to make accommodations for persons with disabilities. Please make
your needs known by contacting the Office of Services for Students with Disabilities. Sufficient notice
is needed in order to make accommodations possible. The University desires to comply with the ADA
of 1990.
• KU has a tutoring center on the first floor of Beekey Building that will assist you if you have difficulty
with course material. Also, there is a student mentoring program – we can all use a little help now and
then so please take advantage of this. Furthermore, there is a writing lab in Old Main.
• One of the goals of this class is to get you to think about education and the type of teacher you want to
become. Much of this class will be based on modeling techniques that you can possibly use when you
have your own classroom. I cannot emphasize how important it is for you to participate in class
discussions and activities.
• Visit http://wps.ablongman.com/ab_johnson_introfound_15 for extra text material and on-line tests
COURSE OUTLINE:
Teachers and Schools:
Chapter 1:
Teaching in a Changing World
• Education in the News “Heroes Every One”
• Reflect on Diversity “Student Bullying”
Chapter 9:
Organizing and Paying for Education
You are required to read the Reflection on Diversity and Education in the News and complete questions for assigned
chapters and fully answer each question in paragraph form.
* Quiz #1: Chapter 1 & Chapter 9
* Chapter 1: Education in the News & Reflect on Diversity
History of Public Education:
Chapter 2:
The Early History of Education in a Changing World
• Education in the News “Teaching Patriotism – With Conviction ”
• Reflect on Diversity “Religious Beliefs in the Classroom”

Chapter 3:
Historical Perspectives of Education
• Education in the News “History of the Federal Role in Education ”
* Quiz #2: Chapter 2 & Chapter 3
* Chapter 2: Education in the News &Reflect on Diversity
* Chapter 3: Education in the News
Philosophy of Education:
Chapter 4:
Chapter 5:
Philosophy: Reflections on the Essence of Education
Building an Educational Philosophy in a Changing World
• Education in the News “Ethical Minds and Technology”
• Reflect on Diversity “Classroom Management”
Chapter 6:
Place of School in Society
• Reflect on Diversity “Make Me Learn”
* Quiz #3: Chapter 4 & Chapter 5 & Chapter 6
* Chapter 5: Education in the News & Reflect on Diversity
* Chapter 6: Reflect on Diversity
Student Diversity:
Chapter 7:
Diversity in Society and Schools
• Education in the News “Fort Students, Diversity Still is Daily Lesson ”
• Reflect on Diversity “Teaching the Truth”
Chapter 8:
Students and their Families
• Education in the News “Grant from Toyota Funds Program at Elementary Schools ”
• Reflect on Diversity “Why Bother”
* Quiz #4: Chapter 7 & Chapter 8
* Chapter 7: Education in the News & Reflect on Diversity
* Chapter 8: Education in the News & Reflect on Diversity