SYLLABUS FOR THEORIES AND PRACTICES IN MIDDLE SCHOOLS

Term: Fall, 1999 (991) August 30 – December 11, 1999

Course Number: EDU 426

Instructor: Dr. Samuel Wright

Office: Room # 509

Office Phone: 473-4263

E-mail: swright@ccsj.edu

Office Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 – 4:00

Course Time: Arranged

This course examines the theoretical, historical, psychological, and sociological foundations of the middle school concept. It also engages the teacher candidates to discover current practices by researching literature, conducting interviews, and engaging in school observations. Teacher candidates are challenged to conduct original research to determine "best practice" for an ideal middle school.

Education 300 or

Psychology 100

1. Teacher candidates will study and understand the intellectual development of middle school students.
2. Teacher candidates will familiarize themselves with the social and emotional development of middle school students.
3. Teacher candidates will gain an understanding of the middle school concept.
4. Teacher candidates will become knowledgeable about the middle school curriculum.
5. Teacher candidates will learn about being an advisor for middle school students.

If an instructor or other Calumet College of St. Joseph personnel find that a student has plagiarized or been involved in another form of academic dishonesty, the instructor or other personnel may elect to bring the matter up for judicial review. The maximum penalty for any form of academic dishonesty is dismissal from the College. The procedures for judicial review are listed under the section of CCSJ handbook that addresses student grievances.

Calumet College of St. Joseph adheres to citation guidelines as written in the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, Fourth Edition. A copy is available from the Calumet College of St. Joseph bookstore. This text outlines how to cite references from a variety of sources, including electronic media.

After the last day for class changes has passed (see College calendar), students may withdraw from a course in which they are registered with permission from the faculty member conducting the course. A written request detailing the reason(s) for the withdrawal must be filed with the Registrar. Written request for withdrawal must be received by the Registrar by the last day of classes prior to the final examination dates specified in the catalogue. Written requests may be mailed to the Registrar or faxed to the College fax number 219-473-4259. Students are to make note of the refund schedule when withdrawing from courses. The request is forwarded to the faculty member, who makes the final determination to accept or deny the request. If the request is honored, the student will receive notification of official withdrawal; if denied, the notification will indicate why the withdrawal is disallowed. Note: Degree Completion Division (DCD) students should consult the DCD Student Handbook for information on DCD withdrawals.

An official withdrawal is recorded as a "W" grade on the student's transcript. Dropping a course without written permission automatically incurs an "F" grade for the course (see Refund Schedule).

Each student will be graded using the following percentages:

60% Assignments

30% Class Participation

10% Class Attendance/Punctuality

A 100 – 90%

B 89 – 80%

C 79 – 70%

D 69 – 60%

F 59 – 0%

Please use the standards outlined in the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, 4^th Edition, Washington, 1994. This publication is available in the book store and the library.

As of the 1996-97 academic year, the Education Program at Calumet College is requiring teacher candidates to compile a professional portfolio prior to the student teaching course. The portfolio should contain example of professional development from student courses and learning experiences. Many of the projects required for this course could become appropriate parts of the portfolio.

 Class Assignments:

A number of assignments will be made during the course. It will be your task to do the assignment in a professional manner. Each assignment will be graded on content, style, reflection, and a demonstrated understanding, application, or evaluation of the material.

Each paper should include the following format:

1. An introduction; (1 paragraph to 1 page);
2. A discussion of the assigned topic. The assigned topic should be researched and supported with relevant articles or excerpts. Each student should come to class prepared to discuss the ideas and opinions of the various authors. (3 to 5 pages);
3. A reflection on the paper that concludes with a position or stance on the topic of the paper. (1 or 2 pages);
4. A bibliography. (1 page).
5. Each student will write and present six papers for the class.