Some of the issues to be explored in the course include the education of illegal aliens, living conditions in urban settings and how they might impact education, parental and community support, and empowering students from urban settings. This practical approach to education in urban settings will include the use of methods and materials and pedagogical strategies designed for instructing culturally diverse groups of students. Emphasis will be given to examining and closing the achievement gap between suburban and urban students through academic expectations for success. Urban education models will also be reviewed. This practical approach to writing curriculum includes the development of standards-based goals, objectives, outcomes, benchmarks, rubrics, and assessment.
Special emphasis is placed on student-developed curricula.
This study of the cognitive strategies students employ while learning gives attention to current trends such as the role of multiple intelligences, brain adaptations, development of high-level thinking skills, etc. Special emphasis is placed on development of practical classroom techniques employing a peer coaching model. The role of the professional educator as leader and change agent is studied. Emphasis is placed on data-based decision making, team building, facilitation, and shared decision making. The intent of this course is the rejuvenation of professionalism.