Beginning with the conquest and colonization of American Indians, working through to the central educational issues of the present, the course examines the sociocultural and historical evolution of the public school as a reflection of the evolution of American society. The history of American Indian education, from mission and boarding schools to tribally controlled schools, serves as a template by which other struggles for self-determination are examined. Modern issues such as the debates over school choice, a national curriculum, standardized testing, environmental education, multicultural education, integration, and affirmative action are analyzed through this historical framework. Four credit hours. H. 351fjs Practicum in Education Serving as assistant teachers in an elementary, middle, or junior high school, students will tutor, work with individual students, and prepare and present lesson plans to the whole class.
Students write critical essays relating assigned readings to the practicum experience.
Meeting weekly in seminar with College supervisor. Three credit hours. Three credit hours. Many of these students receive most, if not all, of their instruction in regular class settings. Exploring the skills and attitudes necessary for teaching students with special needs in regular settings and examining the roles and responsibilities regular educators have for teaching students who qualify for special education.