Teacher Education
Department of Early Childhood Studies
3214 Austin Street, Houston, TX 77004
713-718-6303 phone 713-718-6235 fax
Discipline/Program
Teacher Education
Course Title
Introduction to the Teaching Profession
Course Rubric & Number
EDUC 1301
Semester with Course
Reference Number (CRN)
Course Location/Times
Fall, 2010
(48884)
Educational Development Center Building, Room D-123 (Computer Lab)
Thursdays, 6pm-9pm
Credit: 3 (3 lecture)
Course Semester Credit
Hours
Total Course Contact
Hours
Course Length (number of
weeks)
Type of Instruction
Instructor contact
information (phone
number and email
address)
Office Location and Hours
Course Description:
Course Prerequisite(s)
Program Learning
Outcomes
48 hours
16 weeks
In person, Web-enhanced
Dr. Pamela M. Norwood
Telephone: (713) 718-6236
Email: pamela.norwood@hccs.edu
Educational Development Center Building, Room D-103
Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays: 3:00-5:00, Friday by appointment
An enriched, integrated pre-service course and content experience that:
1) provides active recruitment and institutional support of students interested in a
teaching career, especially in high need fields;
2) provides students with opportunities to participate in early field observations at all
levels of P-12 schools with varied and diverse student populations;
3) provides students with support from college and school faculty, preferably in small
cohort groups, for the purpose of introduction to and analysis of the culture of
schooling and classrooms;
4) course content should be aligned as applicable with State Board for Educator
Certification Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities standards; and
5) course must include a minimum of 16 contact hours of field experience in P-12
classrooms.
College Level reading and writing.
1. Introduce students to academic strategies, research methods, and theories in
psychology of learning, cognition, and motivation that will help them perform
successfully on/at college level.
2. Provide students with an opportunity to examine teacher preparation programs,
effective teaching strategies, employability, and the role of educators as they decide
whether teaching could be a satisfying career for them.
4. Provide an overview of schooling and classrooms with an emphasis on the
medical, psychological, social and personal characteristics of exceptional students in
the regular and special education classroom.
EDUC 1301 – page 2
Course Student Learning
Outcomes (SLO): 4 to 7
1. Define, compare, and discuss teaching and learning.
2. Explain the purpose, functions, and process of schooling and curriculum
development.
3. Discuss the foundations of American Education.
4. Examine the critical issues and challenges facing contemporary educators.
Learning Objectives
1.1 Examine the various curricular, instructional, assessment and management
(Numbering system
responsibilities that teachers engage in on a daily basis.
should be linked to SLO – 2.1 Review the general structure of our K-12 education system.
e.g., 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, etc.)
3.1 Examine the historical development of public and private U.S. schools.
3.2 Consider the principles, practices and benefits of professional unions and
associations.
4.1 Understand the importance of a professional code of ethics and the legal
responsibilities that teachers engage in on a daily basis.
4.2 Review several major court decisions that affect schools.
Core Curriculum
(L) Students will demonstrate the ability to understand, analyze, and interpret various
Competencies
forms of spoken communication.
(S) Students will demonstrate the ability to communicate orally in clear, coherent, and
persuasive language appropriate to purpose, occasion, and audience.
(R) Students will demonstrate the ability to understand, analyze, and interpret a
variety of printed materials, books, articles, and documents.
(W) Students will demonstrate the ability to produce clear, correct, and coherent
prose adapted to a specific purpose, occasion, and audience.
(CT) Students will demonstrate methods for applying both qualitative and
quantitative skills analytically and creatively to subject matter in order to evaluate
arguments and to construct and alternative strategies.
SLO Assessment/Required Educational Philosophy
Component
16 hours of Field Experience in Public Schools (Mandatory)
Course Calendar
Weeks/Dates
Topics to be Discussed
1/Sept 2
Introductions, Course Overview
2/Sept 9
Becoming a Teacher
Chapter 1
3/Sept 16
Different Ways of Learning;
Chapter 2
4/Sept 23
Teaching Your Diverse
Students
5/Sept 30
Student Life in School and at
Home (Blackboard Assignment)
Chapter 3
Field Experience Placement
Forms Due
Chapter 4
6/Oct 7
Reforming America’s Schools
(Blackboard Assignment)
Curriculum, Standards, and
Testing (lesson planning)
Chapter 5
MIDTERM EXAM
Review Chapters 1-6
7/Oct 14
8/Oct 21
Required Readings and
Assignments Due
Chapter 6
Video Analysis Papers Due
EDUC 1301 – page 3
9/Oct 28
Topics will vary
10/Nov 4
History and Philosophy of
American Education
Financing and Governing
America’s Schools
(Blackboard Assignment)
School Law and Ethics
11/Nov 11
12/Nov 18
13/Nov 25
14/Dec 2
15/Dec 9
16/Dec 16
Instructional Methods
Student Assignments
Student Assessments
Instructional Materials
HCC Policy Statements
THANKSGIVING HOLIDAYNO CLASS
Teacher Effectiveness
(Blackboard Assignment)
Your First Classroom; Q and A
Guide to Entering the Teaching
Profession
FINAL EXAM
Current Issue PowerPoint
Presentations Due
Chapters 7 and 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Educational Philosophy Due
Chapter 11
Chapters 12 and 13
Field Experience Report Due
Review Chapters 7-13
A variety of instructional methods are used throughout the semester. Examples may
include class discussions, lectures, readings, group projects, practicum assignments,
video/DVD, internet searches, presentations, and lesson plans.
Video Analysis Paper, Current Issue PowerPoint Presentation, Educational
Philosophy Statement, Field Experience Report (detailed descriptions will be
provided)
Two (2) exams (multiple choice, true/false, short answer), random quizzes,
assignments
Sadker, D.M. & Zittleman, K.R. (2010). Teachers, Schools, and Society (9th
ed.). Boston, MA: McGraw Hill.
Services to Students with Disabilities - Students who require reasonable
accommodations for disabilities are encouraged to report to LHSB, Room 106, or call
713-718-6164 to make necessary arrangements. Faculty is only authorized to
provide accommodations by the Disability Support Service Office.
New Repeat Course Fee – Effective Fall 2006, HCC will charge a higher tuition rate
to students registering the third or subsequent time for a course. If you are
considering course withdrawal because you are not earning passing grades, confer
with your instructor/counselor as early as possible about your study habits, reading
and writing homework, test taking skills, attendance, course participation, and
opportunities for tutoring or other assistance that might be available.
Class Attendance - It is important that you come to class! You are expected to
attend all lecture and labs regularly. You are responsible for materials covered during
your absences. Instructors may be willing to consult with you for make-up
assignments, but it is your responsibility to contact the instructor. Class attendance is
checked daily. Although it is your responsibility to drop a course for nonattendance,
the instructor has the authority to drop you for excessive absences.
You may be dropped from a course a student after accumulating absences
in excess of six (6) hours of instruction. The six hours of class time would include any
total classes missed or for excessive tardiness or leaving class early.
EDUC 1301 – page 4
You may decide NOT to come to class for whatever reason. As an adult
making the decision not to attend, you do not have to notify the instructor prior to
missing a class. However, if this happens too many times, you may suddenly find that
you have “lost” the class.
Poor attendance records tend to correlate with poor grades. If you miss any
class, including the first week, you are responsible for all material missed. It is a good
idea to find a friend or a buddy in class who would be willing to share class notes or
discussion or be able to hand in paper if you unavoidably miss a class.
HCC Course Withdrawal Policy - The State of Texas has begun to impose
penalties on students who drop courses excessively. For example, if you repeat the
same course more than twice, you have to pay extra tuition. Beginning in Fall 2007,
the Texas Legislature passed a law limiting first time entering freshmen to no more
than SIX total course withdrawals throughout their educational career in obtaining a
certificate and/or degree.
To help students avoid having to drop/withdraw from any class, HCC has instituted
an Early Alert process by which your professor may “alert” you and HCC counselors
that you might fail a class because of excessive absences and/or poor academic
performance. It is your responsibility to visit with your professor or a counselor to
learn about what, if any, HCC interventions might be available to assist you – online
tutoring, child care, financial aid, job placement, etc. – to stay in class and improve
your academic performance.
If you plan on withdrawing from your class, you MUST contact a HCC counselor or
your professor prior to withdrawing (dropping) the class for approval and this must be
done PRIOR to the withdrawal deadline to receive a “W” on your transcript. **Final
withdrawal deadlines vary each semester and/or depending on class length, please
visit the online registration calendars, HCC schedule of classes and catalog, any
HCC Registration Office, or any HCC counselor to determine class withdrawal
deadlines. Remember to allow a 24-hour response time when communicating
via email and/or telephone with a professor and/or counselor. Do not submit a
request to discuss withdrawal options less than a day before the deadline. If
you do not withdraw before the deadline, you will receive the grade that you are
making in the class as your final grade.
Use of Camera and/or Recording Devices -Use of recording devices, including
camera phones and tape recorders, is prohibited in classrooms, laboratories, faculty
offices, and other locations where instruction, tutoring, or testing occurs. Students
with disabilities who need to use a recording device as a reasonable accommodation
should contact the Office for Students with Disabilities for information regarding
reasonable accommodations.
Scholastic Dishonesty -- Students are responsible for conducting themselves with
honor and integrity in fulfilling course requirements. Penalties and/or disciplinary
proceedings may be initiated by College System officials against a student accused
of scholastic dishonesty.
“Scholastic dishonesty”: includes, but is not limited to, cheating on a test, plagiarism,
and collusion.
Cheating on a test includes:
 Copying from another students’ test paper;
EDUC 1301 – page 5
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
HCC Student Services
Information
Using materials not authorized by the person giving the test;
Collaborating with another student during a test without authorization;
Knowingly using, buying, selling, stealing, transporting, or soliciting in whole or
part the contents of a test that has not been administered;
 Bribing another person to obtain a test that is to be administered.
Plagiarism mean the appropriation of another’s work and the unacknowledged
incorporation of that work in one’s own written work offered for credit.
Collusion mean the unauthorized collaboration with another person in preparing
written work offered for credit.
Possible punishments for academic dishonesty may include a grade of 0 or
F in the particular assignment, failure in the course, and/or recommendation for
probation or dismissal from the College System. (See the Student Handbook)
Children on Campus - We love your children and understand that parents often face
child care problems. However, the campus is a work place, and the purpose of our
presence here is the business of education. Therefore, we cannot allow children in
the college classrooms or unattended on campus. We ask for your cooperation in
adhering to this policy.
Early Alert – HCC has instituted an Early Alert process by which your professor will
“alert” you through counselors of concerns that you might fail a class because of
excessive absences and/or poor academic performance.
Instructor Responsibilities:
 Provide the grading scale and detailed grading formula explaining how student
grades are to be derived
 Facilitate an effective learning environment through class activities, discussions,
and lectures
 Description of any special projects or assignments
 Inform students of policies such as attendance, withdrawal, tardiness and make
up
 Provide the course outline and class calendar which will include a description of
any special projects or assignments
 Arrange to meet with individual students before and after class as required
Instructor’s Requirements
Student responsibilities:
 Attend class and participate in class discussions and activities
 Read and comprehend the textbook
 Complete the required assignments and exams
 Ask for help when there is a question or problem
 Keep copies of all paperwork, including this syllabus, handouts and all
assignments
IR 1. Extra Credit-Students who are not absent more than twice will eligible for 25
extra credit points that will be applied towards the final grade. They will also be able
to submit one (1) additional extra credit assignment from the following list:
School Board Meeting Report, Teacher/Principal Interview, Classroom Management
Plan, Bulletin Board, Annotated We-based Resource List, Book Study Journal
IR 2. Late Assignments-Course assignments will be considered LATE if they are not
received by Friday of the week during which the assignment is due. Five (5) points
EDUC 1301 – page 6
per class session will be taken off the original grade of each assignment that is
turned in beyond but within two weeks of the due date. After that time, the grade will
be reduced by 20%.
IR 3. Classroom Behavior-Collegiality, mutual respect, and tolerance are expected
of every student enrolled in this course. The ability to work well with other people
while maintaining professionalism is an important characteristic in the more teamoriented workplace of today. Please remember to use tact and diplomacy when
resolving conflicts, speaking to a classmate, and discussing issues or concerns with
the instructor. Any personal information about children and/or adults that is shared
during class sessions should not be discussed with others outside the classroom.
Doing so is considered a failure to maintain confidentiality.
IR 4. Use of Electronic Devices-Although admittedly convenient, most modern
technological devices are considered inappropriate and distracting in the classroom.
The use of cell phones, pagers, beepers, and/or palm pilots is severely discouraged
in this class. If you must carry one of these devices, make sure you turn it OFF or on
VIBRATE before arriving to class. Please refrain from answering or responding to
any calls, text messages, or other means of communication inside the classroom.
Leaving the class to respond to such a call should be done only in the case of a
verifiable emergency.
IR 5. Make-Ups-All students who have a documented, college- approved excuse for
missing an assignment may make up the assignment without any grade reduction or
penalty. Approved excuses include personal illness, a death in the immediate family,
and participation in official college functions. Students who are unable to attend
during an examination day should contact the instructor as soon as possible to
reschedule. Make-up examinations must be completed in the instructor’s office or
other designated location within TWO WEEKS of the original date of the exam.
Please note that failure to take the collaborative exam(s) on the date scheduled will
result in the student having to take the examination on an individual basis!
IR 6. Monitoring of Student Progress-It is highly recommended that you keep
backup copies of all of your submitted work and that you keep all of your graded
assignments until the final grades are posted.
Program/Discipline
Requirements
NOTICE This course of study would not be appropriate for anyone who falls into the
following category as noted by the Texas Department of Family and Protective
Services. "No person with a conviction or who is under indictment for, or is the
subject of an official criminal complaint alleging violation of any of the crimes listed as
a felony against the person or felony violation of the Texas Controlled Substance Act
may be present while children are in care."
HCC Grading Scale
A = 100-90
B = 89-80
C = 79-70
D = 69-60
F = 59 and below
EDUC 1301 – page 7
Instructor Grading Criteria
Total Points Possible=800
A= 720-800 points
D=480-559 points
B= 640-719 points
F=479 or fewer points
C= 560-639 points
Revised / August 2010