Core assignment data
ELU 571 Applications of Current Elementary Education Topics
The Core Assignment:
After surveying professional literature, presenting same through class discussions,
and relating current trends to personal experiences, the master’s candidates will choose a
trend/topic which can be researched, which is meaningful to the student, and which can
be presented to a team of teachers, administrators, teacher candidates at KU, or
community members.
Students will consider the importance and relevance of their topics to those
audiences chosen for their presentations.
After writing a preliminary proposal in ELU 569, students will expand the
proposal to include a/an
 title page in KU format
 table of contents
 introductory statement with a theoretical rationale
 review of current literature with summation
 permission letters
 presentation plan (e.g.: power point)
 handouts
 audience evaluation survey sheets
 any other relevant back-matter used in presentation
 personal reflection
All of the above will be contained in a notebook or folder and will be presented to
the professor after the presentation. The professor will be at each presentation as an
observer.
Faculty will review analysis of core assignment from master candidates. The action
taken as a result of the data collection and analysis will focus on strengthening the
planning and teaching strategies of the course.
Relationship to Conceptual Framework:
Professional Methodology is evident through discussions of theory, best practice,
and current trends in elementary education. The instructor models the use of professional
methodology and positive dispositions for teaching;
Communication is demonstrated through discussions, written assignments, and
presentations;
Interpersonal skills are demonstrated by interactions with peers in collaborative
projects, presentations and discussions;
Critical thinking is generated by the research presented in each class, as well as in
the modeling of thought provoking questions and discussions;
Cultural diversity is discussed through weekly research on diverse language,
literacy, ability, religion, race, SES, culture, and/or special education topics;
Technology is evident through internet searches of current trends in elementary
education;
Reflection is the key to an effective teacher and this course. It is evident in
discussion, research, and presentations relevant to the current trends and issues involved
in today’s educational climate.
Rubric (3-column format) Target – Acceptable – Unacceptable
Target
Graduate students planned a
dynamic, relevant, and
creative presentation of their
research to an appropriate
audience. The writing was
done in KU and APA
formats, where applicable.
All important sections
(introduction, theoretical
rationale, literature review,
presentation plan, citations,
handouts, reflection) were
included in a logical
sequence. Questions from
peers, administrators, KU
teacher candidates, or
community people were
fielded with deep
understanding of the topic.
Acceptable
Graduate students planned
a relevant presentation of
their research to an
appropriate audience. The
writing was done in KU
and APA formats, where
applicable. All important
sections (introduction,
theoretical rationale,
literature review,
presentation plan, citations,
handouts, reflection) were
included in a logical
sequence. Questions from
peers, administrators, KU
teacher candidates, or
community people were
fielded with understanding
of the topic.
Unacceptable
Graduate students planned
a presentation of their
research to an appropriate
audience. However, it
lacked relevance, proper
sequence, and/or
completeness of important
sections. Questions from
peers, administrators, KU
teacher candidates, or
community people were not
answered completely,
showing a lack of depth and
understanding of the topic.
Student must re-write and
re-present for credit.