ED 216 Foundations of Education

Lecture Hours: 3
Credits: 3

Provides an overview of the American educational system, including historical, legal and philosophical foundations. Explores the governance of local schools and districts and considers the roles and ethical obligations of professional educators.

Prerequisite: Placement into WR 115 (or higher), or completion of WR 090 (or higher) with a grade of C or better; or consent of instructor.
Student Learning Outcomes:

Analyze current issues in education through historical, sociological, political and philosophical lenses and apply analysis to educational systems as levers of social justice.
Develop and articulate an initial personal philosophy of education through
Identify the roles, professional responsibilities and ethical expectations of teachers in today’s schools, and link this to individual identity and career goals.
Explain how difference is socially constructed (in education).
Using historical and contemporary examples, describe how perceived difference, combined with unequal distribution of power across economic, social, and political institutions, result in discrimination (in education).
Analyze ways in which the interactions of social categories such as race, ethnicity, social class, gender, religion, sexual orientation, disability and age are related to difference, power and discrimination in (in education) the United States.

Content Outline

History of Education in US
Education as a Career
Political Influences on Public Education
Sources of School Policy
Role of Local, State and Federal Agencies
Legal Issues
Characteristics of Successful Schools
Reform Movements
Equal Educational Opportunities