Time Schedule:
Wanda M. Brown
AES 498
Seattle Campus
Designed to provide the student an opportunity to concentrate on one specific aspect of American Ethnic Studies through a comparative, interdisciplinary approach.
Class description
What do people believe about the purpose of school? How do we believe children learn (best)?
The Minorities in Education explores these foundational questions through the history of schooling in the United States and through the unique lenses of ethnic minorities. Through an examination of the social, economic, and political influences on instruction, students will develop their own philosophy of education. Course readings, guest speakers, Socratic discussions, and visual and audio sources will present a survey of the educational experiences of minority youth in public schools, with an emphasis on freedom, justice, self-determination, and the assertion of rights. Readings include the works of educational scholars, theorist, and intellectuals, as well as documents from historical and archival records and examine and analyze relevant research/data pertaining to education in the United States. Visual and audio sources will complement readings on educational history and experiences in the United States. Ideally, your experience in this class will be transformative, encouraging you to think critically and to pursue further study of the field education.
Student learning goals
Goals of the course include enabling the student to:
A. Identify the social, political, and economic influences on teaching and learning;
B. Describe how education is funded and governed at the state, federal and local level;
C. Explore educational Federal policy such as Brown vs. Board of Education and “No Child Left Behind” and their implications, issues of dis-proportionality and the impact to schools staff and students in urban settings.
E. Examine demographical trends impacting public schools and the readiness of school organizations to accommodate the needs of diverse student popultions.
F. Examine the impact of standardized state assessments-Washington Assessment of Student Learning (WASL).
G. Discuss Authentic Parent engagement and its impact on student achievement.
General method of instruction
The course will be taught using an interactive-seminar format. The class will engage students in both traditional and more contemporary learning activities that will include: A. Presentations B. Small and large group classroom activities such as discussions, role plays, case studies, simulations C. Interaction with peers, professionals, community members through field activity assignments D. Formal individual and group presentations
Recommended preparation
N/A
Class assignments and grading
In order to receive full credit for the course, students are expected to do the following:
• Attend Class Regularly • Participate in class discussions and activities • Complete all assignments (see below) which includes weekly reflection papers • Work cooperatively with classmates during small group assignments and fulfill assigned role.
Students will be graded based on the following from their coursework and practicum: Evaluation and Grade Scoring
Element Points A. Attendance and Participation 20 B. Reflection Papers 20 C. Culminating Research Project Presentation 30 D. Mid Term Project 30 Total 100
