Course Objectives (Candidates will:)

Workshop Objectives

Key Learning Points

Assessments

Assignments

1.  Analyze major contemporary educational issues that impact schools as the global age develops.

1.1  Examine the influence of the social context of education and contemporary educational issues in American schooling.

1.2  Identify the sources of theory and practice in American schooling.

1.3  Review some of the significant social/cultural/political phenomena that have shaped current American schooling.

1.4  Defend what interests schools should serve, what should be learned, and how schools can be improved.

Contemporary educational issues are impacted by social, cultural, and political influences.

Teachers must appraise the ways they teach and look at the theory of knowledge implicit in their practices.

Expert Reports

Embedded in Class Discussions

Conceptual Framework Self Assessment

Individual and Group Contemporary Issue Projects

Text Readings

Prioritizing and setting goals for the Teacher as Agent of Change

Conceptual Framework Self Assessment

Individual and Group Contemporary Issue Projects

2.  Solve problems and make decisions consistent with a Christian worldview.

2.1  Examine the influence of social context on American schooling from a Christian worldview.

2.2  Assess Christian worldview perspectives and resulting impact on mission/life balance goals.

2.3  Exhibit critical thinking and problem solving skills.

2.4  Demonstrate self-directedness in designing and directing individual learning.

2.5  Understand the importance of personal values in the educational context.

2.6  Examine the role of Judeo-Christian values in the classroom.

2.7  Identify ways to create a space in which the "community of truth" is practiced in the classroom.

As social, cultural, and political influences impact American schooling, so should one's Christian worldview.

Critical thinking and problem solving skills enhance decision-making.

Christian Worldview Assessment

Embedded in class discussions

Faith and Learning Readings

Christian Worldview Assigned Reading

Text  Readings

3.  Appraise contemporary educational issues in relation to a teacher-leader role from an ever-changing global perspective.

3.1  Understand the dynamic tension between unity and diversity in examining contemporary issues impacting American education.

3.2  Value the reading of complex literature in finding ways to make a greater difference in the lives of students.

3.3  Recognize human change and effectively use methods of psychology and sociology as an agent of change.

3.4  Identify a major contemporary issue impacting the candidate's school from the school's improvement plan.  Begin action research to generate solution and action plan.

3.5  Articulate vision and plan for resolving identified contemporary classroom or school issue.

The teacher as an agent of change is a key force in school improvement.

Diversity issues must be addressed as teachers seek to teach in a way that responds to ethnic and cultural differences of youth.

Embedded in class discussions

Text readings

Article Critique

Individual and Group Contemporary Issues Projects

Multicultural/Diversity Assigned Article

Article Critique

Individual and Group Contemporary Issues Projects

PISCO Problem-Solving model

Six Hat Thinking

4.  Form professional collegial relationships and utilize them for professional growth.

4.1  Cooperatively participate in creating a covenantal learning community culture of compassion and caring that brings out the best in each person.

4.2  Form collegial groups and work on a classroom or school improvement project.

4.3  Demonstrate the ability to present information effectively to a large group.

4.4  Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively through writing.

4.5  Understand their role as a partner with the principal in school improvement.

Professional colleagues are a valuable resource, which support professional growth and development as adult learners.

Mentor/Observer Relationship

Group Class Activities

Group Collaboration on Contemporary Issues Project

Selection of Mentor/Observer

Group Contemporary Issues Paper and Presentation

5.  Form a sense of mission.

5.1  Embark on a professional growth and improvement mission as a teacher leader.

5.2  Initiate work on a professional mission statement leading to greater life balance.

5.3  Understand and experience creating a joy for learning in learners.

5.4  Use and positively influence classroom or school-wide culture to increase a sense of professional fulfillment and quality of school life.

5.5  Understand the responsibility to demonstrate and openly communicate values that all students regardless of their family structure must internalize to become willing, responsible, capable, and productive citizens.

Personal values, beliefs, behaviors, habits, and practices influence teacher behaviors.

Prioritizing and setting goals lead to greater life balance.

Professional fulfillment and improved quality of school life are the result of planned teacher behaviors.

Embedded in Class Discussions

Completed Mission Statement and Life Balance Goals

Development of Mission Statement

Prioritizing and Setting Life Balance Goals

Text Readings