Building School Communities For Diverse Learners

Course Details

Course Number: EDLE 5653  Fall 2011

Location: Ferguson Hall

Classroom Number: 303

Days & Times:

Tuesdays from 5:30-8:20 PM.

Course Attachments

Textbooks
MSU Faculty Member
Dr. David Barbosa   
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Course Objectives

Course Objectives

1. To become aware of one's own cultural identity in terms of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, ableness, faith, and socio-economic status.

2. To know and understand the 4 tools of cultural proficiency and how they prompt reflection, strengthen leadership skills, and engender cultural proficiency in one's personal and professional life.

3. to consider a life journey applying the cultural proficiency model as a guide to one's inquiry and responses to the issues inherent in an increasingly diverse global society.

To utilize various data-gathering instruments crirical to identifying and addressing existing diversity issues prevalent in school settings.


Course Expectations

Requirements

1. Class Participation: students are expected to read assigned materials and be prepared to discuss topics in class

2. Chapter/topic Reflections: Students will submitt written reflections of selected readings and/or topics.

3. Analysis/Report/Plan of District Demographics and Academic Achievement: Students will demonstrate an understanding of the possible relationships present between diversity and achievement. Students will subsequently structure a District Diversity Plan which addresses diversity issues in a selected scholl district.

4. Diversity Presentation: Each student will conduct an in-depth study of a diversity topic. The study will result in an engaging 45-60 minute multimedia presentation to the class (topic to be approved by professor). This presentation could serve as a staff development training session to a campus faculty in the future.

5. Final Exam: A final exam consisting of true/false, multiple choice, short answers and essay questions will end the semester.

6. In Class Activities: A variety of "hands on" activities will be utiized to provide students with practical learning experiences directly related to diversity issues.

 


Grading Standards

Course Performance Criteria for Grade

1. Chapter/topic discussions-15%

2. Analysis/Report/Plan of District Demographics and Student Achievement-25%

3. Diversity Presentation-25%

4. Final Exam-25%

5. Class Participatio/in class activities-10%


Final Exam12/6/2011  5:30 PM.

Submission Format Policy

Submission Format/Policy

Professor will provide rubrics for all required class requirements.



Note: You may not submit a paper for a grade in this class that already has been (or will be) submitted for a grade in another course, unless you obtain the explicit written permission of me and the other instructor involved in advance.

Late Paper Policy

Late papers will be given partial credit dependent on the quality of the submitted assignment


Plagiarism Policy Plagiarism is the use of someone else's thoughts, words, ideas, or lines of argument in your own work without appropriate documentation (a parenthetical citation at the end and a listing in "Works Cited")-whether you use that material in a quote, paraphrase, or summary. It is a theft of intellectual property and will not be tolerated, whether intentional or not.

Student Honor Creed

As an MSU Student, I pledge not to lie, cheat, steal, or help anyone else do so."

As students at MSU, we recognize that any great society must be composed of empowered, responsible citizens. We also recognize universities play an important role in helping mold these responsible citizens. We believe students themselves play an important part in developing responsible citizenship by maintaining a community where integrity and honorable character are the norm, not the exception. Thus, We, the Students of Midwestern State University, resolve to uphold the honor of the University by affirming our commitment to complete academic honesty. We resolve not only to be honest but also to hold our peers accountable for complete honesty in all university matters. We consider it dishonest to ask for, give, or receive help in examinations or quizzes, to use any unauthorized material in examinations, or to present, as one's own, work or ideas which are not entirely one's own. We recognize that any instructor has the right to expect that all student work is honest, original work. We accept and acknowledge that responsibility for lying, cheating, stealing, plagiarism, and other forms of academic dishonesty fundamentally rests within each individual student. We expect of ourselves academic integrity, personal professionalism, and ethical character. We appreciate steps taken by University officials to protect the honor of the University against any who would disgrace the MSU student body by violating the spirit of this creed. Written and adopted by the 2002-2003 MSU Student Senate.

Students with Disabilities The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a federal anti-discrimination statute that provides comprehensive civil rights protection for persons with disabilities. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring an accommodation, please contact the Disability Support Services in Room 168 of the Clark Student Center, 397-4140.

Safe Zones Statement The professor considers this classroom to be a place where you will be treated with respect as a human being - regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, religious affiliation, sexual orientation, political beliefs, age, or ability. Additionally, diversity of thought is appreciated and encouraged, provided you can agree to disagree. It is the professor's expectation that ALL students consider the classroom a safe environment.

Contacting your Instructor All instructors in the Department have voicemail in their offices and MWSU e-mail addresses. Make sure you add your instructor's phone number and e-mail address to both email and cell phone lists of contacts.

Attendance Requirements

Students are expected to be present for all classes. .

Students who seek to be excused from class for legitimate reasons are required to contact  the professor prior to the actual date on which they will not be present.


Other Policies

Submittal of all assignments is not sufficient for an A in this course. Quality of work is carefully reviewed. Given the expected rigor of a graduate program, correct grammer, punctuation, and spelling are required in written work. Assignments can be submitted in either hard copy or emailed to the professor's email address. Due dates for various assignments will be determined collaboratively by class members.

It is the responsibility of the student to inform the professor of any disabling conditions which require modification of class activities.

It is expected that students who bring cell phones to class will turn their phones off at the beginning of class.It is common courtesy to refrain from answering the phone or texting during class. If you believe circumstances require your phone to be on, please discuss such circumstances with the professor.


Writing Proficiency Requirement All students seeking a Bachelor's degree from Midwestern State University must satisfy a writing proficiency requirement once they've 1) passed English 1113 and English 1123 and 2) earned 60 hours. You may meet this requirement by passing either the Writing Proficiency Exam or English 2113. Please keep in mind that, once you've earned over 90 hours, you lose the opportunity to take the $25 exam and have no option but to enroll in the three-credit hour course. If you have any questions about the exam, visit the Writing Proficiency Office website at http://academics.mwsu.edu/wpr, or call 397-4131.