Course+Syllabus

Course Syllabus in PDF Format -  Adelphi University School of Education EDU 603 – The Adolescent Experience Spring 2009 Mr. George Maurer gmaurer22@gmail.com 516-237-2610  Schedule of Classes: Wednesdays, 4:30 to 6:20 1. **Course Description**: This is an introductory course that will explore the many facets of the adolescent experience. We will review New York State Learning Standards, essential elements of middle level education and reform, middle school philosophy, pedagogy and organization of Middle Schools. Further examination will discuss the importance of the transitions that take place to and from Middle School. Special emphasis will be placed upon the understanding of and ability to use 21st Century Education skills. Upon completion of the course, students will have a greater understanding of the nature and needs of the pre-adolescent and adolescent child, the various aspects of Middle Level education and best practices for teaching and learning. Some of the major topics discussed are: educational technology, home/school communications, teaching and learning, middle school structures such as scheduling, teaming, technology integration, record keeping, differentiated instruction, inclusion, using data to tailor instruction, student behavior, bullying and classroom management practices. 2. **Course Objectives**: The student will  ·  Blogs  ·  Wikis  ·  Podcasts  ·  Screencasts  ·  RSS  ·  Social Book Marking  ·  Online Photo Galleries  ·  Streaming Video  ·  learn to access and utilize Google Tools  ·  GMAIL  ·  Google Docs  ·  Google Reader  ·  gather and contribute meaningful information to a global network of educators 3. **Required Readings**:  ·  [|Learning How to Kiss a Frog by James Garvin] click on Parent Resources Tab  ·  [|This We Believe and Now We Must Act] by the National Middle School Association  ·  [|Reinventing Project Based Learning] by Suzie Boss and Jane Krauss <span style="font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol;"> ·  [|What Every Middle School Teacher Should Know] 2nd Edition by Brown and Knowles **Suggested Readings:** <span style="font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol;"> ·  [|Breaking Ranks in the Middle] by the National Association of Secondary School Principals <span style="font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol;"> ·  __[|Blogs, Wikis, Podcasts and Other Powerful Tools for Classrooms]__ by Will Richardson 4. **Required Equipment / Technology**: <span style="font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol;"> ·  Registered Blog <span style="font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol;"> ·  Registered Wiki <span style="font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol;"> ·  GMAIL Account ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­ 5. **Course Requirements / Grading Policy** <span style="font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol;"> ·  All class related content will be made available online. You will be given access to a class wiki and blog during the first class session. You will be expected to contribute individually and as a group to these online resources. <span style="font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol;"> ·  Class Participation and Attendance are mandatory. We will be collaborating on projects throughout the course and each student plays an integral role. <span style="font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol;"> ·  Grading Plan <span style="font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol;"> ·  Class Projects / Activities: 60% <span style="font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol;"> ·  Class Performance (Participation, Attendance): 20% ( 1st missed class – 2 point loss, 2nd missed class – 4 point loss, 3rd missed class and beyond- 10 point loss each) <span style="font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol;"> ·  Independent Reading Reflections (Blog / Wiki Entries): 20% <span style="font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol;"> ·  If you are unable to attend class, or will be late, please notify the instructor in advance at 516 237-2610 or at my email address listed above. All work missed is expected to be completed by the student in a timely manner. <span style="font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol;"> ·  Class assignments are to be submitted on time. Late assignments may result in a loss of credit. All assignments are to be submitted electronically and students should save a backup copy in another location in the event of technical error. <span style="font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol;"> ·  If you have a question or problem regarding any assignment, do not hesitate to ask for help. Feel free to email or call me at anytime. I encourage you to seek help from your peers. We are going to be working collaboratively and they will be a good resource for you as well. None of us are as smart as all of us. <span style="font-size: 9.0pt; font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol;"> ·  Communication, collaboration, creativity and willingness to take risks in a constructivist classroom are all keys to success in this course. Together, we are our own best resource.  ** Course objectives and syllabi are subject to change. **
 * gain an understanding of adolescence and cognitive development
 * identify and understand NYS Standards as they relate to middle schools
 * use sample data to drive instruction
 * learn teaching practices that support the differentiation of instruction, use of Web 2.0 tools, project based learning and student centered learning
 * learn to create and maintain an environment that is conducive to learning (psychologically and socially safe, supportive learning environments for all students
 * examine the differences in school culture (isolationist vs collaborative)
 * learn strategies for supporting students with special needs
 * review professional development / framework for teaching models
 * collaborate, create and share on ideas pertaining to adolescence using Web 2.0 Tools such as

University Statement on Accommodations or Adaptations Needed: If you are a qualified student with a disability seeking accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act, you are required to self-identify with the Office of Disability Services, third floor, University Center. Please see me as soon as possible for special arrangements, seating and other accommodations, if necessary.

University Statement on Academic Honesty and Integrity: You are expected to behave with the highest level of academic integrity. Cheating and other forms of dishonesty will not be tolerated and will receive the proper disciplinary action from the university. Classroom behavior that interferes with the instructor's ability to conduct the class or ability of students to benefit from the instruction will not be tolerated. All beepers and cellular phones should be turned off while class is in session. You are expected to come to class prepared: this means having read and studied the assigned chapters before class. By having prepared in this manner, you will be able to maximize your time spent in class.

Additional Information: All teacher education programs in New York State undergo periodic reviews by accreditation agencies and the State Education Department. For these purposes, samples of students' work are made available to those professionals conducting the review. Student anonymity is assured under these circumstances. If you do not wish to have your work made available for these purposes, please let the professor know before the start of the second class. Your cooperation is greatly appreciated.

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