INTRODUCTION TO EDUCATION

Grade Level: 11-12
Credit Value: . 5 FACS and .5 English per semester
College Credits:
Credits are earned through Normandale Community College > learn more here
A total of 8 concurrent enrollment credits are available (4 Introduction to Education credits and 4 Freshman Composition credits)
Pre-Requisite: None

Course Description: Introduction to Education provides an overview of the education profession and U.S. education system, including historical development, social foundations, and educational institutions. Other topics discussed include current theories; trends and issues in education and the community; certification standards; roles and responsibilities of teachers, learners, and other school personnel; and a field experience / practicum experience. Coinciding with classroom work, students will take field trips to various educational settings, learn from guest instructors focusing on various topics in the world of education, and take part in various “teaching” experiences through observations and student contact.

Expectations:
Class Participation and Attendance: Each student will attend all class periods and participate in class activities including working with mentor teachers in an authentic classroom setting.
Text Reading: Students will read all assigned readings -- textbook, articles, and self-selected texts -- carefully with detailed analysis and participate in related class activities.
Field Experience: Each student will spend at least 25 hours working with a mentor teacher observing and working with students as a classroom helper in a K-12 classroom. The field experience will also coincide with other required activities to show evidence of the experience.
Capstone: Students will present a culminating project showing evidence of their growth throughout the semester, highlighting their field experience, and teaching their self-selected texts to the audience. The audience will include invited guests, classmates, teachers, mentor teachers, and administration.
Portfolio: Each student will create a professional portfolio, which will be highlighted at the Capstone presentation, demonstrating learning and professional growth throughout the semester.

Students will be required to take the Normandale Accuplacer Test (if required) and apply to and be accepted at Normandale Community College to receive these credits.