Thank You

On behalf of Professor Wiltfong and myself we would like to thank you for a great semester. It has truly been a blessing getting to know all of you and witnessing your potential to become classroom teachers. Remember to believe in yourselves so that you may reach your dream.

A Social Event

If you would like to celebrate the end of the semester on Tuesday, May 5th from 4-7 pm Dr. Pratt's band Common Denominator will be performing at the Crossroads Lounge in Westville. You must be 21 to attend the event.

Blog Assignment for Monday Class

Today all the blog assignments were due. I have evaluated and scored your work. No blog submissions will be accepted after this post. Thanks to all of you who were dedicated to contributing to the Spring 2009 History and Philosophy blog.

Religion and Schools

Watch A Battle Between Faith and Science on the Kauchak DVD. You can access this by clicking on ABC News and then chapter 9's video clip: A Battle Between Faith and Science
Respond to the following questions:
1. What are some reasons that religion is such a hotly debated topic in American Education?
2. What areas of the curriculum are most likely to encounter problems with religious issues?
3. What are the advantages and disadvantages of including religion in our schools?

Grade Retention

Read the information on Grade Retention in the section teaching in an era of reform on p. 229 in the Intro. to Teaching book. State your position on this issue.

PLAYCE is Looking for Volunteers

The PLAYCE (Purdue Learning About Young Children in Education) club is looking for volunteers to help with a project they have designed for preschool children.

On Monday, April 27 they are having a Safety Carnival from 8:30 am - 4:00 p.m. for preschool children here at the PNC campus.

If you can help by volunteering for a part of this day please contact Sandy Chambers at schamb00@pnc.edu and let her know what time you can volunteer.

All volunteers will need to wear their PNC ID.
People are needed for various duties:
popcorn machine
DJ
moonwalks
face painting
games.

Response to Intervention (RtI)

Kappa Delta Pi will be conducting an Orientation Meeting on Thursday, April 16, 2009 from 5-6pm in Tech 134. Come and find out what Kappa Delta Pi's education club is all about.

The meeting will also feature a presentation by Professor Pratt and student teacher Karen Rolfe on Understanding the Elements of RtI.

Hope to see you there.

Grade Retention

Read "teaching in an era of reform," on page 229 in the Intro. to Teaching book and take a stand on the issue of grade retention.

Maymester

If you are considering taking a Maymester course I would like to suggest the following courses:

EDCI 27000 This class meets from 10:00-11:50 MTWR and is taught by Dr. Pratt
EDCI 27100 This class meets from 8:00-8:50 MTWR and is taught by Dr. Pratt

A Great Deal

PNC will host it's 3rd annual Early Childhood Conference on Saturday, April 25th. This year's theme is Everyday Wonders. Any student that would like to attend the conference can get a 50% deduction on registration fees by volunteering 2 hours of their time to help out at the conference. I would encourage all of you to attend the conference and show your commitment to professional development.

Middle School and Junior High School

What are the differences and similarities between middle schools and junior high schools? What came first middle schools or junior high schools? Why did educators feel the need to create middle schools? What was your experience - did you attend a middle school or a junior high school? Provide examples.

Effective Instruction

Describe what you believe are the elements of effective instruction. Make sure you look at the information in Chapter 12 to back up your beliefs.

Monday's Class

Just a reminder that today's class will be meeting in Tech 214 at 1:00 p.m. today.

Managing a Classroom according to a Social Reconstructivist philosophy

Here is some information I found off the web regarding social reconstruction and classroom management.

Education should be a place of gratification and self-discovery. Processes of learning can interact with knowledge and truth in a classroom environment. In order for the most constructive methodology of education to prevail, several of the existing philosophies need to be scrutinized and combined to form a new philosophy of education.
Progressivism and Social Reconstructionism are philosophies of education that promote the child over all matters. Progressivism advocates for the interests of a child over subject matter. Educators are prompted to aid in the development of a student’s personal and social values. The atmosphere of the school is aesthetically pleasing and diverse activities take place simultaneously in a classroom. Educators encourage students to learn by doing. Social Reconstructionism is also a liberal based methodology that is based upon the belief that schools should help reconstruct society. Educators should be held responsible for transforming society as well as transmitting knowledge. Social Reconstructionism exhibits concern for tomorrow.
Classroom management is a key aspect of achieving a successful curriculum and should be established to aid in positively modifying the behavior of each child. Some believe that children are naturally disruptive and therefore need to be conditioned and undergo behavior modification: Others believe that children acquire ill behaviors from their surrounding environment. Parental and environmental influences can be major causes for the development of disruptive behaviors. Teachers need to reconnect with the roots of these behaviors and help to positively alter them. Educators should model desired behaviors and provide a consistent and dependable classroom atmosphere. When dealing with misbehaviors, teachers need to be proactive rather than reactive.

A Social Recontructivist in Action

I just finished reading Three Cups of Tea, by Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin and I have to say it is a must read. Greg Mortenson is a living example of someone who possesses the philosophical perspective of a social reconstructivist. Three Cups of Tea is the story of a failed American mountaineer who ends up in an impoverished Pakistan village. (There is an adult version of the book, a young adult version of the book, and a picture book all available.) Moved by the kindness of the inhabitants he makes a promise to return and build a school for the uneducated children of the Karakoram village. As of today he has built 78 schools.

In the book he describes a situation where he is trying to get funding for the school project and sends out 580 letters to celebrities. He only receives $100.00 from Tom Brokaw but somehow a group of elementary school children from River Falls, Wisconsin hear about his project. These elementary students begin collecting pennies for the project which they named Pennies for Peace and donate $623.40 which then inspires adults to begin making donations. This is what social reconstructionism looks likes in a classroom or a school. It is children making a difference one penny at a time.

Visit http://www.threecupsoftea.com/ to learn more about this incredible story of social reconstructivism in action.

Extra Credit Opportunity

The monthly The Brownbag Series on Diversity is in LSF 144 this Wednesday, March 25, at noon.

Jodi James, the Disability Services Coordinator at PNC, will present "Diversity in Disability," which will look at the diversity of characteristics and effects caused by various disabilities that are seen in higher education classrooms. Students within various disability categories have unique characteristics that follow them into the classroom. Jodi will look at these effects and how they can be accommodated so that a student's knowledge is not filtered through their disability. Students and faculty both can learn why certain students are accommodated and how these accommodations work to bring students with disabilities to the same level as their peers.

This extra credit assignment is worth 10 points.

To recieve the extra credit points - attend Jodie's presentation, post your reaction to this presentation on the blog. Share something you learned, why is it important for future teachers to have an understanding of students with disabilities in the general education classroom, and any other comments you may have.

You Take a Position

Teaching in an Era of Reform

Refer to the "Teaching in an Era of Reform" case found on pages 405–406 of your textbook.
document.

Now it’s your turn to take a position on the issue. Respond to the blog concerning whether you favor learner-centered instruction or teacher-centered instruction, and provide a rationale for your position.

Creating Productive Learning Environments

After reading about Creating Productive Learning Environments check out one or more of the following websites. Share something interesting you have discovered about creating environments that are conducive to learning.

caring
http://www.caringteachers.com/

classroom management
http://education.indiana.edu/cas/tt/v1i2/what.html
http://www.ncrel.org/sdrs/areas/issues/envrnmnt/drugfree/sa2lk9.htm
http://www.shpm.com/articles/child_behavior/behavman4.html
http://www.honorlevel.com/techniques.html
http://7-12educators.miningco.com/msub49.htm

classroom organization
http://teacher.scholastic.com/professional/futureteachers/classroom_organization.htm

withitness
http://www.cals.ncsu.edu/agexed/leap/aee535/Management.ppt
http://www.aaeteachers.org/newsletters/aprilmaynews.pdf

Spring Into Education

Tomorrow, Thursday, March 19th from 11:30-1:30 there will be an open house for all education students in LSF 02. Come and have a free lunch (fried chicken, sub sandwiches, side dishes, desserts, and beverages), mingle with other education students and professors and find out about the education clubs we have on campus. Hope to see you there.

For Monday's class - sorry about not putting an online assignment on the blog. This was my mistake and therefore consider it a free day.

Thanks to all of you who attended the Reader's Theatre performances last Monday. Your feedback was very helpful to the Block V students.

Have you filled out your FAFSA?

Deadline: March 10, 2009

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (or FAFSA) is a form that students (and their families) can complete online, and is used to calculate their eligibility for financial aid. While certain types of federal aid (Pell Grants, Stafford Loans, etc.) can be included in a student's financial aid package regardless of when the form is filed, there is a deadline to maintain eligibility for certain Indiana aid programs (Frank O'Bannon Grant, 21st Century Scholars, etc.). These State grants, which do not need to be repaid, could amount to as much as $6,012 for the 2009-2010 academic year (approximately 30% of the total cost of attending PNC), depending upon a student's need.

Last year, only 35% of PNC students filed their FAFSA before the Indiana deadline. Essentially, two-thirds of PNC students passed up "free money" from the state, relying instead upon either off-campus employment or loans that will represent a lingering debt whether they complete a degree or not.

MONDAY'S CLASS: Extra Credit Opportunity

If you would like to earn 10 extra credit points here is an opportunity for you.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Tech 214
1:30-2:30 p.m.

Watch block V students do reader theatre performances. Provide the performers with feedback by completing a feedback form and sharing your opinion of their performance.Please leave your name on this post if you are interested in this opportunity.

REMEMBER WE WILL NOT BE MEETING FOR EDST 200 ON CAMPUS. OUR CLASS WILL BE ONLINE FOR MARCH 16, 2009

Mid Semester Celebration

Come celebrate making it half way through the semester!!! Let's show our support to Graham Smith, Dave Farris and Dr. Pratt other wise known as Common Denominator- Sunday night March 8, 2009 at 6:oo p.m. at Buffalo Wild Wings in Valparaiso- show starts at 7:30 p.m. in the basement.

Interested in Secondary Education

The education department will be interviewing a secondary education candidate for a secondary education position here at PNC. The candidate will be here Wednesday Feb 25 in the dining room next to the cafeteria from 11:45-12:00. If you would like to give your input on how this candidate would fit into the education progam please stop by for a few minutes to meet the candidate and then you will be asked to provide your feedback.

Philosophy Module

The Philosophy Module is fixed and you can complete the assignment. Sorry for the inconvenience.

How Has History Changed Education Today?

After reading Chapter 5 go to the Becoming a Professional DVD included with your textbook. Click on ABC News, and then this chapter's video: The Reunion. This ABC News documentary examines the lasting effects of school integration during the civil rights struggle in the 1960's by doing something that has never been done before-gathering together the first wave of students who went through it themselves in Shaker Heights, Ohio. This groups was at the center of the storm when their parents, at the height of the civil rights movement, carried out a bold and controversial social experiment in one of America's wealthiest suburbs. Now these 1960 kindergarten classmates reunite to see where the years and education have taken them from their then-new frontier - an integrated American suburb.

Respond to the following questions:

1. How does school integration relate to the idea of "separate but equal"?
2. What were the goals of integration?
3. Why was it necessary to bus students to achieve integration?
4. How is economic integration similar to and different from racial integration?

KDP Event

Who: This meeting is open to all interested education students.
What: Co-President of Kappa Delta Pi, Elizabeth Falbo, will be giving a presentation on how to effectively use a Mini Economy in the classroom. Snacks will also be provided.
Where: Tech Room 134
When: Thursday, February 26th 5:00pm – 6:30 pm
If you can, please RSVP to farrisd@pnc.edu. If you do not, still feel free to come. Snacks may be limited however.

Online Assignment for Monday Class

Since we did not have a face-to-face meeting for our Monday class we will share our learning online. Tuesday class please feel free to participate if you would like.

Read: Beautiful Minds, by Wesley Clarkson from the Charting a Professional Course book.
Select two of the four questions to respond to by posting your comment to this post.

After reading Chapter 4 in the Introduction to Teaching book respond to Discussion Questions 1 or 2 and 5 & 6 at the end of the chapter.

Scroll down on the blog and locate video clips. Watch the video clip Inclusion in American Schools. State how you feel about being responsible for working with children with disabilities in a general education classroom.

1st Grade Tutoring Position

Looking for an education student who would be willing to be a tutor a first grader in Language Arts and Math! Please contact Carrie Walter at:
cwalter@union.k12.in.us or 759-2544 ext. 4128!!

Multiple Intelligencs

Re-read pages 92-93 Changes in Views of Intelligence.
Check out the following website www.thomasarmstrong.com/multiple_intelligences.htm

Respond to the following; What implications does Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences have for you as a future teacher? In answering this question, be sure to relate your answer to the ideal grade you would like to teach. If you are interested in middle school or high school relate your answer to the content area in which you are most interested in teaching.

Yummy Bake Sale

Stop by the PLAYCE (Purdue Learning About Young Children in Education, Early Childhood Club) Bake Sale outside LSF 144 on Wednesday, February 11 between 11:30 and 1:30! Show your support and purchase some yummy treats!

A Volunteer Opportunity

Handley School in LaPorte has an after school program for kindergarten through 5th grade students. The program is offered Monday - Friday from 3:15 - 6:00 p.m. They are looking for volunteers who can help with homework, provide remediation, enrichment, snack, recreation, and special programming. Flexible schedule. If interested contact Tara Wiltfong, twiltfon@pnc.edu or 785-5305 for more details.

Another Job Opportunity

SUMMER JOB OPPORTUNITY: Lead Teacher for Summer Program & Teacaher Assistant for Summer ProgramChildren aged 6 years to 12 years (Up to 30 children)Job Qualifications: At least two years of coursework inElementary Education. Significant experience in the fieldmay be considered in lieu of education. Applicant must beable to work full-time for eleven weeks of the summer(June 8, 2009 – August 21). Requires planning someactivities. Some other requirements include: CPR & 1st AidCertification, TB screen, drug screen and criminal & CPSbackground check.Apply in person at:IMAGINATION STATION CHILDDEVELOPMENT CENTERMs. Deborah Chubb, Executive Director1200 E. Coolspring Ave.Michigan City, IN 46360(219) 872-6723

Rewards and Challenges in Teaching

After reading chapter 1 in the Introduction to Teaching book you were exposed to the rewards and challenges of being a classroom teacher. Based on the information presented in the textbook what do you think will be the most rewarding and the most challenging for you as a future teacher? Explain your responses.

MONDAY'S CLASS

We will continue meeting in Swrz 119.

Professional Organizations

After reading membership in professional organizations (p. 59-60), explore the following professional organization websites and comment on an organization you would consider joining to show your committment to professional growth.



http://www.actfl.org/
http://http://www.aft.org/
http://www.ascd.org/
http://www.cec.sped.org/
http://www.reading.org/
http://mtna.org/flash.html
http://www.naea-reston.org/
http://naeyc.org
http://www.nsta.org/
http://www.ncss.org/
http://www.ncte.org/
http://www.nctm.org/
http://www.nabe.org/
http://www.pdkintl.org/
http://www.tesol.org/

Job Opportunities

Math Tutoring Position:
There is a 5th grade tutoring position available for a fifth grade female student at Westville Elementary School in Westville. The person who takes this position would set their own hours and fee. Licensed Professional Teacher Tutors receive $35.00 per hour. Please contact Lynette O'Neill @ 462-5178 if interested.

Summer Camp Position:
The Wisconsin Lion's Camp, is a summer retreat program that is dedicated to providing a quality summer camp experience to children and adults with mild/borderline cognitive disabilities or that have a hearing or sight impairment. This non-profit organization is now accepting applications for its camp staff and they have many very interesting positions, which include:Cabin Counselors (leadership and guidance)Program Counselors (experience in working with children)Art's and Crafts DirectorCORE Director (Challenges in Outdoor Recreation and Education)Nature Director (environmental education)Program Secretary (accounting and customer service)Unit Director (supervision and leadership)Interpreter (deaf and hard of hearing)This is a 12 week program, that may meet field experience hours for a variety of majors. If interested place contact
Natalie Connors, Director of Career Development
LSF 27
nconnors@pnc.edu
785-5498

EXTRA CREDIT Opportunity

Today in class I had hoped to talk about an extra credit opportunity but due to the class scheduling issue I ran out of time. Please notice in your syllabus that I have offered an opportunity for you to earn extra credit points. In honor of Martin Luther King Day, Kappa Delta Pi is hosting an event at the Michigan City Library on Monday, January 19th from 10:00 a.m -2:00 p.m. All of the activities are planned. There will be five centers for the children which will include two crafts, wordsearch and coloring, MLK, Jr. Bingo, and storytelling. What is needed are volunteers to facilitate learning centers. If interested please contact Chris Frank at cfrank@pnc.edu by Thursday, 1/15/09. Also post your intent to work on this blog post.

Welcome

Welcome to EDST 20000 The History and Philosophy of Education. Professor Pratt and Professor Wiltfong will each be teaching a section of this course. We will be using this blog as a learning tool to respond to course content and material, to take polls and collect data, and to provide you with information concerning the course. The purpose of the blog is to extend the learning and discussions that occur in the classroom. As part of your course assignments you will be required to thoughfully respond to at least 10 post. Since this is a place where information is published please use correct grammar and spelling.

To get you started here is the first blog post for you to respond to: Introduce yourself, state whether you are in the Monday or Tuesday class, and share the HISTORY of your name. How did you get your name? Are you named after someone? Is there any special meaning to your name. This can include first, middle or last name...or any combination. How do you feel about your name? Do you have any nicknames, etc.?