EDEF 607 - Foundations of Education

Credits: (3)

Instructional Method: Three hours lecture.
An understanding of the historical, philosophical, and sociological foundations underlying the role, development and organization of public education in the United States is provided in this core course for all Masters in Education concentrations (and foundations course for graduate licensure candidates). Students will examine selected key issues and debates in education (e.g. purposes/philosophies of education at present and over time; legal status and rights of teachers and students; culture and organization of schools; interactions between assessment, instruction, and student progress/ performance; school finance; various educational reform efforts). The course promotes students’ ability to interpret and critique the impact of legal, political, economic, and societal factors on schooling and on teaching, with an emphasis upon how these issues involve or impact them in their careers as educators.