2012-13 Undergraduate Catalog
Education Courses
ED 3000 Introduction to FasTrack (3 credits)
This course provides a comprehensive evaluation of the professional and academic experiences of aspiring teacher candidates. Students will make the transition from content professional to applying their knowledge to the secondary classroom. Transcripts and professional data are reviewed by Content Coordinators and the instructor of the course. Once the evaluation is completed and any required additional course requirements are noted by the Coordinators, the student will work with the instructor to create an individualized program plan that leads to teacher licensure. Students are introduced to the concept of professional reflection based on the Standards of Effective practice, and are oriented to online learning and how the use of online tools can enhance their own instruction. Through online discussions and reflective papers, students explore the four components of the Professional Education Conceptual Framework in the areas of environmental awareness, technology, proficiency in teaching, and collaboration. The state-mandated Teacher Performance Assessment (TPA) requirements are outlined and students compare the rubrics found in the TPA with the best practices for their content area. In addition to in-class discourse and activities, students work with a mentor in their discipline area to observe, apply, and transfer their specific content methods into actual practice. Mentors are required to work with students to document mastery of the content standards. Students complete their school-based activities during their practicum hours required in ED 3110 Educational Psychology, which is taken concurrently with ED 3000 in the first semester. Upon completion of this course, students will have a plan of study and a list of activities and/or resources that are aligned with the state content standards. This list will be used in ED 3350 Pedagogy: Planning for Instruction to create lessons and units in the content area. Prerequisite: An earned bachelor's degree; Corequisite: ED 3110.
Common Course Outline