EDU130N: Foundations of Education

This course examines the philosophical, historical, legal and social/cultural aspects of education in the United States. Students will have an opportunity to investigate teaching as a profession, the laws governing professional practice, the requirements for educator certification, and the definition and standards of effective teaching practices (NH Task Force, NH Standards, InTASC). As part of their portfolio, students will formulate a beginning philosophy of education. Students will develop skills to "use an understanding of individual differences and diverse communities to ensure each child achieves to the highest level possible. Each student will write a paper based on current research in an area of his/her interest and teach the rest of their class what they have learned through this work. Twenty hours of observation and participation in a school setting outside of class time are required and count as 20 percent of the course grade.