Current Issues in Content Areas – EDUC 539

Course Description

An examination of current content standards in a subject area. Research in the subject area will enhance content knowledge in preparation for content assessment required for teachers.

For information regarding prerequisites for this course, please refer to the Academic Course Catalog.

Rationale

Each of the content competencies represents an area that is part of best practice in instructional delivery. Demonstration of skill of each of the content competencies is necessary to prove growth in both the program and as a professional. In addition, the models and theories are translated into a working document that affords the best opportunity for implementation in a school setting. This course is designed to provide learners an opportunity to strengthen demonstration of content competencies in order to demonstrate competence and scholarship in a respective area of instruction. Students will review and complete tasks necessary for successful completion of their respective program. Students will also review research in their respective content area.

Course Assignment

Assigned readings and presentations

Course Requirements Checklist

After reading the Course Syllabus and Student Expectations, the student will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview.

Discussions (8)

The purpose of Discussions is to generate interaction among candidates with regard to relevant current course topics. The candidate is required to post 1 thread of at least 300 words. The candidate must also post 2 replies to other candidates of at least 150 words. For each thread and reply, the candidate must support assertions with at least 1 citation in current APA format. Acceptable sources include peer-reviewed articles, web resources, books, interviews, and observations.

Content Competency Development Plan

The candidate will review content competencies in his/her field and identify a competency for which he/she feels least prepared. The candidate will create a plan for improving in the area (competency) identified, discuss what resources are needed for improving in the targeted competency area, and identify search topics to be used for finding scholarly articles for review of the targeted competency area identified as needing improvement.

Artifacts and Activities Papers (6)

For each content norm the candidate identified as needing development in the Content Competency Development Plan, a 1–2-page paper discussion will be presented of what artifacts, activities, etc. have been completed to demonstrate mastery of the respective competency.

Content Competency Chart

The candidate will complete a content competency chart.

Content Competency Paper

The candidate will create a 7–10-page paper that discusses the competency norms identified as weak areas in completing program requirements. The paper will include a description of each competency, a discussion of how the plan for competency improvement was followed, and a discussion of the outcome of efforts to follow the plan. Also included must be a discussion of findings within the literature on each identified competency and how the information contained in the resources did or did not serve to assist the candidate in completing the plan.

Transcripts

The candidate must locate and submit a copy of his/her official or unofficial transcript(s).