Instructor:Mr. Belasco

School Phone: 884-3475 ext 285 Email: belascotj@lcmrschools.com or belasco@alumni.rutgers.edu (preferred)

Course Credit:  5   Course Schedule 955.1

Course Description:  This course is a study of the history, development, organization and practices of preschool, elementary, and secondary education.  It will provide students with an examination of three components of education 1. Psychology and development; 2. History of education in the nation and in New Jersey; 3. Observation and practice.

Terminal Objectives:  The objectives for Teacher Cadet are based on the standards found in the South Carolina Teacher Cadet Curriculum Standards. Students who successfully complete Teacher Cadet with a passing grade of 70% or higher will have demonstrated the abilities, concepts, knowledge, and skills required to do the following: 

1. Identify characteristics of self as a learner (e.g. learning styles, multiple intelligences)
2. Explain the concept of self-esteem regarding the learner
3. Identify and explain the stages of human growth and development
4. Identify the components of effective groups
5. Recognize barriers to learning and develop methods of dealing with these problems effectively
6. Distinguish between effective and ineffective teaching
7. Explain and demonstrate the process of teaching
8. Identify and utilize various methods of instruction
9. Participate in an extended field experience assisting a teacher with individual tutoring, group monitoring and tutoring, and whole class instruction
10. Research the history and development of education in the public schools
11. Distinguish between various alternatives to public education—private schools, home schooling, etc.
12. Explain the structure/organization of a school and a school district
13. Research on the Internet and debate in class various educational issues
14. Explain how individuals and schools react to and handle the need for change
15. Develop one’s own vision of the transformation of education

• Course Materials:  Experiencing Education, Annual Editions, MAY, SAY, FLAY curricula
• Course Outline:  The course will be taught in the sequence of units within the curriculum.  When necessary, the teacher will make adjustments to the course calendar.
• Grading, Student Records, and Homework:  Student progress is assessed during each grading period of the course.  Methods of demonstration, modeling, teamwork in pairs and small groups, hands-on activities, projects—research, computer, camcorder or multi-media, speakers, presentations, tests, readings, essays, participation, and self-evaluations will be used for assessment.
• The field experience will be assessed through journal writing, lesson plans, and a portfolio.
• A= 93-100%      B=85-92%         C=77-84%         D=70-76%         F=69 and below
• Student Records:  A record of each student’s grade performance on all work is maintained.  Student work is kept in a binder and/or portfolio. 
• Homework Policy:  Students are expected to finish required daily written work and reading assignments for homework if the work is not completed in class.
• Make-up Policy:  Students are expected to make up previously announced tests or turn in previously assigned projects the day they return to class.  For all other work, they have three (3) days to make up the work that they missed.
• Class Procedures and Class/School Rules:  Students are advised to follow the rules and procedures, as well as the expectations, for the class.  The Teacher Cadet instructor will explain those procedures as part of lesson assignments.
• Communication:  Parents can contact the teacher directly at 609-884-3475 ext 285 or Email belascotj@lcmrschools.com .                        
• Non-Instructional Routines:  Each Teacher Cadet will have parents or guardians sign a permission form for observations and field trips for the course.
• Materials Needed Daily:  Students are responsible for bringing to class a three-ring binder, writing utensils, and the handouts/materials announced for the day.
• Attendance/Tardy Policy:  The policies are set forth by the school.
• School Rules about Misbehavior:  The school and district clearly outline school rules and policies governing student behavior.  For a first offense, the student will be issued a verbal warning; at the second offense, he/she will have an after-school detention; at the third offense, the student will have a longer after-school detention and will include a conference with an administrator.  The parent/guardian will be notified if an unacceptable behavior persists.  The student will be referred to the school administration for disciplinary action if behavior causes class disruption or interferes with the rights of other students to learn. Because of the maturity required in working with younger students, severe infractions will result in removal from class.
• Course Instructor Concerns:  If a question or problem should arise, the student should talk to the Mr. Belasco.

Class Schedule (By no means carved in stone) You can get a general idea of what we will be doing and when we will be doing it.

Examples of Projects through a PowerPoint presentation.

Powerpoint Notes and Documents from Class

Play Mad Gab online: In use with discussion of frustration and special education.

Significant Links:

Tomorrow's Teachers:	An NEA sponsered site for new teacher's and education majors. Great information regarding lesson plan ideas and means for improvement.
Cerra Website	This is the originator of the program. This cite holds fantastic information on the program and the activities we will undertake.
Learning Disabilities Online	Whether or not you are considering special education, you will in some capacity have to undertsand the disabilities facing students. This site provides information on diagnosis as well as accomodations.
New Jersey State Department of Education
New Jersey Teaching License Requirements	Proceduees and requirements needed to become a teacher in the state of New Jersey
Rick Lavoie Website	Producer of F.A.T. City and workshops to direct teachers, guidance counsels and case workers