EDEC 3613.004

EDEC 3613.004Introduction to Early Childhood Education

Fall 2013Next Generation Course

Tuesday 3:30-4:50 P.M. Matthews 311Thursday-Online

Professor George S. Morrison, Ed.D.

EDEC 3613.004 is a NextGen course that meets face-to-face for 51% of class time. “In class” meetings are held every Tuesday from 3:30-4:50 PM. The other 49% of this course is online through class discussions, quizzes, assignments, research, and supplemental instruction (SI). Students in this class are responsible for and are expected to spend six hours a week on their online assignments, research, discussions, quizzes, assignments, and preparing for class.

George S. Morrison, Ed.D. Office: Matthews Hall 218SCell phone: 940-367-1555Email: George.Morrison@unt.edu George.Morrison@unt.edu Success for Life: https://www.coe.unt.edu/successforlife www.unt.edu/SuccessForLife/Office Hours: Tuesday 12:30 P.M. to 3:30 P.M.

Wednesday 8:00 A.M. to 11:00 A.M

Darla Taylor, ME.d. Teaching Assistant Office: 218FOffice phone:Email: Darla.Taylor@unt.eduOffice Hours: Tuesday 10:00 A.M.to 2:30 P.M.After class and by appointment

Grace ChoSupplemental Instructor (SI)Email: gracecho2@my.unt.edu

Course Description:Foundations of early childhood education including current programs, best practices, and ethical issues. Introduction to teaching young children and the influences of research, theory, program practices, and teaching strategies on young children and early childhood classroom practices.

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This course implements the early childhood professional preparation standards of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). These are: Standard 1: Promoting Child Development and LearningStandard 2: Building Family and Community RelationshipsStandard 3: Observing, Documenting, and Assessing to Support Young Children and FamiliesStandard 4: Using Developmentally Effective Approaches to Connect with Children and FamiliesStandard 5: Using Content Knowledge to Build Meaningful CurriculumStandard 6: Becoming a ProfessionalNAEYC Standards for Early Childhood Professionals, Initial Licensure Programs, 2009

Each chapter of your textbook begins with NAEYC Standards specific to the chapter. Read and reflect on these NAEYC Standards as you read each chapter. You can access the full description of the NAEYC Standards at http://www.naeyc.org/files/naeyc/file/positions/ProfPrepStandards09.pdf

Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs):As a result of this course, students will:

Articulate their role as an early childhood professional and know how children’s age, developmental levels, culture, family, socioeconomic status, and health affect their learning in the classroom.

Know the effects of public policy and current issues on children’s families and education.

Know the goals, benefits, and uses of assessment. Understand the role of the early childhood educator in making accommodations

for children with special needs. Know how teachers use Response to Intervention (RTI) to further the learning of

young children. Know the major theories in early childhood education and how they relate to the

classroom today. Know about and be able to apply program models in early childhood education. Understand and apply principles that promote a healthy, supportive, respectful,

and challenging environment for infants and toddlers. Understand and apply principles that promote a supportive, challenging,

respectful, and safe environment for preschoolers. Understand and apply principles that promote a supportive, challenging,

respectful, and safe environment for Kindergarteners. Understand and apply principles that promote a supportive, challenging,

respectful, and safe environment for students in grades 1-3. Use understanding of technology to create classrooms that prepare children for

the demands of the 21st century. Students will understand how partnerships with families and community help

children in the classroom. Understand positive guidance techniques to create environments for young

children that are healthy, supportive, respectful, and challenging.

Next Generation (NextGen) Course Redesign2

EDEC 3613.004

EDEC 3613.001 is part of the University of North Texas Next Generation (NextGen) course redesign project. The redesign focuses on student centered learning and involving students in their own learning and the learning of their peers in order to increase students’ achievement and course satisfaction. Professor Morrison is a Next Generation Course Redesign Faculty Fellow.

Student success in EDEC 3613 Professor Morrison and Darla Taylor want you to be successful in this class. Professor Morrison is “success oriented”. They want you to be “success oriented”. There is no reason for you to not earn the grade that you want to earn! Success comes through intrinsic self-motivation, perseverance, hard work, and dedication.

Success at UNT Show Up Find Support Take Control Be Prepared Get Involved Be Persistent

Mozilla Firefox Mozilla Firefox is recommended by both the University of North Texas and the College of Education for all Blackboard Learn activities. Make sure you are running the latest version of Firefox and Java updates.

Early Alert SystemIf you miss assignments, quizzes, or deadlines, Professor Morrison will contact you by a Blackboard email and check on why you are not completing your assignments. In addition, if Professor Morrison feels you are not doing your best in the course, he will notify the University’s Early Alert System and a member of the Early Alert team will contact you to check on your progress.

Supplemental Instructor (SI)Supplemental Instruction is designed to help you achieve to your highest level in this class. Your Supplemental Instructor (SI) is, who will collaborate with you on assignments and hold several one hour sessions each week outside of class, in person, and online. The SI will:

Hold a face-to-face group tutoring sessions in Matthews 311. Facilitate online discussions and other face-to-face meetings every week to

discuss course content and assignments according to students’ needs. Be available online and through email to answer student questions.

REQUIRED TEXT:

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Morrison, G. S. (2012). Early childhood education today (12th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson/Merrill Prentice Hall.ISBN# 9780132779418Five textbooks are on reserve in Willis Library. They are available for 24-hour checkout.

REQUIRED CLICKER: Turning PointISBN- RF-LCD 9781934931400  

Clickers are available at the University Bookstore. Batteries are also available in the bookstore or other stores in packs of two for about $4.

It is your responsibility to register your clicker in Blackboard at the beginning of the semester. Instructions will be given on how to do this in class.

It is your responsibility to let Darla Taylor know of any technical problems you have with your clicker. New clickers have a one-year warranty. If you buy a used clicker that does not work, you must replace it at your own expense.

See Darla Taylor before the class starts for a polling test if you believe you are having problems with your clicker.

You may also contact Turning Technologies Help Desk at 1-866-746-3015 Monday through Friday 6am-8pm. They can assist you with most issues and arrange for a replacement if your clicker is under warranty.

If you replace your clicker at any time throughout the semester, you must register your new clicker in Blackboard.

COURSE CONTENT AND ASSIGNMENTS

Blackboard Learn emailNOTE: You must check your Blackboard Email account at least once a day. It is your responsibility to keep up with announcements, updates, and emails for the course. This is the way Professor Morrison and Darla Taylor communicate with you.

Introductory Assignment: 25 POINTSYou will post on Blackboard Learn a bio of yourself to the discussion board (approximately 300 words) by September 5. Details for this assignment are posted in the Discussion Guides Folder on Blackboard. Class Participation: 210 POINTSYou can earn up to 15 points per class for participating in clicker activities during each class period. You must be in class to earn clicker activity points. Students who arrive late or leave class early and who do not participate in clicker activities will not receive the full 15 points for each class period. Clicker points/activities begin the second day of class (September 3). No clicker—no points! You must register your clicker on Blackboard. Information on how to register your clicker is in the “clicker information” folder on Blackboard and will be discussed in class. Use of another student’s clicker constitutes cheating!

NOTE:Professor Morrison does not accept any excuses regarding clicker use.

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1. You must bring your clicker to class every week. 2. You must make sure the batteries in your clicker are working. 3. You must set the channel of your clicker as soon as you get to class. The channel

is 65.4. NO CLICKER, NO POINTS.5. Professor Morrison adheres to the “Amanda Rule.” Even if you are ill with a

doctor’s excuse, if you are not in class you will not receive class participation points!

6. Professor Morrison also adheres to the “Kaitlyn Rule.” You must be in class with an operating clicker in order to earn class participation points.

Online Chapter Quizzes: 540 POINTSYou will complete thirteen (13) online chapter quizzes on Blackboard Learn. Each quiz will have 20 multiple choice questions and is worth 40 points. Note: The quiz for Chapters 5 AND 14 due October 10 will have 30 questions and will be worth 60 points. You are responsible for reading the chapters, Response-to-Intervention (RTI) materials, and taking the quizzes online. Each chapter has a Study Guide. Completion of the Study Guide is optional. The chapters are:

Chapter 1 Due: September 12 (11:59 PM)Chapter 2 Due: September 19 (11:59 PM)Chapter 16 Due: September 26 (11:59 PM)Chapter 3 Due: October 3 (11:59 PM) (RTI) Due: October 10 (11:59 PM)Chapters 5 and 14 Due: October 17 (11:59 PM)Chapter 6 Due: October 24 (11:59 PM)Chapter 9 Due: October 31 (11:59 PM)Chapter 10 Due: November 7 (11:59 PM)Chapter 11 Due: November 14 (11:59 PM)Chapter 12 Due: November 14 (11:59 PM)Chapter 13 Due: November 21 (11:59 PM)Chapter 17 Due: November 21 (11:59 PM)

No quiz will be available after 11:59 P.M. on its due date. You will have 60 minutes to complete each of the online quizzes. Note: You will have 80 minutes for the combined quiz on Chapters 5 and 14 due October 17.

Note: Blackboard does not change quiz answers!! When taking a Blackboard quiz:o Be sure to save each answer!o Do not use the arrow buttons to scroll up or down!

Inclusion Reflective Essay: 75 POINTSOn Blackboard you will read and reflect on two articles posted by Professor Morrison which includes his comments and questions. You will follow the rubric to write your reflective essay on inclusion. Due: September 26 by 11:59 PM (75 points). Directions for the Inclusion Reflective essay will be discussed in class on September 10. (Read the rubric ahead of time. It is on blackboard/Course Content/Inclusion Folder.)

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Book Whisperer Essay: 75 POINTSYou will select and read two professional development books written for teachers of young children on the topic of reading/math/science instruction and/or classroom management. Read and reflect on the concepts and strategies in each book and determine how you will use them in your classroom. There is a list of professional development books you can choose from provided on Blackboard in the Book Whisperer Folder. It is your responsibility to locate and read the books you choose. If you want to read a book that is not on the reading list consult with your TA, Darla Taylor. You will follow the assignment protocol and write a 750 word essay. Due: October 24 by 11:59 PM (75 Points). More information will be given about this in class and the protocol and rubric is available on Blackboard.

Child Observation Record (Pre-K through Grade 3): 150 POINTSEach student will:

Conduct an observation of TWO (2) children in the same grade level (PreK-3)- public, private, or charter school – no child care

Observe two (2) individual children for three (3) sessions of one (1) hour each over a 3-week period. Total observation hours should equal six (6). You can observe more than six hours if you want to.

Complete three (3) observation forms for each child (1 form each observation for each child: 3X2= 6 forms).

Collect at least one work sample from each child. Complete the Child Observation Record (COR). This is found on Blackboard Write a 1,500 word reflective essay based on your observations and COR

according to the COR protocol found on Blackboard.

Observations, Work Samples, COR, and your reflective essay are due on November 7 by 11:59 P.M. You must observe in a public school and must apply online through the UNT Field Experience Office in order to get placed in a school district for the semester. You MUST apply during the first two weeks of class. Tim Sutton, Director of the Field Experience Office will discuss steps and protocol for placement in a classroom. Take notes!

Tim Sutton, Director of the Field Experience Office Email: Tim.Sutton@unt.edu Tel: 940-565-4226Office: Matthews Hall 207

Professor Morrison will not give extensions to complete this assignment because you did not find a child to observe before the due date. The Child Observation Record and 1,500 word essay are worth 150 points.

Develop Two Lesson Plans Using the 5E Model: 200 POINTSThere are two lesson plan assignments that you complete individually using the 5E model. Professor Morrison will provide information for using the 5E model. Information on the 5E Model is located in the textbook on pages 316-319; and 352-353. You will individually complete lesson plans for each of the following:

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Lesson Plan 1: Pre-K or Kindergarten—Due October 10 by 11:59 P.M. Lesson Plan 2: Primary Grades (Choice of grade 1, 2, or 3)—Due October 31 by

11:59 P.M.

The Rubric for the 5E lesson plan is located at Blackboard/Course Content/Lesson Plans). If you would like feedback ahead of time from your classmates you may post your lesson plans in the discussion board titled, “5E Lesson Plans.” Posting your lesson plan to the discussion board is not required or part of your grade. Each lesson plan is worth 100 points.

Online Discussions: (Discussion: 325 POINTS & Prezi Presentation: 50 POINTS)Discussion guides are posted under course content. Each week you will read the chapter discussion guide found on Blackboard Learn and answer the questions under the “apply” section of the discussion guide. Using information in the on-line Discussion Guide, you will post an in-depth reflection on the chapter topic (See Rubric for posting online discussions on the last page of your syllabus). In addition, you will respond to three of your classmates’ reflections. Your final posts are due Thursday of each week by 11:59 P.M. (See Schedule of discussions for specific dates). There are 1 3 total discussions for the semester. Each discussion is worth 25 points. Professor Morrison closes the on-line Discussions at 11:59PM on the due date. After this time you will not be able to post. The first three students to post their discussion will receive extra points added to their discussion grade: - 1st to post: 5 Extra points - 2nd to post: 4 Extra points - 3rd to post: 3 Extra points

Directions for posting on-line discussions:1. Go to the menu on the left side of your screen once you have logged in to our

class.2. Click on Discussions.3. Click on the discussion you are submitting for the week.4. Post your discussion and respond to at least three classmates.

Note: During the week of October 15-17, you will read Chapters 5 AND 14 and prepare a Prezi presentation based on a topic of your interest in one of these chapters. You will post the link to your presentation on the discussion board; view at least three of your classmates’ presentations, and; respond to three presentations by October 17 at 11:59P.M. This will be worth 50 points. More information will be given about this in class and the protocol and rubric are available on Blackboard Learn.

Teacher Tool Box: 100 POINTSAs a beginning teacher, you will need many useful ideas and instructional strategies to manage your classroom and assure each student learns. Now is the time for you to learn “tricks of the trade” or teaching tools and fill your Teacher Toolbox with them. These teaching tools include classroom management, instructional planning, differentiating of instruction, and others you will find listed in the protocol. Create a Prezi presentation based on the ten tools you selected for your toolbox.  For each teacher tool you will

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review what the tool is and how you will specifically use it in your classroom. Your teaching tools need to be unique to you and not a generalized statement found from other resources, and should reflect your own teaching philosophy (see Chapter 1). You will post the link to your presentation on the discussion board.  Keep your Teacher Toolbox electronically so that you can add to it as you continue your professional development. This Prezi presentation is due on November 21 by 11:59P.M. 100 points. More information will be given about this in class and the protocol and rubric is available on Blackboard Learn.

Final Self-Evaluation: 10 POINTS Submit a 250 word post evaluation about your effort and achievement in the course. Also, include your total number of course points. Complete the evaluation in either an Excel Spreadsheet or Word document table with your points for each assignment and total your points. Make sure to include your extra credit points in your evaluation. Submit as an assignment on Blackboard Learn. See final evaluation rubric. Due December 5 by 11:59 P.M. 10 points (Read the rubric ahead of time. Blackboard/Course Content/Final Self Evaluation) Submit the final self-evaluation under the assignments tab titled “Final Self Evaluation.”

Extra Credit Opportunity (Optional): Professor Morrison welcomes and encourages student led presentations on topics

relating to the class and to experiences that you have had with young children. Many of you have had significant experiences and have learned a great deal which you can share with your classmates. If you, individually or in a group (2-3), want to make a presentation, send Professor Morrison a proposal which includes the following:

o Name(s) of presenterso Title of presentationo Goals and objectives of your presentation—why are you presenting? What

do you expect your classmates to learn? o Concise outline of your topic presentation outlining the significant

knowledge and learning outcomes you will include in your presentation Professor Morrison must approve of your presentation outline one week before

you present. All student led presentations must be presented prior to Thanksgiving Break. ALL extra credit assignments are presented with Prezi! ALL extra credit assignments are reviewed and approved by Professor

Morrison before you present them in class.

Directions for Posting an Assignment:The following assignments will be posted in the following order:

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1) Inclusion Essay, 2) Book Whisperer Essay, 3) 5E Lesson Plans, 4) Child Observation Record, and 5) the Final Self Evaluation.

1. Go to the menu on the left side of your screen once you have logged in to our class.

2. Click on Assignments.3. Click on the assignment you are turning in (ex: inclusion essay).4. Scroll down and click Add Attachment.5. Add your attachment (as a word document ONLY; not as a zip or RTF (Rich

text file or any other type of attachment).6. Click submit.

To check for submitted assignments: Click on the assignments tab then click on the submitted tab. The submitted tab contains your submissions and any assignments for which you have missed the cutoff date. It is your responsibility to make sure you have properly submitted each assignment. You are encouraged to submit your assignments as soon as possible on or before the due date. If you wait until the last minute, Blackboard Learn may label your submission as “late” and you will not receive credit.

Your Grades in the Class

Total points in the course are distributed as follows

Participation (14 x 15 points each) 210

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Quizzes (12 x 40 points each, 1 x 60 points)540

Online discussions (13x 25 points each & 1 X 50 points: Prezi Due 10/17)375

Introductory Assignment (Due 9/5)25

Inclusion Essay (Due 9/26)75

Pre-K/K 5E Lesson Plan (Due 10/10)100

Book Whisperer Essay (Due10/24)75

Primary 5E Lesson Plan (Due 10/31)100

Child Observation Record (Due 11/7)150

Teacher Tool Box (Due 11/21)100

Final Self Evaluation (Due 12/5)10

Total Points 1760

A 100%-90% 1760-1584B 89%-80% 1583-1408C 79%-70% 1407-1232D 69%-60% 1231-1056F 59% and below 1055 and below

Direct all questions about grades, assignments, and posting of grades to Professor Morrison via Blackboard Learn emails.

Class Policy on Late AssignmentsAll assignments are due on or before the date indicated. Professor Morrison does not accept late assignments. The only exceptions for not turning in assignments on time are for medical or immediate family emergencies. Professor Morrison accepts no “11:59” excuses! Or, Internet or connectivity excuses!

1. Professor Morrison adheres to the Krista Rule: "IF BLACKBOARD HAS NO RECORD OF YOU SUBMITTING AN ASSIGNMENT ON TIME--YOU DID NOT DO IT!"

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2. Professor Morrison also adheres to the “Michalyn Rule” Regardless of the time zone you are in at the time, your assignments are due at 11:59 pm Central Time.

Policy on Releasing Grades:All grades on class assignments are posted on Blackboard Learn. You may view your grades on the My Grade Tab. Professor Morrison does not release grades by email. In addition, Professor Morrison does not release final grades. Final grades are posted online through UNT’s my.unt.edu portal. The URL is http://www.my.unt.edu.

Academic Honesty:Professor Morrison expects you to conform to the University of North Texas Code of Student Conduct and Discipline as outlined in the undergraduate catalog (see also the Student Handbook, online at www.unt.edu). This states in part that all instances of cheating, fabrication and plagiarism are prohibited and will be reported. Any student who assists in any form of dishonesty is equally as guilty as the student who accepts such assistance. Use of someone else’s clicker constitutes cheating! Professor Morrison will take disciplinary action against any student found in violation of the Code, which may include failure in the course and possible expulsion from the University.

Academic Integrity:Academic Integrity is defined in the UNT Policy on Student Standards for Academic Integrity. Any suspected case of Academic Dishonesty will be handled in accordance with the University Policy and procedures. Possible academic penalties range from a verbal or written admonition to a grade of “F” in the course. Further sanctions may apply to incidents involving major violations. You will find the policy and procedures at: http://vpaa.unt.edu/academic-integrity.htm.

Acceptable Student Behavior: Student behavior that interferes with an instructor’s ability to conduct a class or other students' opportunity to learn is unacceptable and disruptive and will not be tolerated in any instructional forum at UNT. Students engaging in unacceptable behavior will be directed to leave the classroom and the instructor may refer the student to the Dean of Students to consider whether the student's conduct violated the Code of Student Conduct. The university's expectations for student conduct apply to all instructional forums, including university and electronic classroom, labs, discussion groups, field trips, etc. The Code of Student Conduct can be found at www.deanofstudents.unt.edu

Classroom Decorum: Professor Morrison expects you to exhibit appropriate classroom behavior. Please refrain from answering cell phones, text messaging, tweeting, surfing the internet, answering email, talking to classmates, eating, and other behaviors that are disruptive in the classroom. Please keep our classroom neat and orderly by picking up your things as you leave.

Attendance:

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It is important for you to come to class every Tuesday. Not attending class will impact your participation grade. Excused absences include medical or immediate family emergencies. You must be present in class to earn clicker participation points.

Use of Technology and Media:Professor Morrison encourages you to use your laptops, PDAs, etc., to take class notes; follow the lecture power point; and to search for information related to class lectures. Throughout the term, through the Next Generation Course Redesign Project (Next-Gen), we will seek ways to integrate technology to support classroom instruction and to enhance your learning.

Eagle Mail:All students should activate and regularly check their Eagle Mail (e-mail) account. Eagle Mail is used for official communications from the University to students. Many important announcements including university closings are sent to students via Eagle Mail. For information about Eagle Mail, including how to activate an account and how to have Eagle Mail forwarded to another e-mail address, visit https://eaglemail.unt.edu.

Non-Discrimination Policy:It is the policy of the University of North Texas not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, disabled veteran status or veterans of the Vietnam era status in the university’s educational programs, activities, admissions or employment policies. The university complies with federal and state equal opportunity laws and regulations, through its diversity policy; the university declares harassment, which is based on individual differences (including sexual orientation) to be inconsistent with the university’s mission and educational goals.University of North Texas Bulletin 2013-2014 Catalog, p.1; online catalog http://catalog.unt.edu/index.php

Americans with Disabilities Act:The University of North Texas does not discriminate on the basis of an individual’s disability and complies with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the American with disabilities Act in its admissions, accessibility treatment and employment of individuals in programs and activities. The university provides academic adjustments and auxiliary aids to individuals with disabilities, as defined under the law, who are otherwise qualified to meet the institutions academic and employment requirements. For information, call the Office of Disability Accommodation 940-565-4323. The student has the responsibility of informing Professor Morrison of any disabling condition which requires modification to avoid discrimination. Copies of the College of Education ADA Compliance Documents are available in the Dean’s Office, Matthews 214. Professor Morrison provides accommodations for all University approved recommendations for student accommodation.

Policy for the Grade of “Incomplete”:I-Incomplete; a non-punitive grade given only during the last one-fourth of a term/semester and only if a student (1) is passing the course and (2) has justifiable and documented reason, beyond the control of the student (such as serious illness or military service), for not completing the work on schedule. The student must arrange with the

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instructor to finish the course at a later date by completing specific requirements. These requirements must be listed on a Request for Grade of Incomplete form signed by the instructor, student and department chair and must be entered on the grade roster by the instructor. University of North Texas Bulletin 2013-2014 Catalog, p. 30; University online catalog http://catalog.unt.edu/mime/media/view/9/810/2013-14_undergraduate_catalog.pdf

Blackboard Learn:Professor Morrison will keep in touch with you, and you can keep in touch with them through the Blackboard Learn site for this course. Please read carefully and understand the following:

TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS / ASSISTANCEo Hardware and software necessary to use Blackboard:o Browser and computer settings check:

https://ecampussupport.unt.edu/computer. We are currently using Blackboard Learn Plug-ins necessary to access course materials and resources: Install Plug-Ins for Blackboard Learn

o Run Blackboard on Firefox and the latest version of JAVA.o Contact Blackboard Student Help Desk if you need help setting up your

computer in order to properly use Blackboard. (940) 565-2324

In order to access course materials you will have to log onto a computer with Internet access, and you will need a basic understanding of sending and receiving emails and posting messages to a message board.

If you do not have a home computer with Internet access, there are several labs across campus you may use. The computer lab at Willis Library is open 24 hours.

If this is the first time for you to use Blackboard Learn you should complete the tutorial available at: http://dls.unt.edu/tools/enroll_tutorial.pl

You will need to know your EUID in order to use Blackboard Learn. To find out your EUID, go to https://ams.unt.edu/whatsmyeuid.php

Always have the Student Helpdesk number with you when using Blackboard Learn. Call for help immediately if you experience problems with submitting an assignment, quiz, or exam. The contact information is:

Student Help Desk: In person: SAGE 130Phone: 940-565-2324UNT Help Desk Websitehttp://www.unt.edu/helpdesk/

Report a problem or request servicehttp://web3.unt.edu/helpdesk/service/service.php

Support Hours: Mon.-Thurs. 8am - midnight

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Friday 8am - 8pm Saturday 9am - 5pm Sunday 8am – midnight

It is your responsibility to contact the Student Help Desk to immediately resolve all Blackboard Learn issues. Be sure to obtain a case # for verification and tracking purposes. Use this case # in correspondences with Professor Morrison.

Log in to Blackboard Learn at https://ecampus.unt.edu/webct/entryPage.dowebct

The syllabus, details about assignments and assessments are located in a folder on the home page.

Professor Morrison posts the class power point before every Tuesday class lecture.

You must submit all assignments for this course through the assignment drop-box on Blackboard Learn.

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EDEC 3613.001Introduction to Early Childhood Education

Spring 2013Professor George S. Morrison, Ed. D

Schedule of Classes *Gray Dates indicate online classes*

Date Class AssignmentsAugust 29 Syllabus Review

IntroductionMake a name tag to wear to every class.Bring your textbook and clicker to every class.

September 3 Syllabus review cont. Explanation of Prezi, Child Observation Record (COR), and Inclusion EssayWear your name tag to every class. Prize for the best 3 name tags!Bring your textbook and clicker to every class.

September 5 Introductory Discussion Post (Bio)

September 10 Syllabus review cont.Explanation of Prezi, Child Observation Record (COR), and Inclusion EssayName tag prizes

September 12 Chapter 1 Quiz Due by 11:59 PMChapter 1 Discussion due by 11:59 PM

September 17 Chapter 1 Explanation of 5 E Model

September 19 Reminder: Make your final decision on where you will do your observationChapter 2 Quiz due by 11:59 PMChapter 2 Discussion due by 11:59 PM

September 24 Chapter 2Explanation of the Book Whisperer Essay

September 26 Chapter 16 Quiz due by 11:59 PMChapter 16 Discussion due by 11:59 PMInclusion Essay due by 11:59 PM

October 1 Chapter 16Explanation of Book Whisperer

October 3 Chapter 3 Quiz due by 11:59 PMChapter 3 Discussion due by 11:59 PM

October 8 Chapter 3October 10 Response to Intervention (RTI) Quiz due by 11:59 PM

Response to Intervention (RTI) Discussion due by 11:59 PMPreK/K 5E Lesson Plan Due by 11:59PM

October 15 Response to Intervention (RTI)October 17 Chapters 5/14 Quiz due by 11:59 PM

Prezi Presentations Post due by 11:59PMChapters 5/14 Prezi Discussion due by 11:59 PM

October 22 Chapters 5/14October 24 Book Whisperer Essay due by 11:59 PM

Chapter 6 Quiz due by 11:59 PMChapter 6 Discussion due by 11:59 PM

October 29 Chapter 6October 31 Chapter 9 Quiz due by 11:59 PM

Chapter 9 Discussion due by 11:59 PMPrimary 5 E Lesson Plan due by 11:59 PM

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November 5 Chapter 9November 7 Chapter 10 Quiz due by 11:59 PM

Chapter 10 Discussion due by 11:59 PMChild Observation Record due by 11:59 PM

November 12 Chapter 10 November 14 Chapter 11 Quiz due by 11:59 PM

Chapter 11 Discussion due by 11:59 PMChapter 12 Quiz due by 11:59 PMChapter 12 Discussion due by 11:59 PM

November 19 Chapter 11 & 12Remind students about upcoming assignments due November 21

November 21 Chapter 13 Quiz due by 11:59 PM Chapter 13 Discussion due by 11:59 PMChapter 17 Quiz due by 11:59 PMChapter 17 Discussion due by 11:59 PMTeacher Tool Box due by 11:59 PM

November 26 Chapter 17Thanksgiving No assignments due on Thanksgiving Day!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!December 3 Explanation Final Self Evaluation

Chapter 17December 5 Final Self Evaluation due by 11:59 PM

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Rubric for Evaluating Weekly Online Discussions (25 points per week)Your participation in the discussion will be evaluated holistically each week based on this rubric. Your score is dependent on the quality of your contribution, not just your completing the discussion.

Discussion Participation Tips: Participate EARLIER in the WEEK rather than at the last possible moment. Reply to others EARLIER in the WEEK rather than at the last possible moment. Check in and participate in the discussion three separate days per week.

0-1 Point 3 Points 5 Points

-Responds to only one student or does not respond to any student.0-1Point

-Responds to two other students3 Points

-Responds to three or more classmates.5 Points

-Does not relate discussion to the textbook or is not specific about topics related to/ in the textbook AND information provided by Professor Morrison0-1Point

-Occasionally relates discussions to the textbook or is not specific about topics related to/ in the textbook AND other information provided by Professor Morrison3 Points

-Relates discussions to the textbook with specific examples AND to other information provided by Professor Morrison5 Points

-Does not contribute student found articles, web-links, blogs, etc.0-1Point

-Mention of student found articles, web-links, and blogs3 Points

-Clearly relates discussions to student found articles, web-links, blogs, etc.5 Points

-Discussion consists of minimal effort, 200 words or less; 0-1Point

-Discussion consists of fewer than 250 words3 Points

-Discussion consists of a minimum of 250 words (You can exceed 250 words!)5 Points

-Contributions are weak or do not make sense. Discussion seems hurried or disorganized, and only generally relates to the topic of discussion0-1Point

-Makes connections to curriculum that is average and does little to add to the richness of the overall discussion3 Points

-Makes insightful and scholarly connections to discussion5 Points

Departmental Policy Statements

Disabilities Accommodation: “The University of North Texas complies with Section 504 of the 1973 Rehabilitation Act and with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. The

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University of North Texas provides academic adjustments and auxiliary aids to individuals with disabilities, as defined under the law. Among other things, this legislation requires that all students with disabilities be guaranteed a learning environment that provides for reasonable accommodation of their disabilities. If you believe you have a disability requiring accommodation, please see the instructor and/or contact the Office of Disability Accommodation at 940-565-4323 during the first week of class.”

Observation of Religious Holidays: If you plan to observe a religious holy day that coincides with a class day, please notify your instructor as soon as possible.

Academic Integrity: Students are encouraged to become familiar with UNT’s policy on academic integrity: http://www.unt.edu/policy/UNT_Policy/volume3/18_1_16.pdf. Academic dishonesty, in the form of plagiarism, cheating. or fabrication, will not be tolerated in this class. Any act of academic dishonesty will be reported, and a penalty determined, which may be probation, suspension, or expulsion from the university.

Acceptable Student Behavior: Student behavior that interferes with an instructor’s ability to conduct a class or other students' opportunity to learn is unacceptable and disruptive and will not be tolerated in any instructional forum at UNT. Students engaging in unacceptable behavior will be directed to leave the classroom and the instructor may refer the student to the Dean of Students to consider whether the student's conduct violated the Code of Student Conduct. The university's expectations for student conduct apply to all instructional forums, including university and electronic classroom, labs, discussion groups, field trips, etc. The Code of Student Conduct can be found at www.deanofstudents.unt.edu.

Attendance: See the instructor’s attendance policy. UNT supports instructor stated attendance policies.

Eagle Connect: All official correspondence between UNT and students is conducted via Eagle Connect and it is the student's responsibility to read their Eagle Connect Email regularly.

Cell Phones and Laptop: Students should turn off cell phones when they are in class unless the phones are being used for learning activities associated with the course.

SETE: The Student Evaluation of Teaching Effectiveness (SETE) is expected for all organized classes at UNT. This brief online survey will be made available to you at the end of the semester, providing you a chance to comment on how this class is taught. I am very interested in the feedback I get from students, as I work to continually improve my teaching. I consider the SETE to be an important part of your participation in this class.

Collection of Student Work: In order to monitor students' achievement, improve instructional programs, and publish research findings, the Department of Teacher Education and Administration collects anonymous student work samples, student demographic information, test scores, and GPAs to be analyzed by internal and external reviewers.

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TK20: Some undergraduate and graduate education courses require assignments that must be uploaded and assessed in the UNT TK20 Assessment System. This requires a one-time purchase of TK20, and student subscriptions are effective for seven years from the date of purchase. Please go to the following link for directions on how to purchase TK20: http://www.coe.unt.edu/tk20. Announcements regarding TK20 will also be posted on this website.

Comprehensive Arts Program Policy. The Elementary Education program area supports a comprehensive arts program to assist preservice and inservice teachers to design and implement curricular and instructional activities which infuse all areas of the arts (visual, music, theater, and movement) throughout the elementary and middle school curriculum.

Technology Integration Policy. The Elementary, Secondary, and Curriculum & Instruction program areas support technology integration to assist preservice and inservice teachers to design and implement curricular and instruction activities which infuse technology throughout the K-12 curriculum.

TExES Test Preparation. To meet state requirements for providing 6 hours of test preparation for teacher certification candidates, the UNT TExES Advising Office (TAO) administers the College of Education TExES Practice Exams. Students who want to take a practice exam should contact the TAO (Matthews Hall 103). Students may take up to two exams per session that relate to their teaching track/field at UNT. Students should also plan accordingly, as they are required to stay for the entire testing period. Current students must meet the following criteria in order to sit for the TExES practice exams: Students must (1) be admitted to Teacher Education, (2) have a certification plan on file with the COE Student Advising Office, and (3) be enrolled in coursework for the current semester. For TExES practice exam registration, go to: http://www.coe.unt.edu/texes-advising-office/texes-practice-exam-registration. If you need special testing accommodations, please contact the TAO at 940-369-8601 or e-mail the TAO at coe-tao@unt.edu. The TAO website is www.coe.unt.edu/texes. Additional test preparation materials (i.e. Study Guides for the TExES) are available at www.texes.ets.org.

“Ready to Test” Criteria for Teacher Certification Candidates . Teacher certification candidates should take the TExES exams relating to their respective certification tracks/teaching fields during their early-field-experience semester (i.e. the long semester or summer session immediately prior to student teaching).

Six Student Success Messages. The Department of Teacher Education & Administration supports the six student success messages on how to succeed at UNT: (1) Show up; (2) Find support; (3) Take control; (4) Be prepared; (5) Get involved; and (6) Be persistent. Students are encouraged to access the following website: https://success.unt.edu. The site contains multiple student resource links and short videos with student messages.

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