Family and School Collaboration

Catalog description

In this capstone course, candidates apply their understanding of the complex characteristics of children?s families and communities by recognizing the central role that families play in the development of children and utilize their knowledge of the school culture and community at large to meet the needs of the families represented in their classroom. In addition candidates will have knowledge of the variations in beliefs, traditions, and values related to children and learning across and within cultures and the impact of poverty on family systems and children?s development. Candidates will recognize the importance of providing a socially just environment for all children by creating and implementing two family engagement activities that will create a sense of community in their classroom. This course is offered in conjunction with Student Teaching and utilizes the assigned placement to implement the given strategies. The development of a professional portfolio and preparation for the Portfolio Exit Interview are part of this course.