Issues in American Schools and Society

Catalog description

This course is designed to examine contemporary educational issues impacting on schools and to re-examine the purposes of schooling in a democratic society. Students will explore current and emerging policy issues and the demands for reform in schools and districts. Emphasis will be placed on identifying and developing politically feasible responses to policy issues and procedural problems facing educational leaders today. The role of the leader in promoting the development of a collaborative institutional culture and climate and the identification of best-practice strategies to involve community stakeholders in the development of policies and programs will be emphasized. Effective communication models for use within the school, district and greater community and the use of different media and technology formats will be examined and evaluated. Students will demonstrate course understandings through actual classroom and school applications that are referenced to state adopted core curriculum content standards, professional development standards and national school leadership standards.