Bullying and debates about curriculum, standards, and accountability are everyday issues in conversations in schools throughout the U.S. In many ways, schools are microcosms of our diverse communities and society. This survey course examines contemporary issues impacting schools and the American education system by analyzing the evolving relationship among schools, communities, states, and national education goals and initiatives. Students learn how to examine social, political, economic, and legal issues in education from both historical and contemporary perspectives through dialogue and appreciation of diverse views.

Learn about the intersection of law and teaching, improving curriculum through strategic policy, and leadership in areas of teacher responsibility, such as instruction and professional development.

Develop the skills that will enable you to evaluate and use a Learning Management System (LMS) in a business or academic environment. Topics include synchronous and asynchronous e-learning methods; capabilities, benefits and constraints of LMS; organizational needs; and methods of communication available in the system. Learn to analyze an organization's needs, use a specific LMS, enroll users, load course materials, conduct an asynchronous class, input assessment items, enter grades and produce reports.

Explore the emerging role of teachers as leaders in K-12 educational environments. Discuss teacher leadership in a variety of capacities for instruction, school reform, curriculum development, assessment, school finance and budgetary input, classroom management, collaboration and community building, technology integration, and professional and staff development.

Understand the development and implementation of administrative policy and practices at the local, state and national levels. Develop critical skills required to systematically analyze, plan and make data-driven decisions and policies that foster the instructional improvement and organizational change necessary to support instruction. Prepare to meet the instructional challenges that will shape K-12 education now and in the future.

Prerequisite: To be taken last or next to last; a grade of 'B' or higher is required.

Apply the rationale for and methods of developing a professional portfolio. Create a portfolio that includes a comprehensive collection of work and artifacts to demonstrate analysis, synthesis and evaluation of theoretical and practical knowledge gained in prior program courses. Demonstrate competency of your specific concentration area as well as of program outcomes. A supervising faculty member will evaluate your capstone project. A grade of B or higher is required.