• Purcell-Gates, V. (1995). Other people's words: The cycle of low literacy. Harvard University Press, Cambridge: Massachuesettes.
• Additional readings will be available on-line. Students are expected to bring readings and other relevant material to class for discussions.
• Also, students will need to purchase a zip disk or memory stick that will be used for storage.

Notes: This paper copy is handed out the first day of class as a courtesy to you. Students are advised to regularly consult the online document for readings, due dates, etc. A high level of written communication is expected throughout this course as this is a junior/senior level course. Students are expected to proof-read all material before turning it in. All course work that is turned in must be typed and follow APA format. If you have questions regarding this do not hesitate to ask your professor. Also, please note that there is a writing center on campus to assist you as well.

NCDPI STANDARDS:
CORE STANDARDS FOR ALL TEACHERS
C.1 Teachers know the content they teach.
C.2 Teachers know how to teach students.
C.3.1 Teachers demonstrate their belief that diversity in the classroom, in the school, and in the society is a strength.
C.4.3 Teachers lead in advocating for schools and children.
C.5 Teachers are reflective about their practice.

TECHNOLOGY STANDARDS
T.1 Teachers demonstrate a sound understand of technology operations and concepts.
T.2 Teachers plan and design effective learning environments and experiences supported by technology.
T.3 Teachers implement curriculum plans that include methods and strategies for applying technology to maximize student learning.
T.4 Teachers apply technology to facilitate a variety of effective assessment and evaluation strategies.
T.5 Teachers use technology to enhance their productivity and professional practice.
T.6 Teachers understand the social, ethical, legal, and human issues surrounding the use of technology in PK-12 schools and apply those principles in practice.

DIVERSITY STANDARDS
D1.1 Teachers select, evaluate and incorporate unbiased instructional materials.
D.2.1 Teachers seek and apply good matches among instructional goals, methods, and materials, and students' skills and abilities.
D.2.2 Teachers assist students in developing multiple learning strategies to address discipline specific content, communication, critical thinking, and problem solving skills.
D.4 Teachers acknowledge and understand that diversity exists in society and utilize this diversity to strengthen the classroom environment to meet the needs of individual learners.
D.5.1 Teachers become strong advocates for educational equity .
D.6 Teachers of diverse students are reflective practitioners who are committed to educational equity.
D.6.1 Teachers identify own biases and reflect on them in terms of practice.

Tentative Schedule

** You are expected to check your e-mail and the online syllabus regularly as this schedule may change.
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Course Assignments and Grading

Community of Practice
This class is structured around a Community of Practice model of learning.You are required to attend all class meetings, and your active participation and substantial contributions in discussions is expected. Students are expected to be prepared for class by completing all assigned tasks such as readings, study guides, and out of class activities before class.  Preparation for class is also demonstrated through your active participation in classroom discussions, substantial contributions , and other activities.  Being “shy” is not an excuse for not participating; after all, you aspire to be an educator.  The Community of Practice grade will include performance in all of the following areas:

• Attendance - Expected. Thirty points will be deducted for each absence from your community of practice grade. Students missing more than 2 classes will receive a failing grade for the course.
• Active participation and Substantial contributions in small and large group- 50%
• Preparation for class (including all readings and assignments) - 35%
• Quizzes -15%

Academic Integrity Code : Be sure you have read and understand the student's academic integrity code. While there will be assignments in this class that do require students to complete work in groups, it is expected that all other assignments are completed individually and are original. Also, be sure to provide appropriate reference citations and always give credit where due. Plagarism will be taken very seriously and students will be held accountable according to Section VIII of the Academic Integrity Code.