
Course Syllabus and Assignments
teacher professional development
Credit Hours: 3 Semester credits Grade Type: Letter Grade
Course Readings:A Framework for Understanding Poverty by Ruby Payne. (2007)
Highlands, TX: Aha Press. 183 Pages.
Course Description:
This course will study the patterns and behaviors of people in the culture of poverty. Social class rules and characteristics of generational poverty are explored. Teachers will examine the latest research as it applies to students in the classroom as well as parents. Educators will learn about improving instruction and academic achievement among students. Educators will research this issue for alternative or additional views to addressing the issue of poverty. Teachers may develop lessons or activities for classroom applications that help all students to be successful in school.
Course Objectives:
1. Educators will acquire a framework of the culture of poverty and the role of language.
2. Participants will learn about the hidden roles among social classes and how those roles influence how students work, behave and perceive the school experience.
3. Educators will learn about the characteristics of generational poverty and how the patters of behavior, problems and world views are passed to future generations.
4. Participants will explore the resources, role models, discipline and support systems.
5. Educators will research the culture of poverty issue regarding alternative theories and conclusions presented in the book, as well as present a variety of solutions.
6. Teachers will develop a lesson or unit plan that utilizes strategies or activities in the book and how to use instructional techniques to improve student achievement.
Chapter Review/Reflections: Write several paragraphs summarizing the main ideas or information you thought was significant from each chapter in the book. Extended bullet points of main issues are also acceptable. See rubric for guidelines.
1. Definitions and Resources 2. The Role of Language and Story
3. Hidden Rules Among Classes 4. Characteristics of Generational Poverty
5. Role Models and Emotional Resources
6. Support Systems
7. Discipline
8. Instruction and Improving Achievement
9. Creating Relationships
After the chapter reviews, write a two-page paper linking key concepts from the book, A Framework for Understanding Poverty by Ruby Payne. to your specific classroom context. By focusing your essay on an area of interest that is relevant to your teaching or professional experience, you will enhance your capacity to apply new concept learned in this class. You may choose to specifically focus your paper on classroom-management strategies from the book that are a change from your typical teaching methodology or practice. Visit website: www.ahaprocess.com for research, project ideas and resources.
Required assignments 1. Book Readings 2. Chapter Reviews/Reflections
3.Research Review 4. Project or Activity 5. Application Essay ((APA - MA writing format.)
Email Assignments:info@graduatecoursesonline.com Instructor Joseph C'de Baca 727-258-7233
Mail registration: Teachers Learning Center 11246 68th Ave. Seminole, FL 33772
Grading |
Grade Distribution |
|
Chapter Reviews & Reflections |
30% |
90 - 100 = A |
DVD Movie Review/Reflection |
20% |
80 - 89 = B |
Project or Activity |
30% |
70 - 79 = C |
Application Essay |
20% |
0 - 69 = D - F |
Total |
100% |
Letter Grade |
% |
Possible Points Points Earned |
A |
90-100 |
100 |
B |
80-89 |
70 |
C |
70-79 |
50 |
Re-Write Assignments |
Based on Rubric Score |
Academic Standards: Academic standards that apply to this course will vary from state to state. Visit your district or state educational websites for academic standards that may apply to specific courses or subject areas and apply them as needed.
A Framework for Understanding Poverty
Course Assignments and Rubric
Chapter Reviews/Reflections
Chapter Reviews |
Basic (50 pts.) |
Proficient (60 pts.) |
Advanced (70 pts.) |
Read the book and write chapter reviews and reflections for each chapter. Write 3 to 6 paragraphs summarizing the ideas, knowledge, and information that you thought was significant from each chapter. Consider reflecting on a paragraph or a concept that was enlightening and applicable to teaching. Address or apply any state, district, or national academic standards. Expanded bullet points of main issues are also acceptable. Include your personal experiences, ideas, and critical analysis. |
Writes a basic narrative of the chapters’ contents. Includes major points expressed by the author. Includes at least one citation or example. |
Writes a general narrative of the chapters' contents with limited personal reflection. Expresses major points of each chapter. Writing includes any state, district, or national academic standards that apply. Includes several citations or examples. |
Writes a complete narrative of the main points of each chapter. Writes personal reflections that include the student's experiences with these issues as they relate to their personal classroom experience. Expresses major points of each chapter and provides in-depth elaboration. Includes any state, district, or national academic standards that apply. Includes critical analysis of the course’s positive and/or limiting content and offers solutions as they apply to instructional applications in classrooms and schools. Error-free. |
Research Article Review Rubric Assignment:
Article Review |
Basic (10 pts) |
Proficient (15 pts) |
Advanced (20 pts) |
Research course topic and locate a relevant article that relates to the course content. Write an article review and personal reflection connecting article with the course content and school environment. (3 to 6 pages) *Include a copy of the article utilized in this assignment. |
Writes review of article with basic citation information and briefly shows connection between course and article content. |
Writes review of article with a few references of information. Some critical analysis and solutions. Explores the connection between course and article content, showing full understanding of both interrelationship for teaching considerations. |
Writes review of article with several informative references and thoroughly demonstrates the connection between article and course content. Reflection incorporates abstract and critical analysis and alternatives or solutions. Personal experiences and perspectives are included. Review applies information learned to potential classroom situations. |
Required Lesson/Unit Plan or Activity Rubric
Activity Lesson/Unit Plans |
Basic (10 pts.) |
Proficient (20 pts.) |
Advanced (30 pts.) |
Write a unit or lesson plan, project or activities that demonstrate the course concepts in a school classroom or instructional environment. (3 to 6 pages) Other activities include: staff development, state academic standards, parent outreach, department or committee work, curriculum development, presentations, and school events. |
Creates a minimal activity and lesson plan that briefly demonstrates a simple application of a course concept or strategy that can be utilized in classrooms for instructional and/or evaluative applications. |
Creates a general activity and lesson plan or unit plan that demonstrates two or more course applications of the various topics or concepts. Includes any state, district, or national academic standards that apply. Contains a variety of teaching or learning styles and concrete or abstract practical applications of a concept from the course materials. |
Creates a detailed activity and lesson plan or unit plan that includes a variety of teaching and learning styles. Contains concrete and abstract activities for practical classroom applications of several concepts from the course content. Addresses any state, district, or national academic standards in the activity. Creates a lesson plan or activity that helps students utilize course content to apply the knowledge or skills to school curriculum for their affective needs and improving academic achievement. |
Final-Application Essay Rubric Assignment
Final-Application Essay |
Basic (10 pts.) |
Proficient (20 pts.) |
Advanced (30 pts.) |
Write an essay (3 to 6 pages ) combining all the course content or assignments and show how they can be applied to teaching students, schools settings and staff and personal development. |
Writes an essay addressing how the course content can be applied to classroom instruction, student achievement, and the overall school environment. |
Writes an essay with one or two examples of how various course concepts can be developed and implemented in the classroom and school environments. Writing addresses any state, district, or national academic standards. Addresses instructional methods, teaching strategies and effective lessons as well as students' affective needs and academic achievement. |
Writes a thorough essay with multiple examples of how various course concepts can be developed and implemented in classroom and schools. Includes student's personal and experiential reflections and any state, district, or national academic standards that apply. Writing has critical analysis of the course’s positive and/or limiting content and offers solutions as they apply to instructional applications in classrooms and schools. Addresses instructional methods, teaching strategies and effective lessons as well as the affective needs of students along with academic achievement. |
