Course Syllabus

This is a fast paced and simple online book study course designed for the busy educator/parent. Our course is not meant to be an exhaustive study of poverty, the brain, nor all of the classroom and student solutions,  nor is it a full review of all topics surrounding poverty in our schools and in our students' lives.  However, this class merits and relevance stand on your shoulders as a full online participant. You will need to check into this online course 5 days per week.  Things always happen in our lives that can interfere with your full participation in this online experience.  But if you do not check-in online, postings will go unread and participants will not have responses to their hard work and you will keep them from learning from you as well. 

Each week for six weeks and a half there is 1 to 2 short assignments in the form of a discussion posting or short research on a topic related to poverty in schools. You should not be spending any more than 1.5 hours per week on assignments.  Please remember that the actual reading of the book does NOT count toward your earned clock hours.  Participating in 2 webinars, one is required live attendance if at all possible does.  The other(s) webinar you may watch the recording and respond in the class discussion online or participate live.  Writing, researching, discussing others' postings, and all in the context of interacting online, that is what you do as a fullly engaged online student.  It is a challenge to BE a teacher and then to act in this course as a student.  It is a fine line to walk. Finally an online log MUST be turned in when you have completed this short course.  There is a template for that located in the 'files' tab on the right. You should email that template fill out and signed to dhale@esd113.org or lfobush@esd113.org. You may have to scan it and email, or drop it off in person.

We cannot not emphasize enough that this experience of online work is as fun or as interesting as you make it.  Dr. Eric Jensen has given us this great outline of our topic in this book. There are many pathways and tunnels off of the book that you may take to inform yourself or your staff better.  Whatever the pathway or branch you take, share it with our class.  Thisis what makes the online experience interesting and engaging.  Your share your learning and we share ours.  The instructor has given you some additional structure and you carry the water in terms of providing the ingredients that MAKE the class a success for yourself and others.

In summary this book study is 6 weeks in length.  We estimate a maximum of 1.5 hours per week of work.  Login to this online book study environment 5 days per week, every week for six weeks.  Logging in will ensure you don't miss anyone's comment, thoughts, or insights, and that we don't miss yours.  Participate in at least one webinar live if possible. Watch the recording of the other and comment on it in the appropriate discussion area. Finally please email your completed online log of activities with each hour identified that were outside of the online course, e.g. webinar participation or PD work with your staff, or parent night work etc that is prompted by your reading and takes place during this course session.

Finally what is the purpose of this type of professional development experience?

To inform, increase understanding, and assist in improving your understanding of your students' backgrounds, stressors, and/or challenges they face.

Assist in contributing to you becoming a better teacher, counselor, administrator, or mentor.

Assist in the improvement of the practice of your craft of teaching.

Provide information and  ideas to improve classroom or even school culture.