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Return to:ETAP 623 FALL 2015 - Byrne & Zhang section 8550 | Connor Breen's Introduction Page | Connor's Mini-Course: School Choice

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Introduction Page

Click here to visit my introduction page Connor Breen

My Topic/Purpose

In today’s day and age, school choice is becoming a hot topic. Parents are looking at alternatives to the public schooling system. This mini course is designed to educate specific professionals in the education field who will be advising parents/members of the community about school choice. During this course participants will take a closer look at what choices parents have when selecting a school, the pros and cons of these options, and how their school choice will benefit the specific needs of their child/children.

Learning Outcomes

Educators will be able to ...

• Educators will become familiar with the idea of school choice, and what it means to give parents choices when selecting a school for their child/children

• Educators will become aware of what goes on behind the scenes in regards to school choice

• Educators will examine the options parents have in selecting a school

• Educators will become aware of the pros and cons of popular school choices

• Educators will see the different curriculum's and learning environments that each school has to offer to prospective parents

Needs Assessment

Instructional Problem

In today's educational society, we have many different levels of learners. Students all over absorb and process information uniquely and at their own pace. A proper learning environment is key to each student’s ability to achieve success. If we want to reach our learners, we must examine each individual's multidimensional characteristics and identify that person's learning style. (Dunn, Dunn, & Price, 1989) Schools throughout our communities offer many different learning environments and options for our students. With so many schools to choose from, parents/caregivers can struggle in selecting the right fit for their child. At school, children have the opportunity to form many relationships with not only their peers, but also with teachers and faculty. These relationships are key during a child's schooling experience, with faculty having the potential of becoming mentors/role models and extracurricular activities possibly unlocking a hidden passion that was never explored before. (School Choice International) It is for these reasons that information on school choice needs to be readily available for parents/guardians. This information should specifically outline each school choice in the community, so parents can make the proper choice that accommodates the uniqueness of their child.

This mini course looks at the many schooling opportunities presented within our communities. By analyzing these choices, we can provide parents with the appropriate information to make the decision making process easier. After all, isn’t it our job as educators and parents to do whatever we can to help our children achieve success.

What is to be Learned

Educators will become familiar with the idea of school choice, and what it means to give parents different options when selecting a school for their child/children. Information will be provided to the educators about each school choice along with the pros and cons associated with them. By giving the participants information about each school system, they will become better prepared when advising parents in selecting the suitable school for their child/children.

The Learners

The learners will include educators and other professionals in the education field seeking knowledge about school choice and the options that are provided. It is specifically designed for those who will be advising parents/members of the community about schooling opportunities for their children. Participants will not only become informed of the different options for parents when enrolling their children in a school, but will also become aware of each schools specific programs and what they have to offer.

Context for Instruction

Instruction will be conducted online. In order to successfully complete this course participants must have access to a computer with internet connection. Students can work at their own convenience, and in a location of their choosing. Throughout the mini course participants will be asked to read information, view videos about school choice, respond to articles, make comparisons, and form reasoned arguments.

Exploring the Instructional Problem and Solution

Educators will explore the characteristics of each school choice, and the opportunities afforded to the students who attend these schools. They will be given information and participate in activities that allow them to develop their own opinions about each option. Educators will then use the information they obtain in this mini course to advise and guide prospective parents about all options associated with each schooling choice.

Goals of this Mini Course

The main goal of this mini course is to provide accurate information to educators and professionals who will be assisting parents and caregivers choose a school that is an appropriate fit for their child.

Analysis of the Learner and Context

Analysis of Learner

This mini course will be used to instruct educators and other professionals in the education field about the concept of school choice. Specifically, this coursed is geared toward those who will be advising parents/members of the community about schooling options and opportunities. Participants will become engaged in a number of activities to help gain a better perspective of what goes into the school selection process.

Analysis of Learning Context

The learning context is a concept that must be analyzed in order to design an appropriate and successful mini course. Since instruction will be taking place online, there are some limitations and concerns that must be considered. Participants must possess a computer with an internet connection in order to access the mini course and all corresponding materials. Students will also be completing this mini course at their own convenience and in a location of their choosing. While this atmosphere might be ideal for some, keep in mind that there is not an educator physically standing in a classroom delivering instruction. These variables can impact the design of the mini course and its process. Participants need to be accountable to themselves while completing this mini course. It is our job to create an environment which is conducive for learning and promotes success.

Performance Objectives

• Using an internet website and the resources at their disposal, learners will identify the major attributes looked at when deciding on a school

• Given two school choices, learners will be able to identify the pros and cons of each

• When discussing school choice with a parent of guardian, educators will be able to give an informative and well reasoned school choice

• Given a school choice scenario, where the participant is talking with a parent and child, the educator will be able to use the information to provide both with a school of best fit

• Educators will develop a list of strategies and/or questions to ask in order to determine the school that best fits for a child and his/her needs

Task Analysis

Unit One

What choices do parents have?

1. The learner will become aware of the idea of school choice and the process of selecting a school
2. The learner will become aware of how school choice can have a long lasting impact on a child's school experience
3. The learner will become familiar with the different schooling options for children

Unit Two

Which choice is the right choice?

1. The learner will become aware of how selecting a school for a particular child is an individualized process
2. The learner will create a compare and contrast matrix to analyze different schooling options
3. The learner will use a child's characteristics to identify the school of best fit
4. The learner will analyze all additional classes/programs offered to parents and their children and how they promote learning

Unit Three

The pros and cons of the different school choices

1. The learner will look at pros and cons of different schooling choices
2. The learner will evaluate schooling options and apply results to individual students affected

Curriculum Map

File:School Choice - Curriculum Map.pdf

Mini Course

Click here to move onto the mini course for School Choice

References and Resources

Dunn, R., & Dunn, K. (1992). Teaching secondary students through their individual learning styles: Practical approaches for grades 7-12. Boston: Allyn and Bacon.

School Choice International. (2015). Find the Best School. Retrieved from http://www.schoolchoiceintl.com/find-the-best-school/