EDSS300C Fall 2004 is section 003 (not 001)
Course ID 003232
Class Number 10782

EDSS 300C Spring 2004

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Introduction: EDSS 300C combines class activities, field experience, and the preparation of materials you will need in making application for admission into the Single Subject Credential Program in either the Life, Physical, or Geological Sciences. Completion of this course and admission to the program are prerequisites to other Professional Education courses. Your application to the program will be processed at the end of the semester. Because of this, you must complete all assignments promptly so as not to delay processing of your application.

Advisement on the Biological, Physics, Chemistry and Geological Sciences credential, the Education program, and the employment market will be made available to you in this class, via e-mail and during office hours. When questions arise, visit the credential website or ask for the information you need! Please know that the laws are in a state of flux due to the No Child Left Behind legislation and SB 2042 program requirements. Things that are true right now may not be true by the time you are ready to student teach. Stay informed and ask questions. Your advisors and the Single Subject Office are the best sources of information. Your colleagues in the program are less reliable sources of information. Get on the program list serve and stay in contact with me!

The Class:
This course has several components to it which together will give you the grounding you need to start the credential program. There are field based experiences in the grade 6-12 classrooms, class activities, course readings and assignments and class discussions.

1. School Science Observations -- You will complete 45 hours of aide work (about 4 hours per week) under the supervision of two or more secondary and middle school science teachers in California public schools. It is required that you work with ethnically diverse students during your field experience, so as to meet the University's "crosscultural experience" requirement. While in the schools, participate fully in as many different kinds of experiences as are possible, including individualized and large group instruction, grading, use of audiovisual and office equipment, and the like. Later on, you'll be glad that you did! You will be required to maintain a log of the activities in which you participate as well as a time log which gets signed by the teachers you observe. Some of our class time together will involve discussion about what you do in the K-12 schools. Some in-school activities are required while others are strongly suggested.  I will share specifics about the internship log, reflective journaling and other observation requirements with you during class. You must demonstrate tuberculosis (TB) clearance before being allowed to visit the schools.

Early in the semester, perhaps before you even start observing the schools, you will conduct a case study of a school. You should select a school where you intend to do the majority of your field work. This will provide you with a context of the environment and school before you begin working with students. This assignment can be done prior to completing the TB clearance.

Some Typical Field Experience Activities

• Observing science teaching strategies and techniques (both effective and ineffective).
• Working with students who may be different from you (students with learning difficulties, minority students, special needs students, English language learners, etc.).
• Familiarizing yourself with routine classroom procedures, such as taking roll, preparing seating charts, and using office, lab, and AV equipment.
• Helping students during laboratory sessions.
• Assisting in test preparation or the grading of papers.
• Preparing and presenting one or more short science lessons, demonstrations or lab activities.
• Designing and preparing bulletin board or other displays.
• Attending faculty meetings, school assemblies, or other activities, as your schedule permits.

Typical Class Activities or Topics:

• Sharing the "triumphs and tragedies" from your field experience.
• An introduction to science teaching/learning strategies and techniques.
• Participation in hands-on science activities.
• An introduction to science education issues (standards, assessment, inquiry, etc.)
• Microteaching lessons - science demonstrations, lecturette (powerpoint), activity - and self critique of lessons.
• Various self assessments and self inventories.
• Curriculum evaluation.
• Classroom management.
• Introduction to lesson planning and unit planning.
• An introduction to learning theory.
• An introduction to technology - specifically: e-mail, web searching, powerpoint presentations, educational technology evaluation, and probeware
• Sharing cross- and multi-cultural experiences.
• Learning about professional organizations for science teachers.
• Teacher Placement Office services & employment opportunities.
• Learning more about credentials, the professional education program, and student teaching.
• Completing application requirements for admission to the Single Subject Teacher Education program in science.

• Tuberculosis skin test or chest X-ray. (submitted earlier in semester, a copy is required with your application)
• Transcripts: Eventually you will need 2 copies from all universities or colleges where you did work pertaining to your degree or credential. At this point, you may submit a single copy from each institution.(You will need to provide 2 sealed, official copies when applying for student teaching.) Transcripts must be submitted to the SSCP Office for GPA verification by week 6. They will be returned to you for inclusion with your application. (Students with a GPA below program standards must petition for program admission. See your advisor for information on this process.)
• Letters of recommendation (minimum of 2 - request >2). A form for this purpose is in your EDSS300 packet.
• A list of upper division courses completed in your field (i.e., Biology). (form in course reader)
• Evaluation(s) by school personnel. A form for this purpose is in the EDSS300 packet.
• Advising session with science credential advisor. A form for this purpose is in the EDSS300 packet.
• Summary log of internship hours and activities which must add up to at least 45 hours of participation. Log entries should be verified by the teacher(s) with whom you work, via their signatures. (log sheet & activity inventory)
• Observation assignments - tasks to complete in the field
• An autobiography. (submitted earlier in semester, a copy is required with your application)
• Statement of professional goals and philosophy.(submitted earlier in semester, a copy is required with your application)
• Departmental interview with science faculty which includes a speech assessment. (General screenings for speech are carried out within this class as well; in some cases, a formal assessment may be required.)
• Complete application to program - this includes 2 copies of application, self addressed stamped envelope, photographs and other forms
• Proof that you have taken or have passed CBEST. (If you did not pass you will need alternative evidence of basic skills.)
• Application for the Clear Certificate (fingerprint check).
• Rating of internship (form in course reader)
• Exit interview (with science education department).
• Some of you may need: GPA petition, field work observation petition, delay admit form.

OR
• delay admit to program - If at the end of the semester you decide you are not interested in pursuing a science teaching credential you may fill out a Delay Admit Form in lieu of a program application.

Lois Weiner'sUrban Teaching: The Essentials
Fred Jones' Tools for Teaching
EDSS300 Student Packet (packet of handouts from the Single Subject Office - these will be used by all EDSS300 courses except 300M. Be sure to pick up a packet labeled EDSS300 Student Packet, not 300M)
Harry & Rosemary Wong's The First Days of School (optional text)

A course pack of articles and program materials will be available at One Stop Business Center (located in the Ralphs/Long's Drug shopping center across from the VA hospital on 7th, Bellflower and PCH).

click here to learn out about Potential Field Work Assignments and Calendar of Course Topics & Assignments

Assessment, Evaluation, Feedback & Grading
EDSS 300C is a graded course. You must earn an A or B in order for to be eligible for program admission. You may only repeat this class once.  Your work in EDSS 300C must therefore be of high quality to be considered acceptable. Assignments will be graded and late work will be penalized. Grading criteria for each assignment is in your course reader. PLEASE REVIEW ASSIGNMENTS AND GRADING CRITERIA BEFORE DOING ASSIGNMENTS!

This class is more interactive and activity based than others you may have taken. As a result, your on-time attendance and participation is an important component of your grade. If you miss more than 300 minutes of class (equivalent of 2 classes) your grade will be penalized.

o All application materials for the Single Subject credential program or delay admit form.
o A satisfactory record of class attendance and participation (no more than 2 missed classes).
o Periodic oral or written "log" reports, and submission of a log summary indicating verified completion of at least 45 hours of participation and verification of activities in the classroom. Assignments relating to field work, vignettes, and reflective logs.
o Satisfactory completion of technology assignments: e-mailing, web browsing, power point presentation, CD evaluation,
o Specific additional assignments including but not limited to: lesson plans, microteaching & analysis, curriculum critiques,  quizzes, technology reviews, modified lessons, reflective journal entries, field based vignettes, reflection and data analysis from the field.

Major Assignments this link takes you to descriptions of assignments & grading criteria
Autobiography                                                        5%
Goals List & Statement of Professional Goals        10%
Self Assessment                                                      5%
Field Work - 45 hours plus related assignments     20%
Case study of the school                                       10%
Micro-teaching episodes & videotape analysis       15%
Application to the Program or delay admit
                (and related petitions, forms, etc.)
In class activities/discussions/homework                 20%
(lesson plans, curriculum critiques, technology reviews, modified lessons, etc.)
Quizzes, tests, exit interviews, final                           5%
Technology assignments                                         10%
 

Science Education Program Outcomes
The Science Ed faculty identified a list of outcomes to guide our actions in the courses you take from our department. When you leave the science credential program you should demonstrate beginner level competency in each of the following areas. You will demonstrate this competency via portfolio as you exit student teaching.

1. Be well educated in science

• critical consumers of scientific information
• have science confidence outside your discipline
• be able to read and understand science as reported in popular press (e.g., NY Times)

• Preparing lab materials
• Lab management skills
• Classroom management specifically for a hands-on science class

• Assessment
• Standards
• Knowing the learner

• History of science
• Historical understandings as it relates to misconceptions

• Finding resources (materials and human)
• Workshops & inservice opportunities
• Professional organizations
• Professional journals

Links to science standards, teaching standards & professional science teacher organizations:
California State Science Standards
National Science Education Standards and Benchmarks for Scientific Literacy (Project 2061).
Long Beach Unified School District Standards

California Standards for the Teaching Profession

I have compiled a list of professional science teacher organizations. Many of these groups have their own publications that you will find interesting.

Survival Guide for New Teachers

Links to student work  - you will be required to submit some assignments via e-mail or disk. Those assignments will be posted on our course website for your classmates. You can see examples from previous classes below.

• Educational CD Reviews       your CD and Web Reviews
• Science Demonstrations

Students with disabilities who need reasonable modifications, special assistance, or accommodations in this course should promptly direct their request to me. If a student with a disability feels that modifications, special assistance, or accommodations offered are inappropriate or insufficient, she/he should seek the assistance of the Director of Disable Student Services on campus.

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Join the SSCP Science List Serve This is an e-mail service from the Science  Credential Advisor that provides you with  program deadlines and information, and science teacher activities and opportunities in the area.  To enroll, send a message to: sscpscience-subscribe@yahoogroups.com