May 2014
Park Hill School District’s
Professional Studies
Education Services
Prototype
May 2014
Park Hill School District’s Professional Studies
Education Services Prototype
Park Hill Professional Studies Purpose Statement
The Park Hill Professional Studies program provides authentic learning
experiences aligned with students’ interests and talents that lead to post-
secondary educational career success through classroom instruction and
professional relationships.
Course Description
This course will immerse the student in a project-based field of study in the area
of teacher education. The student in this program will be participating in
internships, mentorships, networking, and futuristic modeling. The student will be
immersed in practices of educational technology and will incorporate 21st century
skills into every aspect of observation and course work. The student will study
educational pedagogy as the basis for the profession and will experience the true
essence of the teacher-classroom experience.
The student will be participating in the Education Services program as a
professional in the educational environment of Graden Elementary in the Park
Hill School District, as well as other learning environments through the Northland
and Kansas City metropolitan area to experience a wide range of teaching and
training opportunities.
Course Rationale
Education is an integral component of our world, affecting all disciplines, cultures
and areas of life. As the 21st century unfolds, the field of education will continue
to be impacted with the pervasiveness of technology and global learning. The
development of this course addresses educational pedagogy, project-based
learning, the evolving role of teachers in the classroom, and reflective thinking.
The key components to this course include significant and ongoing study,
classroom observation, reflection, practical experiences, and community
connections in the education field within a variety of settings.
The course will:
1. Assist high school students with best practices for teaching and
instructional technology
2. Expose high school students to project-based learning
May 2014
3. Provide opportunities for practical experiences with educational
professionals and professional partnerships as mentors and project
leaders
4. Develop and model a desire for life-long learning in a professional manner
Education Services Philosophy
The teaching philosophy in a Park Hill Professional Studies course is different
from what students have traditionally experienced. The instructional model is
based in part on the Constructivist Learning Theory which supports learning
through construction of knowledge and 21st century skills in the field of
education. The course is designed to develop a student’s self-reflective skills
and critical thinking through project-based learning.
Course Topics
The course focuses around the Core Competencies of the National Board for
Professional Teaching Standards.
1. Committed to Students and Their Learning
a. Learner Development
b. Learning Styles
c. Classroom Climate
d. Diversity
2. Know the Subjects They Teach and How to Teach Those Subjects to
Students
a. Content Knowledge
b. Instructional Strategies
c. Differentiation
d. Individualization
e. Intervention
3. Responsible for Managing and Monitoring Student Learning
a. Normative Behaviors in the Learning Environment
b. Learner Motivation and Engagement
c. Assessment
4. Think Systematically About Their Practices and Learn from Experience
a. 21st Century Pedagogy
b. Professional Development
c. Reflective Learning
5. Collaborate as Members of Learning Communities
a. College and Career Connections
b. Stakeholder Communication
May 2014
College and Career Readiness
Students will demonstrate mastery of instructional technology, educational
service studies, and 21st century skills to create a final presentation and digital
ePortfolio as a capstone project.
1. Educational Services
a. Global learning collaboration and how it affects our
society/culture/planet
b. Educational pedagogy and best practices
c. Project-based learning
d. Teacher’s role in relation to one’s career
e. Emerging trends in Instructional Technology
f. Professional Learning Communities
g. Continuous improvement
2. Professional Skills (aligned with the Partnership for 21st Century Skills)
a. Learning and Innovation Skills
i. Critical thinking and problem solving
ii. Creativity and innovation
iii. Excellent oral and written communication skills
iv. Effective collaboration skills
b. Information, Media, and Technology Skills
i. Information, media and communication literacy
c. Life and Career skills
i. Flexibility and adaptability
ii. Initiative and self-direction
iii. Social and cross-cultural skills
iv. Productivity and accountability
v. Leadership and responsibility
Learning Targets
The students will:
Be Committed to Students and Learning:
● Explore stages of child development
● Formulate an understanding of the connection between stages of
child/adolescent development and learning in a classroom
● Examine brain-based learning research
● Prioritize the elements of a positive classroom climate
● Evaluate learning environments for those positive elements
● Engage in global learning and collaboration
● Develop an understanding of diversity as it relates to education
May 2014
Know the Subjects They Teach and How to Teach Those Subjects to Students
● Develop a knowledge base of the content area including relevant
standards
● Examine professional literature
● Teach with current best practices in instruction
● Synthesize common threads in literature
● Plan lessons that incorporate instructional technology tools
● Plan lessons that incorporate strategies for differentiation
● Plan lessons based on district curriculum aligned with state and national
standards
● Incorporate Quality tools in learning activities
● Define differentiation
● Examine and evaluate examples of differentiated instruction
● Define individualization
● Examine and evaluate examples of individualized instruction
● Define interventions
● Examine and evaluate examples of interventions for student learning
● Design interventions for student learning under the framework of
Response to Intervention (RtI)
Responsible for Managing and Monitoring Student Learning
● Develop a list of normative behaviors conducive to a productive learning
environment
● Recommend ways to organize instruction to meet instructional goals
● Create a plan to support learners who struggle with normative behaviors
● Propose strategies for building relationships with stakeholders
● Determine strengths / interests for each learner
● Explore a variety of learner-centered motivation techniques
● Identify a variety of methods for assessing the progress toward learning
targets of individual learners as well as the group as a whole including the
following types of assessments:
○ Assessment for learning
○ Assessment of learning
○ Formative versus summative
○ Formal versus informal
○ Diagnostic versus universal screening versus progress monitoring
○ Standardized assessment
● Explain the connection of formal assessment to classroom instruction (i.e.
state testing)
● Explain the structure of Standards-Based Grading
May 2014
Think Systematically About Their Practices and Learn from Experience
● Examine professional literature for best practices and pedagogy
● Critique the impact of technology on learning
● Explore innovative instructional practices emerging in education
● Utilize the National Education Technology Standards for Students
● Apply the National Education Technology Standards for Teachers
● Participate in Professional Learning Communities
● Develop habits for engaging in new educational ideas for Continuous
Improvement
● Engage in global learning and collaboration
● Engage in reflective practices to learn from experiences
● Utilize the Plan- Do- Study- Act (PDSA) model and other Quality tools to
evaluate learning
Collaborate as Members of Professional Learning Communities
● Explore career options in education
● Conduct a program evaluation on college teacher education programs
● Discuss National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS),
Specific Professional Association standards (SPAs) and state education
standards
● Explore a variety of methods and tools teachers use for parent
communication in the 21st Century
● Explore relationships with business and community partners
● Engage in professional communication
● Create and maintain a positive digital footprint
Professional and Course Expectations
Class Expectations for Professional Studies Students
● Participate in classroom activities and discussions
● Communicate effectively in various forums
● Demonstrate professional behavior, appearance, and attitude at all times
● Demonstrate effective time management through completion of task due
dates
● Proofread assignments and submit high-quality written work
● Show initiative in the classroom through collaborative learning
● Notify the instructor of schedule variations in site location
Technology and Online Expectations for Professional Studies Students
● Online communication is expected through Desire2Learn, email, blogging,
and other communication tools
● Maintain professional communication with the instructor, mentors, project
leaders, and/or other Professional Studies students in the program
May 2014
through Desire2Learn, email, blogging, phone and other communication
tools
● Copy the instructor on all mentor or project leader communications
● Use various instructional tools while working with other students, teachers,
etc.
Internship Expectations for Professional Studies Students
1. Build a professional reputation
2. Approach the experience as a professional versus a student in the K-12
environment
3. Understand and respect the leadership structure
4. Practice self-advocacy
5. Reflect upon the experience and adjust for continual improvement
6. Evaluate progress with instructors, mentors, and project leaders
7. Practice social skills appropriate to culture and context
8. Develop professional skills
9. Communicate professionally
10. Maintain a positive digital footprint
11. Dress professionally
12. Respect all stakeholders in the experience
13. Maintain confidentiality as a part of FERPA
Assessment and Grading Procedures
Evaluation for the final grade will include, but is not limited to the following:
● Assignments
● D2L ePortfolio completion and quality
● Project work, including final presentation
● Online collaboration components (Twitter, D2L journals, D2L discussions,
blogs)
● Reflections and self-evaluations
● Professional Teacher Evaluations from instructors, mentors, and project
leader
● Professionalism
Grade configuration
The grading scale is as follows:
90%-100% A
80%-89% B
70%-79% C
60%-69% D
0%-59% F
May 2014
Technology Resources
The student will be provided with a district-approved device to facilitate a 1:1
learning environment. The student will explore various tools to develop 21st
century skills such as communication, collaboration, research, problem-solving,
critical thinking, and innovation.
All course resources, assignments, and projects will be communicated through
the Park Hill learning management system Desire2Learn. The student is
expected to check Desire2Learn, Park Hill email, and any other instructor
communication daily. In addition, all students will have access to the course
calendar through Desire2Learn to access due dates, guest speaker calendars,
and all other logistics related to this course. The student is expected to keep
his/her own Google calendar which they will share with the instructor.
All students are expected to adhere to the Park Hill School District Acceptable
Use Policy.
References
CAPS Teacher Education 2020 Instructor. (2014). Blue Valley School District.
May 2014
Appendix
Professional Expectations for Park Hill School District’s Professional
Studies Education Services Prototype
Expected Professional Courtesies
Professional behavior with collegial partners is extremely important in order to
foster professional relationships. Adhere to professional courtesies such as, but
not limited to, the following:
1. Introduce yourself at the initial meeting
2. Use a firm handshake during this introduction
3. Wait until invited to sit down when you enter someone’s office
4. Keep your feet on the floor
5. Refrain from chewing gum
6. Say ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ frequently
7. Use good eye contact
8. Put phones away unless they are used as part of the program work
9. Refrain from having side conversations (text or verbal)
10. Be well-rested and groomed each day
Expected Professional Behaviors and Manners
Professional skills are vital to college and career success. Incorporate the
following behaviors and manners into your professional behavior skillset:
1. Collaboration
2. Time and goal management
3. Conflict resolution/negotiation
4. Technology adeptness
5. Initiative
6. Adaptability/flexibility
Expected Professional Dress
It is the responsibility of each student to use good judgment and adhere to the
professional dress requirements including, but not limited to, the following:
1. Dress in business casual clothing: slacks, khakis, sport jackets, collared
golf shirts, crew neck sweaters, turtleneck shirts and sweaters, dresses or
skirts
2. Ensure that clothing fits properly
3. Clothing should be clean, neat, and pressed
4. Wear professional footwear
5. Avoid tight or revealing clothing
6. The following are considered inappropriate clothing for professional dress:
a. Tank tops, T-shirts, halter tops, low-cut necklines, etc.
b. Spaghetti-straps, sheer fabrics, backless tops
May 2014
c. Denim pants, cargo pants or fatigues, pants that expose
undergarments
d. Miniskirts or skirts with long slits
e. Flip flops, sneakers, slippers
f. Large or offensive logos
Expected Professional Communication
All written and oral communication should be appropriate to audience and task,
including, but not limited to the following:
1. Use proper grammar
2. Avoid slang and abbreviations when speaking and writing
3. Write in complete sentences and proofread
4. When speaking, address individuals by their titles (Mr., Ms., Dr.) unless
instructed
Practice Professional Self Advocacy
It is the responsibility of each student to be his/her own advocate and be
proactive in his/her role as a Professional Studies student by:
1. Asking for help when necessary
2. Reaching out to others for support
3. Coming prepared when analyzing projects
4. Being proactive in evaluating a project and its progress in a timely manner
5. Assessing risks that threaten the project as a reason to redirect action
6. Delivering what you promise, and don’t promise what you can’t deliver
7. Learning to negotiate and creatively solve differences as they arise
8. Trying your best
May 2014
Prototype Contributors
Barbra Thoeming and Terri Lynn
Learning Community Manager
Desire2Learn Incorporated
Joy Scranton
Third Grade Teacher
Blue Springs School District
Voy Spears Jr. Elementary
Kayla Harrity Lead Enrollment Counselor Park University Courtney Abels Teacher Liberty Public Schools
Dee Mana Adjunct faculty member and university supervisor Park University Christian Winn
Family & Consumer Sciences Teacher
Staley High School
Shirlee Mendon
Retired Elementary classroom teacher/
Counselor
North Kansas City School District
Kelli Long
ELL Teacher
Grand Island Public Schools
Tara Harvey Blended Learning Coach Liberty North High School
Rose Taney
Science Teacher
Discovery Middle School
Dr. DJ Champagne, MWDP Asst. Professor, Coordinator Teacher Leadership Park University, School for Education Rosemary V. Camp Chemistry Teacher & EIP Coordinator Assistant Scholar Bowl Coach eLEADS Technology Specialist Liberty North High School
Collaboratively Written Prototype with the Following Stakeholders
Stephanie Amaya- Coordinator of Professional Studies
Lauren Berka- Elementary Teacher
Dr. Jennifer Corum- Director of Curriculum
Sarah Haferkamp- Special Education Teacher
Gail Hennessy- Park University
Erin Kester- High School Teacher
Nicole Price Hill- Cooperate Trainer
Tiffany Thomas- High School Teacher
Jill Watkins- Instructional Technology Facilitator
May 2014
Denise Evans
Teacher
Park University Graduate
Tyi-Sanna Jones, Ph.d. BRIDGES Education Consultant Reggie White, MDiv. Howard University School of Divinity Brandy R. Thornton Education Minister Mt. Washington Missionary Baptist Church Marvin L. Lyman Principal 2128 Consultants Charlette Lyman, M.Ed, Ed.S Curriculum & Education Specialist
John Vanderpool
Retired Comm Arts Instructor
Park Hill School District
Margaret Cummings
Retired Comm Arts Instructor
Park Hill School District
Michele Benjamin
Adjunct Faculty: School For Education
Park University
Frank Hogg
HR Consultant - Development
Hallmark Cards, Inc.
Tammy Fry
Education Instructor
Blue Valley CAPS
Alicia Hanauer
Student Teacher
Park University / Park Hill Graduate
Leanne Cox High Ability Program Park Hill School District Irene Keller School Psychologist Gerner Center James Godfrey Guided Studies Park Hill South Paul Bellman Social Studies Park Hill High School Vicki Hodges English Language Arts Park Hill South High School Colleen VanLoh 4th Grade Union Chapel Ashley Rider 7th Grade Reading Lakeview Tracy Mangels Instructional Technology Park Hill South High School Tara Kalis Russel Jones Jetta McGinniss Mathematics Teacher Park Hill South High School Alicia Kershaw 2nd Grade Tiffany Ridge Mary Laughlin 5th Grade Tiffany Ridge Matt Downey Physical Education Prairie Point
May 2014
Dr. Linda Davidson Instructional Coach, Science Park Hill School District Lora Ackerman Teacher/Instructional Coach Park Hill School District Bart Whaley, Ed.S., NCSP School Psychologist Park Hill School District Sheila Webster 3rd Grade Hawthorn Chris Nutt School Counselor Lakeview Lindsey Hood Special Education Park Hill High School Sharon Rigos Science Plaza Middle School Vicki Hansen Media Coordinator Park Hill School District Dan Burnett 504 and Homebound Coordinator Park Hill and Park Hill South High Schools Rustin Reys Math Park Hill High School Jennifer Mattson Social Studies Park Hill South High School Meredith A. Williams Foreign Language Park Hill South High School
Barry Crilley Special Education Department Chair Park Hill South Jerry Peterson Technology Education Teacher Plaza Middle School Sandy Hemaya Principal Hawthorn Scott Marsh Math Congress Middle School Lynae Reents World Cultures Plaza Middle School Kim Fette Instructional Coach Grades 2-3 Park Hill School District Benay Shannon Science Park Hill South JJ Collins Reading Interventionist Plaza Middle School
Lynne Moeller
Business Department Teacher
Park Hill South High School
Angie Currey
Principal
Gerner Early Childhood Center
Horace Tisdel
English Language Arts
Lakeview
May 2014
Education Services: Internship Opportunities
Graden
Experience:
Observation/
collaboration with
teachers/ Attend
building a PD and
Committee session/
daily interactions
such as lunch,
recess, bus duty/
short internships
with admin
assistants, nurse,
custodian, recovery
room
Observation 1
(2 wks)
Just observing/
students take notes/
students create
lesson plan for core
class/ weekly
summation of
experience/ begin
log/ recoding-skype,
flip/ coursework with
text, technology,
projects, etc. *Note
this observation is
meant to be in an
area other than your
personal interest.
Observation 2
(2 wks)
Collaboration with
teacher and students/
create lesson plans
based on classroom
experiences
recording or photos
required/ coursework
with text, technology,
projects, etc.
Observation 3
(2 wks)
More collaboration
with teacher and
students/ create
lesson plans based
on classroom
experience and
technology integration
requires/ recording
required/ photos
required/ coursework
with text, technology,
projects, etc.
Overview: Students in this program will be participating in internships,
mentorships, networking, and futuristic modeling. Students will be
immersed in practices of educational technology and will incorporate
21st century skills into every aspect of observation and coursework.
Students will study educational pedagogy as the basis for the
profession and will experience the true essence of the teacher-
classroom experience.