In creating knowledge in EDCI 52001, Competency 2 was demonstrated through the use of reliable research, evaluation of findings and suggestions on how to resolve current issues regarding social(in)justice.  A Position Statement was written titled What is the Role of  Social Justice? The paper consisted of presenting a topic and supporting evidence on a pertinent theme in Curriculum and Instruction (C&I) that affects our educational system. The information used described research methods applicable to current world issues that could be applied during class instruction to make relevant social issues more meaningful.

 

To indicate having furthered Competency 2  learning goals in EDCI 52002, incorporating knowledge gained by addressing educational theory, research and practice was displayed in a group presentation. The Journey of  Educational Theories in Curriculum and Instruction assignment demonstrated comprehension of various trends and theories that impact policy initiatives on classroom curriculum and instruction. This presentation applies research findings to the solution of common problems within the educational system as it relates to historical context and past practices.

 

Also included as an exhibit of my development in EDCI 52003: Theories and Trends, is a Trend Analysis #2 Paper. This represents my ability to describe common research methods in discipline, analyze related to content assigned and construct its findings in an organized manner. It is a qualitative approach to current educational patterns that express concerns regarding the Initiation of Common Core State Standards and the Effects of Standardized Testing. Supported by literature from leading professionals in education, it establishes an outline of how the trends progress in influencing changes made in theory and legislation, which are instituted as standards for teacher implementation.

 

As a frame of reference of what I learned as it related to specific educational theories and trends,  I completed a detailed layout of current policies titled,  Papola - Ellis, A Teaching Under Policy Cascades: Core and Literacy Institutions Outline. This assignment displays my ability to read and evaluate research related to educational trends and the issues of critical theories it raises.  My work laid the foundation noting No Child Left Behind (NCLB), Race to the Top (RttP) and Reading First as being cited by Publisher's Criteria to be considered as universal benchmarks for student learning in k-12. These initiatives, considered to be Common Core (CC) act as a national standard for uniform educational criteria. However, they also contribute to Policy Cascades. They result in what is called progressive pitfalls, policy reforms that promote what is referred to as instructional conditioning of teachers (Papola-Ellis, 2014). The outline created provides examples of a study which displays how power, which governs legislation and laws that are mandated, diminish the classroom and instructional power of educators. Solutions suggested encompass teachers being empowered as educational stakeholders in taking their classrooms back.

References

Papola-Ellis, A. (2014). Teaching under policy cascades: Common Core and literacy instruction. Journal of Language and Literacy Education [Online], 10(1), 166-187. Retrieved from http://jolle.coe.uga.edu