Today's Classroom: Foundations of and Current Trends in Education

2 Credits | 30 CPE hours

$159.00
$159.00
$159.00
Download Syllabus
  • Instructional Strategies

Course Description

This course will introduce you to American education, from its history and the governmental policies that have guided it, down to the actual workings within the classroom. Education reflects the culture and values of society, and, when these change, education follows suit. Reform efforts in society have dramatically altered American education, and this course will present an overview of these changes and the challenges that beset the classroom teacher. The role of the teacher has changed significantly over the past decade. Teachers are the facilitators of acquiring knowledge rather than the possessors of knowledge. Students need to be active learners during their schooling experience, and the responsibility of education does not lie solely with the teacher; students, families and community members are all participants in the educational process of a child. This course will open your eyes to the world of education, and will equip you with teaching strategies to be an effective teacher.

  • comprehending the problem and identifying relevant data
  • analyzing the problem's internal structure to determine what type of problem it is
  • selecting a viable solution process and carrying it out
  • explaining the solution process both orally and in writing.

Objectives:

Teachers will be able:

  • To introduce course participants to American education, from its history and the governmental policies that have guided it, down to the actual workings within the classroom.
  • To identify the leaders affecting public education, including those considered innovators.
  • To discuss the development of a child, including the theories of Piaget, Vygotsky, Erikson and Kohlberg.
  • To identify and address individual differences in learning and diversity in the classroom.
  • To discuss the scientific approach to learning, including the behavioral, cognitive and constructivist theories.
  • To identify the factors that influence motivation.
  • To identify methods to create an environment that promotes better learning.
  • To discuss traditional versus alternative methods of assessment.

We offer online professional development courses for teachers in Texas that are eligible for Graduate-level Professional Development Credit and CPE Credits towards Texas State License Renewal.

TEA-approved CPE providers list.

  • Texas Approved CPE Provider # 500-494 (Since 2004)
  • Our provider name is CPE Credits Online

To Enroll in a Course:

  • Select the course you wish to take.
  • If you need a certificate of completion only (for Texas CPEs), choose the Course Only option. Or…
  • If you need an official transcript, choose the Course & University Credits option. See our University Partners page for more information about our regionally accredited university partners.
  • Add the course to your cart.
  • When you are ready to check out, go to your cart, and click “Check Out”.
  • You will be asked to log into your account or create a new account.
  • Follow the enrollment and payment prompts. If you have a gift card or discount code, you will enter it at the end of the enrollment process.
  • Upon purchase, you will receive an email receipt and be able to log in to your course at eClassroom Sign in. You have 180 days (about 6 months) from your purchase to complete your course.

If you have any questions, check out our FAQs or email support@cecreditsonline.org.

Credit Options

Course + Credit Courses

  • We have partnered with regionally-accredited universities to provide graduate-level professional development credits for our courses. See our University Partners tab.  All courses taken for graduate-level credit receive both a Certificate of Completion and a University Transcript for your records.
  • Upon enrollment, you will select the University from which you wish your credits.
  • Upon completion of your course, CE Credits Online will forward all the required documentation to the University you selected.
  • The University partner will process your course completion and provide a transcript that includes the name of the course, course number, number of credits, and your grade.
  • You will receive directions on how to receive your transcript in email form, and you can also review the University Partners section of our website for more information.
  • You must check with your district to ensure the credits received will meet your specific requirements. We will not be held responsible if your school, district or state does not accept the credits issued.

CPE Credits

  • CE Credits Online is an approved provider of CPE credits. TEA-approved CPE providers list. (always check with your district to determine eligibility).
  • Upon successful completion of your course, you will receive a Certificate of Completion for your records that will include the name of the course and number of professional development hours completed.
  • The Certificate of Completion acts as a record that verifies that a professional development course was taken and passed.