Course Description
Explores equity-oriented theories and practices that position teachers as inquirers and change agents, and the power and possibilities of young adolescents (children/youth nine to fifteen years old) and middle grades schooling (grades 4-8) through an asset-orientation, with the goal of cultivating and sustaining safer and equitable spaces for young adolescents.
Athena Title
The Middle Grades (4-8)
Equivalent Courses
Not open to students with credit in EDMG 7030E
Semester Course Offered
Offered every year.
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
Students will be able to: - Articulate how oppressive systems, structures, and dominant stereotypes about young adolescents and middle grades education negatively impact teaching and learning in middle grades education. - Identify the power and possibilities of young adolescents through an asset-orientation. - Describe structures and strategies that support equity-oriented and successful middle grades schooling. - Articulate the varied professional roles of middle grades educators, including those of citizen, advocate, and classroom activist.
Topical Outline
In relation to middle grades education, grades 4-8: Foundations of social and cultural perspectives in middle grades education Critical perspectives on adolescent development Asset orientations towards youth and families Elements of exemplary, equitable middle grades schools Structures that support equity-oriented and successful middle grades schooling Equity-oriented professional learning applied to local contexts