Bryn Mawr/Haverford Education Program

SCIENCE AS EXPLORATION INSTITUTE 2001

Bryn Mawr/Haverford Education Program
July 16, 2001
Continuum of K-16 Connections
The Bryn Mawr/Haverford Education Program is committed to integrating theory and practice through sustaining vital connections between the colleges and the schools. We believe that no prospective educator can be well prepared for an education-related career without learning from those who are already working in education-related contexts, and we also believe that college students can make significant contributions to life in schools.
The Education Program includes the following courses:

Critical Issues in Education: introductory course
Literacies and Education, On the Margins, Schools in American Cities: electives
Defining Educational Practice, Field Work Seminar: culminating courses for students completing the minor in educational studies
Curriculum and Pedagogy, Practice Teaching Seminar: culminating courses for students completing the certification to teach at the secondary level

Here are some ways we work with K-12 educators in our courses:

All Education courses have field placements, which involve Ed students in practice-based activities ranging from classroom observation to tutoring and working with small groups; in the culminating courses students intern in an education-related setting or student teach.
Practicing educators–as well as parents and students--come into our classes to present to and dialogue with the college students.
In the introductory and elective courses, this usually entails a visit to class. The culminating courses include more extensive interactions between the college and the school-based educators.
Teaching and Learning Together, based in the Curriculum & Pedagogy Seminar, engages prospective teachers in ongoing dialogues with high school student partners.

We also host forums that bring together practicing educators with teacher educators and prospective teachers to address issues of common concern:

Mini-Conference with practicing educators (May 1999)
CETE (Consortium for Excellence in Teacher Education) K-16 Symposium on High Stakes Testing and School Reform (May 2001)