Education Department

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Conceptual Framework
         The mission of the Department of Education at Wagner College is echoed in its strong commitment to pedagogical practice that is inclusive and constructivist. We aim to prepare teacher candidates to work with diverse populations by remaining committed to the deep-seated disposition that all students can learn. Candidates are encouraged to model a constructivist view of knowledge and see learning as a self-regulated process. Our ultimate goal is to prepare caring, curious, competent, committed, and community-active professionals (the 5 C's). Our program, that prepares students to practice in inclusive settings, has two basic objectives:

• (1) To help students understand and apply constructivist learning theory
• (2) To help students, as they gradually progress through the program, to develop an identity as a teacher.  

   To accomplish our ultimate goal and these objectives we have developed systematic assessments at four portals or key transition points in the program (Portal 1 Exploration; Portal 2 Reflection; Portal 3 Consolidation; and Portal 4 Empowerment).  Students at these various portals are assessed to the degree to which they are meeting the student Learning Outcomes that we have divided into specific knowledge, skills, and dispositions.

Summary of key ideas in conceptual framework:
I.         Inclusion and constructivism
II.        The 5C's
III.       Developmental approach to becoming a teacher
IV.      Assessment at 4 portals
V.       Student Learning Outcomes divided into knowledge, skills, and dispositions