ED243 PRIMARY EDUCATION PHILOSOPHY AND PRACTICES Course Syllabus - Lorrie Russell

Term
Spring 2026
Section
M1
Course Delivery
ln person­[FTF]
Class Program

ED243:

Credits 4
Description
This course explores the historical, philosophical, and social foundations of P-5 education as they relate to best practice. Culturally responsive program design and implementation, physically and psycho-socially safe and healthy learning environments, standards-based learning and teaching, research updates, the critical role of adult/child relationships, and collaborative partnerships with families and other professionals define the template applied to a variety of P-5 theories and model programs. The course also examines career options, social and policy issues, ethics, and child advocacy to help P-5 students become independent, self-regulated learners.

Meeting Times, Location, & Course Delivery Details

Meeting Days:
M/W/F
Meeting Times:
11:30-12:30
Location:
CH301
Delivery Details

Ed243 is delivered in person, face‑to‑face on campus. Our class time is designed for active participation, discussion, and hands‑on practice. Being present in class allows you to collaborate with peers, engage in interactive activities, and receive immediate feedback. Together, we’ll build a supportive learning community that thrives on shared experiences and professional growth.

Contact Information

Instructor:
Lorrie Russell
Instructor Email:
lorrie.russell@wilmington.edu
Office Location:
300C
Phone Number
9374812389
Office Hours:
M-W-F 12:30-2:00pm
Course Materials

This course does not require a textbook. Instead, we’ll use a variety of resources — including articles, case studies, videos, and professional tools — that are provided for you in class and on Blackboard. All materials are chosen to be practical, accessible, and directly connected to your work as a future teacher. Bring a notebook or digital device for notes and reflections, and be ready to engage with hands‑on activities each week.

Instructor's Course Objectives

By the end of this course, candidates will be able to:

  1. Analyze historical, philosophical, psychological, and social foundations of P–5 education and explain how these perspectives shape current practice.
    • Aligned to CAEP 1.1, InTASC 4, Ohio PLO 1
  2. Examine how cultural, linguistic, and socioeconomic diversity influences teaching and learning, and design responsive strategies that promote equity.
    • Aligned to CAEP 1.3, InTASC 2, Ohio PLO 2
  3. Interpret and apply Ohio Learning Standards and national content standards to lesson planning, instruction, and assessment.
    • Aligned to CAEP 1.4, InTASC 7, Ohio PLO 2
  4. Create classroom environments that are safe, healthy, respectful, supportive, and challenging for all children, with attention to cultural responsiveness.
    • Aligned to CAEP 1.3, InTASC 3, Ohio PLO 2
  5. Select and use technology tools for instruction, classroom management, communication, and accountability in ways that enhance student learning.
    • Aligned to CAEP 1.5, InTASC 8, Ohio PLO 2
  6. Apply strategies that foster independence, self‑regulation, and motivation in young learners.
    • Aligned to CAEP 1.3, InTASC 1, Ohio PLO 2
  7. Develop plans to engage families, colleagues, and community partners in supporting children’s learning and advocacy.
    • Aligned to CAEP 1.6, InTASC 10, Ohio PLO 3
  8. Demonstrate commitment to ethical guidelines, professional standards, and reflective practice as members of the teaching profession.
    • Aligned to CAEP 1.6, InTASC 9, Ohio PLO 3
Course Schedule

Tentative Schedule

Subject to change during the semester. Adequate notice of changes will be given.

Primary Education Philosophy and Practices Spring 2026 (Jan 12 – May 7)

WeekDates (M/W/F)Module TitleStandards Alignment
Week 1Jan 12, Jan 14, Jan 16Course Introduction: Foundations of Primary Education & Policy NavigationCAEP 1.1, 1.2; InTASC 4, 9; Ohio EPP Clinical Practice; WC PLO 1, 4a; OSTP 7.3
Week 2Jan 19 (MLK Holiday – no class), Jan 21, Jan 23Fundamentals of Classroom ManagementCAEP 1.1; InTASC 3; Ohio EPP Program Quality; WC PLO 7a; OSTP 5.1
Week 3Jan 26, Jan 28, Jan 30PBIS Frameworks & Behavior GuidanceCAEP 1.2, 4.1; InTASC 3, 5; Ohio EPP Clinical Practice; WC PLO 7b; OSTP 5.2
Week 4Feb 2, Feb 4, Feb 6Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)CAEP 1.1, 4.2; InTASC 2; Ohio EPP Program Quality; WC PLO 4a, 7a; OSTP 1.1, 6.1
Week 5Feb 9, Feb 11, Feb 13Culturally Responsive TeachingCAEP 3.1; InTASC 2; Ohio EPP Program Quality; WC PLO 6a, 6b; OSTP 1.2, 4.3
Week 6Feb 16, Feb 18, Feb 20Trauma-Informed InstructionCAEP 1.2, 4.1; InTASC 2, 3; Ohio EPP Clinical Practice; WC PLO 3b, 4a; OSTP 1.1, 5.1
Week 7Feb 23, Feb 25, Feb 27Data-Informed DecisionsCAEP 1.3, 5.2; InTASC 6; Ohio EPP Continuous Improvement; WC PLO 5b; OSTP 3.1, 3.2
Week 8Mar 2 (Session I ends), Mar 4 (In-Service Day – no class), Mar 6Engagement Strategies (UDL)CAEP 1.2; InTASC 2; Ohio EPP Program Quality; WC PLO 2a, 7a; OSTP 5.1
Week 9Mar 9–13Spring Break (no classes)
Week 10Mar 16, Mar 18, Mar 20Designing Learning EnvironmentsCAEP 1.2; InTASC 3; Ohio EPP Program Quality; WC PLO 7a; OSTP 5.1
Week 11Mar 23, Mar 25, Mar 27Behavior Management PlansCAEP 1.2, 4.1; InTASC 5; Ohio EPP Clinical Practice; WC PLO 3a, 3b; OSTP 3.2, 5.1
Week 12Mar 30, Apr 1, Apr 3 (Good Friday – no class)Reflective PracticeCAEP 4.1, 5.2; InTASC 9; Ohio EPP Continuous Improvement; WC PLO 5a; OSTP 7.1
Week 13Apr 6, Apr 8, Apr 10Teacher Resilience & AdvocacyCAEP 5.1, 5.2; InTASC 9, 10; Ohio EPP Continuous Improvement; WC PLO 4a, 7a; OSTP 7.1, 7.3
Week 14Apr 13, Apr 15, Apr 17Collaboration with StakeholdersCAEP 2.1, 5.3; InTASC 10; Ohio EPP Clinical Practice; WC PLO 4b, 6b; OSTP 6.1, 6.2
Week 15Apr 20, Apr 22, Apr 24Ethics & Professional ResponsibilityCAEP 5.1, 5.2; InTASC 9; Ohio EPP Continuous Improvement; WC PLO 4a; OSTP 7.3
Week 16Apr 27, Apr 29, May 1Capstone Philosophy & Integration of PracticeCAEP 4.1, 4.2; InTASC 9, 10; Ohio EPP Program Quality; WC PLO 1a, 5a; OSTP 7.1, 2.2
FinalsMay 4, May 6, May 7Comprehensive Final ExamWilmington College Exam Schedule
 

Final Exam Week: May 4–7, 2026 (per Wilmington College exam schedule)

Course Assignments

📘 Tentative Assignment Schedule – ED243

Primary Education Philosophy and Practices Spring 2026 (Jan 12 – May 7)

WeekDates (M/W/F)Assignment Type + PointsDue DateStandards Alignment
Week 1Jan 12, Jan 14, Jan 16Educational Philosophy Scavenger Hunt (Formative – 20 pts)Jan 16CAEP 1.1, 1.2; InTASC 4, 9; Ohio EPP Clinical Practice; WC PLO 1, 4a; OSTP 7.3
Week 2Jan 19 (MLK Holiday – no class), Jan 21, Jan 23Reflection Journal: Foundations of Teaching Identity (Formative – 20 pts)Jan 23CAEP 1.1; InTASC 3; Ohio EPP Program Quality; WC PLO 7a; OSTP 5.1
Week 3Jan 26, Jan 28, Jan 30Curriculum Perspective Analysis (Summative – 55 pts)Jan 30CAEP 1.2, 4.1; InTASC 3, 5; Ohio EPP Clinical Practice; WC PLO 7b; OSTP 5.2
Week 4Feb 2, Feb 4, Feb 6SEL Integration Mini‑Lesson (Summative – 55 pts)Feb 6CAEP 1.1, 4.2; InTASC 2; Ohio EPP Program Quality; WC PLO 4a, 7a; OSTP 1.1, 6.1
Week 5Feb 9, Feb 11, Feb 13Equity Exit Ticket (Formative – 20 pts)Feb 13CAEP 3.1; InTASC 2; Ohio EPP Program Quality; WC PLO 6a, 6b; OSTP 1.2, 4.3
Week 6Feb 16, Feb 18, Feb 20Teaching Philosophy Paper (Summative – 55 pts)Feb 20CAEP 1.2, 4.1; InTASC 2, 3; Ohio EPP Clinical Practice; WC PLO 3b, 4a; OSTP 1.1, 5.1
Week 7Feb 23, Feb 25, Feb 27Data Analysis Report: Standards Alignment (Summative – 55 pts)Feb 27CAEP 1.3, 5.2; InTASC 6; Ohio EPP Continuous Improvement; WC PLO 5b; OSTP 3.1, 3.2
Week 8Mar 2 (Session I ends), Mar 4 (In‑Service Day – no class), Mar 6Peer Feedback on Lesson Design (Formative – 20 pts)Mar 6CAEP 1.2; InTASC 2; Ohio EPP Program Quality; WC PLO 2a, 7a; OSTP 5.1
Week 9Mar 9–13Spring Break (no classes)
Week 10Mar 16, Mar 18, Mar 20Environment Design Project (Summative – 55 pts)Mar 20CAEP 1.2; InTASC 3; Ohio EPP Program Quality; WC PLO 7a; OSTP 5.1
Week 11Mar 23, Mar 25, Mar 27Mini Research Study: Teacher Interviews (Summative – 55 pts)Mar 27CAEP 1.2, 4.1; InTASC 5; Ohio EPP Clinical Practice; WC PLO 3a, 3b; OSTP 3.2, 5.1
Week 12Mar 30, Apr 1, Apr 3 (Good Friday – no class)Reflective Analysis Paper (Summative – 55 pts)Apr 1CAEP 4.1, 5.2; InTASC 9; Ohio EPP Continuous Improvement; WC PLO 5a; OSTP 7.1
Week 13Apr 6, Apr 8, Apr 10Teacher Advocacy Toolkit (Summative – 55 pts)Apr 10CAEP 5.1, 5.2; InTASC 9, 10; Ohio EPP Continuous Improvement; WC PLO 4a, 7a; OSTP 7.1, 7.3
Week 14Apr 13, Apr 15, Apr 17Stakeholder Collaboration Plan (Summative – 55 pts)Apr 17CAEP 2.1, 5.3; InTASC 10; Ohio EPP Clinical Practice; WC PLO 4b, 6b; OSTP 6.1, 6.2
Week 15Apr 20, Apr 22, Apr 24Ethics & Professional Responsibility Paper (Summative – 55 pts)Apr 24CAEP 5.1, 5.2; InTASC 9; Ohio EPP Continuous Improvement; WC PLO 4a; OSTP 7.3
Week 16Apr 27, Apr 29, May 1Final Teaching Philosophy & Integration of Practice (Capstone – 110 pts)May 1CAEP 4.1, 4.2; InTASC 9, 10; Ohio EPP Program Quality; WC PLO 1a, 5a; OSTP 7.1, 2.2
FinalsMay 4, May 6, May 7Capstone Presentations & Reflection (Included in Capstone)May 7CAEP 4.1, 5.2; InTASC 9; Ohio EPP Continuous Improvement; WC PLO 5a; OSTP
Course Final Exam
May 4-7 Capstone Presentations and Reflection
Evaluation of Work

The grading scale will be as follows:📘 Point Totals Summary – ED243

Primary Education Philosophy and Practices Spring 2026

📘 Point Distribution – ED243

Primary Education Philosophy and Practices Spring 2026

  • Formative Assessments (10 assignments) → 200 points total ◦ Each formative = 20 points (content + dispositions embedded)
  • Summative Assessments (10 assignments) → 550 points total ◦ Each summative = 55 points (50 content + 5 dispositions)
  • Capstone Philosophy (Final Project) → 110 points total ◦ Content = 100 points + Dispositions = 10 points

Total Course Points = 860

Letter Grade Conversion 

Points EarnedPercentage RangeLetter GradePerformance Description
696–74094–100%AExceptional mastery of course objectives; demonstrates excellence in knowledge, pedagogy, and professional responsibility.
666–69590–93%A‑Strong performance with minor gaps; consistently demonstrates advanced understanding and application of standards.
641–66587–89%B+Above average performance; demonstrates solid application of course concepts with room for refinement.
621–64084–86%BCompetent performance; meets expectations for knowledge and practice with consistent effort.
592–62080–83%B‑Adequate performance; demonstrates basic understanding but lacks depth in some areas.
570–59177–79%C+Developing performance; partial mastery of objectives with notable gaps in application.
547–56974–76%CMinimum acceptable performance for education majors; demonstrates foundational understanding of standards.
518–54670–73%C‑Below program requirement; insufficient mastery of objectives. Does not count toward graduation for education majors.
495–51767–69%D+Limited performance; demonstrates minimal understanding and application of course concepts.
474–49464–66%DWeak performance; fails to meet most course objectives.
≤ 473≤ 63%FUnsatisfactory performance; does not demonstrate required knowledge, skills, or professional dispositions.

Instructor Course Policies

Instructor's Course Attendance Policy

Your presence and participation are essential to our shared learning community. Because ED386 emphasizes collaboration, reflection, and practice, regular attendance helps you stay engaged and prepared for assignments. If you must miss class, please communicate with me in advance whenever possible. Absences do not excuse you from completing assignments, and you are responsible for catching up on missed work. Together, we’ll keep the focus on growth, professionalism, and consistency.

Instructor's Academic Integrity Policy

Honesty and integrity are the foundation of our work together. All assignments must reflect your own effort, with proper credit given when you use ideas, words, or resources from others. Collaboration is encouraged when appropriate, but copying or misrepresenting work is not. AI tools (such as Microsoft Copilot, ChatGPT, or others) may be used responsibly for brainstorming or organizing ideas, but all submitted work must show your own understanding and professional judgment. If AI assists your work, please acknowledge it. Misrepresenting AI-generated content as entirely your own is considered a violation of academic integrity.

Course Description

ED243 introduces candidates to the historical, philosophical, psychological, and social foundations of primary education (P–5). Through analysis of diverse perspectives and current policy contexts, candidates will explore how foundational theories shape instructional practice, classroom management, and professional identity. Emphasis is placed on designing standards‑based instruction aligned with Ohio Learning Standards, integrating social‑emotional learning, and fostering equitable, supportive environments for all learners.

Candidates will engage in applied practice through lesson design, reflective analysis, and collaborative projects that connect families, schools, and communities. Technology integration, data‑informed decision making, and professional ethics are embedded throughout the course to prepare candidates for contemporary challenges in education. By the end of ED243, candidates will demonstrate the ability to connect philosophy to practice, advocate for children, and uphold professional standards consistent with CAEP, InTASC, Ohio EPP, and Wilmington College PLOs.

Institutional and Program-Level Policies

Final Exam Schedule

All exams will follow the Final Exam Schedule. Students scheduled to take three or more final examinations on one day may request to arrange their examination schedule, so no more than two exams occur on one day.
Requests for early or late exams are considered only under extreme circumstances. Prior to the exam period, the student must file a written request on the Early/Late Exam Form available in the Student One Stop Center, Academic Records, and on the WC portal. The form must be signed by the Instructor and the Academic Dean, approving the alternate exam time. This process must be completed prior to the scheduled exam period.

Undergraduate:  SP25 Final Exam Schedule    Graduate:  

 

Out-of-class Work Expectation

A minimum of 2 hours of out-of-class student work is expected for each hour of in-class time for traditional face-to-face courses. For online and hybrid courses, the combination of face-to-face time and out-of-class work should be equal to 3 hours per credit hour per week.

Instructional Course Delivery                                                                                                            

Definition of Courses

Academic Integrity Policy

The use of generative AI is prohibited except where expressly allowed in assignment instructions.

Academic Integrity Policy

Class Attendance Policy                              

Institutional Class Attendance Policy

Accessibility and Disability Services