EPI0020 - Professional Foundations

EPI Contact Info.

EDUCATOR PREPARATION INSTITUTE (EPI) OFFICE: WST-128, Winter Haven Campus
Phone: (863) 298-6812

EPI Mission and Program Outcomes

Polk State College, a quality-driven institution serving Polk County and beyond, transforms students’ lives through the power of teaching and lifelong learning by providing access to affordable associate and baccalaureate degrees, career certificates, and workforce employment programs, delivered through various modalities and innovative technologies and by diverse, qualified faculty and staff. In line with this purpose, Polk State College’s Educator Preparation Institute (EPI) is committed to recruiting, supporting, producing, and placing highly-qualified, workforce-ready teachers in K-12 schools in Florida with an emphasis on high-need subject areas and specializations in Math, ESE, ESOL, and Science.

A primary focus of this course is the development of competencies; through this course, the student must:

1. Demonstrate understanding that educators are held to a high moral standard within a community, and that an effective educator adheres to the Code of Ethics and the Principles of Professional Conduct of the Education Profession of Florida.
2. Explore and describe the teacher evaluation system and teachers’ rights in the process. 
3. Identify the signs of child abuse and determine the appropriate ways to report abuse and neglect according to Florida’s laws.
4. Describe the organization and administration of a public school.
5. Identify and respect students’ cultural differences.
6. Interpret data to improve instruction.

 
Course Objectives:
Upon completion of this course, the teacher candidate is able to:

I. Florida Educator Accomplished Practices

   A. Continuous Professional Improvement:

• Convey high expectations to all students.
• Respect students’ cultural, linguistic, and family backgrounds.
• Maintain a climate of openness, fairness, and support for each student.
• Integrate current professional and ethical information.
• Adapt the learning environment to accommodate the differing needs of students.

   B. Professional Responsibility and Ethical Conduct:

• Demonstrate understanding that educators are held to a high moral standard within a community, and adhere to the Code of Ethics and the Principles of Professional Conduct of the Education Profession of Florida (pursuant to State Board of Education Rules 6B-1.001 and 6B-1.006, F.A.C.), and fulfill the expected obligations to students, the public, and the education profession.

II. Uniform Core Curricula

• Apply State-adopted content standards (Florida Standards).
• Apply Florida Educator Accomplished Practices (FEAPs).

• Professional Ethos and Behavior

–Ethical and professional behavior in different scenarios

–Professional behavior in the classroom and in public

• Data Interpretation and Instructional Improvement
• The Teacher Evaluation System and Teachers’ Rights 
• Signs of Child Abuse and Reporting Neglect and Abuse
• Resources and Websites for Educators

             -Florida FEAPs information,

   -Florida Department of Education documents on ethical and professional behavior

   -Information on child abuse and reporting abuse

   -Resources on how to improve teaching using data

EPI textbook

Textbook information is provided in the course syllabus. 

College-Level Communication and Computation Skills

State Rule 6A-10.030 does not apply to this course.

Student Help

The professor is available for help during posted hours and by appointment during other non-class hours. Each student is encouraged to seek assistance from the professor. To further the educational process, the Learning Resources Centers, comprised of the campus Teaching/Learning and Computing Centers (TLCCs), JDA Student Success Center, and campus libraries, are available for student use. Each resource provides qualified staff and up-to-date equipment and facilities to promote academic success. The TLCCs and JDA Student Success Center provide tutoring services, computing resources, and other instructional support. The library provides information resources, individual and group study space, research assistance, information literacy instruction, and computing resources. Each facility provides free wireless access to the Internet. The Polk State College Library, Student Success Center, and TLCC hours of operation and tutoring schedules are posted at each facility and on the College website.

Withdrawing From a Course

A student may officially withdraw from a course during any given term, provided he or she follows the appropriate policy and procedure. Following the conclusion of the Drop period, students may officially withdraw without receiving a grade from any course, provided they do so no later than the published withdrawal deadline. The published deadline reflects approximately (but no more than) 70% of the term, based upon the course’s scheduled duration. It is the student’s responsibility to submit these withdrawal forms; failure to do so may result in a grade of F in the course. Under the Forgiveness Policy, a student is allowed only three attempts in any one course: one initial enrollment and two repeats. A student is not allowed to withdraw from a third course attempt. Limited admission programs may have specific guidelines regarding course withdrawal that vary from this policy; these guidelines are listed in the specific program handbooks. If a student stops attending class, the grade earned, usually an F, is assigned and posted. Prior to withdrawing from a course, the student should consult with the Financial Aid Office to determine what impact, if any, withdrawal from the course will have on his or her financial aid status. A student cannot use course withdrawal to avoid academic dishonesty penalties. A student who has been penalized for academic dishonesty in a course is not eligible to withdraw from the course.

Repeating a Course

Under the Forgiveness Policy, a student is allowed only three attempts in any one college credit course: one initial enrollment and two repeats. Under certain circumstances, a student may petition to repeat a credit course beyond the third attempt. Limited admission programs may have specific guidelines regarding repeating courses that vary from this policy; these guidelines are listed in the specific handbooks. The student should be aware that repeating a course may result in a higher course cost. A course cannot be repeated unless the previously earned grade is a D, F, or W (the Polk State Catalog provides further details regarding this process). Prior to repeating a course, the student should consult with the Financial Aid Office to determine what impact, if any, repeating the course will have on his or her financial aid status.

Academic Dishonesty

Each student is responsible for his or her work. It is assumed that each student is honest and will abide by this standard; however, in the event that there is an indication or suspicion of cheating or plagiarism, the situation shall be dealt with in accordance with the published College policy. Copies of this policy are available in the Student Services Office. More specific information can be found in the Course Syllabus.

Information Technology Access/Use Policy

The information technology resources provided by Polk State College (this includes, but is not limited to, telephones, computers, the Polk State Local Area and Wide Area Networks, and the Internet) must be used for academic purposes only. Use of these resources is a privilege, not a right. Inappropriate use can result in revocation or suspension of this privilege.

Equal Access/Opportunity

Polk State College is an equal access/equal opportunity institution committed to excellence through diversity in education and employment. The College complies with all state and federal laws granting rights to students, employees, and applicants for employment or admission to the College. Polk State College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, sex, age, religion, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, genetic information, disability, or pregnancy in its programs, activities, or employment.

The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies:
Valparisa Baker
Director, Equity and Diversity (Title IX Coordinator)
999 Avenue H NE
Winter Haven, FL 33881
Office: WAD 227
Telephone: (863) 292-3602
e-mail: vbaker@polk.edu

Equal Opportunity For Students With Disabilities

The College complies with The Americans with Disabilities Act and provides equal educational opportunity for qualified individuals. A student with a disability who requires special accommodations or auxiliary aids under The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) should contact the Coordinator or Director of Disability Services. Note: Limited admission programs may have performance restrictions that apply. Restrictions (where applicable) are outlined in each program’s student handbook.

Letter Grade/Point Range:

A          =          90-100

B          =          80- 89

F          =          0- 79

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