The course provides first-year teacher candidates with an introduction to several fundamental education issues facing society as well as look at the philosophical, historical, political, sociological, and ethical bases of American B-12 schools. Specific goals for students include understanding and using some of humanity's most important and challenging ideas, developing good academic skills (reading, writing, speaking, listening), and learning about the values and rigors of academic discipline including portfolio development. In particular, students will examine educational issues and beginning development of educational professional skills with strong emphasis on writing. This course includes field experience. Offered Fall and Spring.