THEORETICAL REASONING AND PROBLEM SOLVING Competency 608.4.1: Research Paper - The student will demonstrate the ability to analyze and synthesize concepts and ideas from a variety of sources into a written vision of the purpose and structure of schools of the future. Introduction: The culminating assessment for the Synthesis of Educational Theory domain is a research paper that identifies a problem in education, clarifies relevant ways to address the concern, and explores different perspectives regarding the future of education. Note: This assessment must be submitted and PASSED PRIOR to submission of the associated multimedia presentation, required in SDA1-SET 608.5.1-01, 02, 03. Note: Although it is not required, you may use the attached Help Document to help you gather your thoughts and brainstorm ideas for this assessment. Requirements: A. Write a research paper (suggested length of 2030 pages) in which you do the following: 1. Provide an introduction in which you do the following: a. Identify an open-ended problem you will address in the body of your essay. b. Include a thesis/problem statement that addresses the open-ended problem identified in part A1a. 2. Explain your current thinking about the future of education in the United States. 3. Include a balanced view of the evidence for the future of education in the United States. 4. Analyze current issues regarding education in the United States, including five of the following influencing aspects: teachers and standards high-stakes assessments curriculum/instruction methodology technology bilingual/ELL special education public policy diversity and inclusion 5. Present evidence for each of the influencing aspects chosen in part A3. a. Include two different perspectives for each of the influencing aspects chosen in part A3. b. Discuss the underlying assumptions and quality of information or evidence relevant to the different perspectives presented in part A4a. 6. Discuss connections between the influencing aspects chosen in part A3. a. Discuss how the influencing aspects chosen in part A3 will influence education in the future. 7. Discuss the complexities of the open-ended problem identified in part A1a. a. Explain the open-ended problem and its implications to the future of education. 8. Propose a solution to the open-ended problem identified in part A1a. a. Justify your proposed solution from part A7. b. Discuss potential criticisms of the solution you proposed in part A7. 9. Include a logical conclusion that summarizes the main points from the essay. B. When you use sources, include all in-text citations and references in APA format. Note: For definitions of terms commonly used in the rubric, see the Rubric Terms web link included in the Evaluation Procedures section. Note: When using sources to support ideas and elements in an assessment, the submission MUST include APA formatted in-text citations with a corresponding reference list for any direct quotes or paraphrasing. It is not necessary to list sources that were consulted if they have not been quoted or paraphrased in the text of the assessment. Note: No more than a combined total of 30% of a submission can be directly quoted or closely paraphrased from outside sources, even if cited correctly. For tips on using APA style, please refer to the APA Handout web link included in the APA Guidelines section. File Attachments: 1. Help Document link opens in new window

THEORETICAL REASONING AND PROBLEM SOLVING

Competency 608.4.1: Research Paper - The student will demonstrate the ability to analyze and synthesize concepts and ideas from a variety of sources into a written vision of the purpose and structure of schools of the future.
Introduction:

The culminating assessment for the Synthesis of Educational Theory domain is a research paper that identifies a problem in education, clarifies relevant ways to address the concern, and explores different perspectives regarding the future of education.

Note: This assessment must be submitted and PASSED PRIOR to submission of the associated multimedia presentation, required in SDA1-SET 608.5.1-01, 02, 03.

Note: Although it is not required, you may use the attached Help Document to help you gather your thoughts and brainstorm ideas for this assessment.

Requirements:

A. Write a research paper (suggested length of 25 pages) in which you do the following:
1. Provide an introduction in which you do the following:
a. Identify an open-ended problem you will address in the body of your essay.
b. Include a thesis/problem statement that addresses the open-ended problem identified in part A1a.
2. Explain your current thinking about the future of education in the United States.
3. Include a balanced view of the evidence for the future of education in the United States.
4. Analyze current issues regarding education in the United States, including five of the following influencing aspects:
teachers and standards
high-stakes assessments
curriculum/instruction
methodology
technology
bilingual/ELL
special education
public policy
diversity and inclusion
5. Present evidence for each of the influencing aspects chosen in part A3.
a. Include two different perspectives for each of the influencing aspects chosen in part A3.
b. Discuss the underlying assumptions and quality of information or evidence relevant to the different perspectives presented in part A4a.
6. Discuss connections between the influencing aspects chosen in part A3.
a. Discuss how the influencing aspects chosen in part A3 will influence education in the future.
7. Discuss the complexities of the open-ended problem identified in part A1a.
a. Explain the open-ended problem and its implications to the future of education.
8. Propose a solution to the open-ended problem identified in part A1a.
a. Justify your proposed solution from part A7.
b. Discuss potential criticisms of the solution you proposed in part A7.
9. Include a logical conclusion that summarizes the main points from the essay.

B. When you use sources, include all in-text citations and references in APA format.

Note: For definitions of terms commonly used in the rubric, see the Rubric Terms web link included in the Evaluation Procedures section.

Note: When using sources to support ideas and elements in an assessment, the submission MUST include APA formatted in-text citations with a corresponding reference list for any direct quotes or paraphrasing. It is not necessary to list sources that were consulted if they have not been quoted or paraphrased in the text of the assessment.

Note: No more than a combined total of 30% of a submission can be directly quoted or closely paraphrased from outside sources, even if cited correctly. For tips on using APA style, please refer to the APA Handout web link included in the APA Guidelines section.
File Attachments:
1. Help Document link opens in new window