Foundations Block

Eligibility

To be eligible for the Foundations Block a student must meet the following criteria:

1. A grade point average of 2.75 on a minimum of 12 credits OR have earned a bachelors degree.

2. Passing scores on two out of three parts of the Pre-Professional Skills Test (PPST).

Foundations Block Courses

• Introduction to Education and Teaching (EDFNDPRC 210)
• Foundations of Education in a Pluralistic Society (EDFOUND 243)
• Child Development (EDFOUND 222)
  OR
  Educational Psychology (EDFOUND 212)

Introduction to Education and Teaching

Observation and Participation Fieldwork Component

A central component of the Introduction course is the fieldwork requirement.  Students spend 50 hours in a diverse educational setting.  These hours partially fulfill the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction requirement for pre-clinical experiences and human relations.

Most fieldwork placements are in Milwaukee schools, where students spend eight full days in the classrooms.  Transportation to the assigned sites is by bus or carpool, as arranged in class. 

The Introduction course instructors serve as university supervisors for this fieldwork experience, and cooperating teachers complete evaluations of the students. 

Portfolio Component

The College of Education has a multi-phase portfolio process demonstrating student proficiency on the 10 Wisconsin Teacher Standards. The Foundations Block is where students complete the Phase 2 portfolio for admission to Professional Education. A second component of the Introduction course is the Phase II portfolio.  For more information on this portfolio, please see the portfolio guide in the link below.

• Phase II Portfolio Guide
• Admission to Professional Education

Transfer Students

If you have transferred to UW-Whitewater with some of these courses already taken, there is a course to assist you with the Phase II portfolio offered several times a year. See the guide for EDFOUND 214 for more information or go to the downloadable forms for transfer students.

Contacts:

Alicia Stone Jackson, Program Assistant
Department of Educational Foundations
(262) 472-1380

Dr. Tom Ganser, Director of Field Supervision
(262) 472- 1123