EDUC 543 Urban Schools and Communities

The social context of urban communities is tied to the success of urban schools. This course will analyze the connection between urban schools and communities and provide strategies for working with families and community stakeholders to advocate for children and improve educational outcomes for students from diverse backgrounds.

For information regarding prerequisites for this course, please refer to the Academic Course Catalog.

Course Guide

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*The information contained in our Course Guides is provided as a sample. Specific course curriculum and requirements for each course are provided by individual instructors each semester. Students should not use Course Guides to find and complete assignments, class prerequisites, or order books.


This course is designed to allow students to examine the connection between urban schools and communities in order to understand how issues and features of the community contribute to educational outcomes.


Textbook readings and lecture presentations

No details available.

Course Requirements Checklist

After reading the Course Syllabus and Candidate Expectations, the candidate will complete the related checklist found in the Course Overview.

Discussions (4)

Discussions are collaborative learning experiences. Therefore, the candidate is required to create a thread in response to the provided prompt for each forum. Each thread must be at least 300 words, include at least 2 scholarly citations and 1 scriptural reference in current APA format, and demonstrate course-related knowledge. In addition to the thread, the candidate is required to reply to 1 classmate’s thread. Each reply must be at least 100 words. (CLO: A, B)

Case Study Analyses (4)

The candidate will write a 400-500 word analysis of a case study that includes the key issues identified in the case study, an action plan for addressing the key issues, and a rationale for the action plan. Each analysis should be written in APA format, and should include at least one scholarly resource in addition to the textbook. (CLO: B, F)

Community Issue Paper

The candidate will write a 3-5 page research-based paper in current APA format that focuses on a major issue facing some urban communities. The paper must include at least 3 references in addition to the Bible. (CLO: A, C)

Trauma Informed Teaching Presentation

The candidate will create a PowerPoint presentation that focuses on the impact of trauma among children and adolescents. The paper must include at least 5 references in addition to the course textbook and the Bible. (CLO: A, D)

Community Partnership Plan

The candidate will write a 3-5 page research-based paper in current APA format that outlines a plan for a partnership between the community organization and an urban school. The paper must include at least 3 references in addition to the Bible. (CLO: A, E)

Communication Plan Presentation

The candidate will create a 20 slide PowerPoint presentation that outlines a communication plan for teachers in urban schools. The presentation must include at least 5 references. (CLO: A, F)


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