Ms. Yorke's
Standard #2: Learning Differences
The teacher uses understanding of individual differences and diverse cultures and communities to ensure inclusive learning environments that allow each learner to reach his/her full potential.
Summary: This standard means that I must have a deep understanding of not only my students' abilities and values, but also of the community in its entirety as a means for developing lessons that reach and include all students.
Artifact 1: Contextual Factors Analysis (CFA)
Essential Knowledge: 2 (k) Knows how to access information about the values and norms of diverse cultures and communities and how to incorporate students' experiences, cultures, and community resources into instruction.
Description: My Contextual Factors Analysis gives an overview of the Madison school district, community, and students. It served as a reference for guiding my ongoing instruction and was the largest influence when planning my unit. When compiling my strength analysis information, most of the students indicated that they prefer activity based, hands-on learning experiences. They enjoy fun ways to learn and I knew that when I included direct instruction, the students needed to be engaged on a physical level. Within each lesson I included an activity that changed the pace of the instruction and gave students the opportunity to learn the material in a new way.
Rationale: The research I completed for my CFA gave me a great deal of information about the school, the Madison community, and most importantly, my students. The CFA informed my practice and made me consider what tools and strategies would be most beneficial in reaching each student. It gave me insight as to where my students come from and what their values are, allowing me to dissolve barriers between students and myself. I was able to create an environment where students feel comfortable enough to express themselves and participate in their learning.
Artifact 2: 504 Plan Meeting
Performance: 2 (f) Accesses resources, supports, and specialized assistance and services to meet particular learning differences or needs.
Description: Throughout my time at Madison Jr. High School, I attended several IEP and 504 Plan meetings. This specific artifact is notes I took while observing my first meeting. I was fortunate enough to observe such a positive experience for both the teachers and the student. This specific meeting regarded a student with ADHD and some behavioral issues. We reviewed the current required accommodations and talked about the positive changes that had been seen in this student. The meeting ended by changing the accommodations to better fit the progress the student had made.
Rationale: Every student is different in the way they behave, learn, and grow. These differences must be celebrated and valued in the classroom and the best way that this can be done is by using appropriate supports and accommodations to help students reach their potential. The meetings I attended allowed me to have a better understanding of my students, while informing me of the necessary accommodations that I must make to help them achieve.