Standard 1 - Teaching Diverse students- The competent teacher understands the diverse characteristics and abilities of each student and how individuals develop and learn within the context of their social, economic, cultural, linguistic, and academic experiences. The teacher uses these experiences to create instructional opportunities that maximize student learning.

The artifacts below include information on Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). There are two essays and a power point presentation which were all requirements of my class, Introduction to Exceptional Children completed in the summer of 2020. These assignments include an essay which discusses the causes and characteristics of ASD and an essay and power point presentation which discuss strategies, accommodations and modifications that can be used in the classroom when instructing students with ASD. These artifacts exhibit an understanding of students with diverse characteristics and abilities.

1A) The competent teacher understands the spectrum of student diversity (e.g., race and ethnicity, socioeconomic status, special education, gifted, English language learners (ELL), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and the assets that each student brings to learning across the curriculum.

The essay, Causes and Characteristics show an understanding that all students are unique and bring bring different experiences to the learning environment. Completing this assignment was helpful in my understanding of what symptoms to look for in children and what characteristics to expect. It also broadened my awareness of resources that are available for teachers and families and allowed me the opportunity to explore those resources while creating a tool which will be available to me as a teacher.

1H) The competent teacher analyzes and uses student information to design instruction that meets the diverse needs of students and leads to ongoing growth and achievement.

The strategies, accommodations and modifications assignment within the artifacts show an understanding of the need to design instruction that meets the needs of diverse students. The assignment gave me the opportunity to understand how by individualizing each students educational plan, you can create an environment which is more relaxed and conducive to learning. Utilizing appropriate accommodations and modifications allow diverse students to become more independent and to gain more from the educational process.

It is my goal to create a learning environment that is rich in diversity and that meets the needs of all students. With this assignment, I focused on Autism Spectrum Disorder however, I intend to learn more about other disorders affecting school aged children as well. Throughout my educational career and beyond I will continue to research disorders to ensure that I have a full understanding of ways to better service my students and families.