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.
OHI Presentation
Rationale: My first artifact is a presentation on Other Health Impairment (OHI). I chose to briefly present about asthma, diabetes, and focus on cystic fibrosis. I chose this artifact to bring awareness to impairments, given the fact that I knew very little about them and thought it would be a great idea to learn more about each impairment. I created the presentation with the goal of giving my classmates a deeper understanding on cystic fibrosis and how to support children with this impairment in the classroom.
Connection to IPTS Standard: This presentation relates to the Illinois Professional Teaching standard 1, “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” because it targets a certain group of learners and how they learn best despite their impairment. By researching about OHI such as cystic fibrosis, a teacher will have the necessary tools and knowledge to best support the child’s needs. Not only through my work, but listening to my classmates’ presentations, I was able to learn about different abilities and disabilities and their strategies, modifications, and accommodations, so I can best assist children in emotional stability and academic success.
Self-Evaluation: I learned so much in AEDU 216. We learned about many different disabilities. I learned that children with disabilities are some of the most vulnerable children. I have to make sure to always know that each child comes with a story and understand that their disability does not define who they genuinely are. Aside from students with disabilities, I also learned about gifted and talented students. These students can most times be under appreciated and even forgotten. My goal is to challenge students, not with busy work, but with material that will expand and challenge their minds to unleash their upmost potential. I want them to know I see them. I want all my students to know I see them. I will be an observer and make sure all my students know they are capable to learn and accomplish whatever they set their minds to.
Cystic Fibrosis Handout
Rationale: My second artifact was a cystic fibrosis information handout. My classmates were given this handout with helpful facts and resources to use as a reference when they encounter students with cystic fibrosis.
Connection to IPTS Standard: This handout can help to really expand an understanding of my topic. This handout assisted me to "create instructional opportunities that maximize student learning".
Self-Evaluation: Thank you to this handout, I was able to deepen the understanding of cystic fibrosis. Learning about different disabilities reminded me that every child is different and has different abilities and needs. They will all have different learning styles as well. It is crucial to learn about each student and learn about their individual strengths and weaknesses.