9. Professionalism, Leadership, and Advocacy

  The artifact that I chose for this standard had been a rough unit outline for parents to examine my cooperating teacher and I had worked out a rough plan based on my time that I had been at the placement of Reavis high school, the calendar outlines the topic that we will be discussing every day and include some links to some of the PowerPoint presentations. We will be sharing with our students. It is set out monthly at the beginning of the month to the parents of our students. It allows them to see the information that will be covered within the unit as well as key dates for assessments and other presentations. We’ve done this to ensure that communication with the parents is strong and precise, and all important materials covered

I selected this artifact because it “communicates relevant information and ideas effectively to students, parents and guardians using a variety of technology in digital age media for this' ' (9M). The artifact does this by utilizing a Google Docs as a calendar with a wide variety of links to PowerPoint, assessment, dates, and other key information that is easily accessible to parents or guardians. We generally do not get a response, but every so often we do get an email from parents asking if assignments are finalized or if dates on the calendar or dates of assessments set in stone. This allows access educators to set up a direct line of communication with parents or guardians, and makes speaking and collaborating with them easier. Also, if dates are changed on the calendar, we send out emails explaining them to adjust the calendar with the new dates.

Something that I learned from this artifact, was the importance of parent guardian communication. It allowed me to set up a direct line of communication with them to discuss student progress, student, disciplinary, actions, student praise, or even late work. This line of communication is extremely effective and allows parents to know exactly what their students have been learning that day, and what information and assignments would be due. This method of communication is something that I have learned as being vital for struggling students and student success. Setting up a line of communication with parents or guardians is something that I will look to carry within my own classroom as it is the best way to discuss student progress directly with parents.

The artifact that I had chosen for the standard, had been a list of student sample IEPs. Throughout my time at Reavis high school, I had attended a total of four IEP meetings regarding students. I have been able to learn a lot about the inner workings of student progression in IEP meetings by directly communicating with parents and school staff members. This allowed us to work up a list of student needs to ensure that I have been implementing them into the classroom effectively.

I chose this artifact because it maintains accurate records, managers, data, effectively, and protects the confidentiality of information pertaining to the student family” (9J). The artifact also demonstrates “collaboration with other teachers, students, parents or guardians, specialists and administrators to enhance student learning and  school improvement.” (9N). His artifact demonstrates the standards as well as importance of communicating with parents or guardians and school staff members to enhance the needs of the students and ensure academic success.

This article taught me the importance of collaboration with other administrators and specialists to ensure student success in the classroom. He demonstrated to me the importance of being able to have two open communications for the student, and ensure that I have the instructors meeting the needs based on IEPs or 504 plans established prior to me arriving. I have learned the inner workings of IEP meetings. And have established a strong connection and how these meetings occur, and the methodologies used to ensure student success. As I enter my future classroom, collaboration with other teachers, parents, or guardians, and specialists is something that I will place a great deal of importance on. I believe these meetings, don’t allow students to fall through the cracks and hold us as as educators responsible for ensuring student success in our classrooms.