STUDENTÂ - EDUCATORÂ - ARTIST
QUALITY STANDARD 2
Teachers establish a safe, inclusive and respectful learning environment for a diverse population of students.
ARTIFACTS & RATIONALE
Element A: Teachers foster a predictable learning environment characterized by acceptable student behavior and efficient use of time in which each student has a positive, nurturing relationship with caring adults and peers​
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Relationships and understading with my students is important to me and important for the well being of everyone the classroom. I foster a predictable learning environment for my students by setting expectations and sticking to them. Each of my students know that if they are unsure of an assignment, classroom rules, techniques, or can not remember how to use specific materials, that they can go to Schoology and have access to any question they might have. Each assignment given to them is posted on Schoology before the lesson is taught. Students have access to presentations, video links, rubrics, etc. I want my students to feel secure and knowledgable of the content while they are in my classroom. Posting all of this information on Schoology so that my students have access to it, allows me to do so.
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(accomplished, proficient, developing, emergent)
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​Element B: Teachers demonstrate an awareness of, a commitment to, and a respect for multiple aspects of diversity, while working toward common goals as a community of learners.
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For this element, I choose an artwork created by a group of students for a social justice lesson. This lesson was based around diversity and understanding of one another. This specific artworks social justice topic was climate change and how it affects everybody's daily lives, some more than others. My goal with this lesson was to get students to be understanding of other students diverse situations and experiences. Many students did not see climate change as a big problem or something that affected them in any way, but for other students, it did. I believe this lesson helped students build better relationships within the community of our classroom and our school.
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(accomplished, proficient, developing, emergent)
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Element C: Teachers engage students as individuals, including those with diverse needs and interests, across a range of ability levels by adapting their teaching for the benefit of all students.
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For this element I chose the "differentiation" section of my Plein Air lesson plan. Differentiation allows students with different needs and interests to be able to complete the lesson. In this lesson plan I added differentiation for students who may be advanced and need more of a challenge by adding watercolor as an option. For students who might struggle with the realism this project requires, I would allow them to draw objects or images from the internet. In all my lesson plans students have access to all materials, all the time. Each and every student is also able to participate in this activity.
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(accomplished, proficient, developing, emergent)
Element D: Teachers work collaboratively with the families and/or significant adults for the benefit of students.
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For this element I chose an email I sent out to all parents whose children were in the St. Vrain Valley District Art Show in Longmont, CO. Working with parents has shown to be a vital part of students education. Schools do not send out emails to parents for specific events. As the coordinator of my schools art show it was my responsibility to let the parents and students know that their artwork was being displayed and that it deserved recognition. Many parents came with their students to the Boulder County Fairgrounds to view the artwork because of this email and otherwise had no idea it was happening. It is important to stay connected with parents.
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(accomplished, proficient, developing, emergent)
REFLECTION:
Inclusivity, respect and safety are a big priority for me in my classroom. I want students to know that they are valued and welcome when the come to class Doing everything I can to make sure that students never feel a sense of discomfort or fear whether its related to relationships or schoolwork is top priority for me. Being open and honest with my students is how I achieve this. As well as open communication with my students. Students should feel safe enough that they are able to come and speak to me about what is affecting them, negatively or positively.