INTASC+Standard+3

INTASC.3 STANDARD: The teacher understands how students differ in their approaches to learning and creates instructional opportunities that are adapted to diverse learners.

Specific Category of Standard: INTASC.3.B K: The teacher knows about areas of exceptionality in learning--including learning disabilities, visual and perceptual difficulties, and special physical or mental challenges. INTASC.3.C K: The teacher knows about the process of second language acquisition and about strategies to support the learning of students whose first language is not English.

Understanding Sentence: At this point in my journey, INTASC Standard 3 means that the teacher understands and respects all cultures and differences in the classroom and creates a learning environment that is safe and welcoming for all students to learn and grow.

Artifacts:
 * Reflection on Exceptional Learners Course [[file:exceptfinal.doc]]
 * Modification of a Lesson Plan for ELLs [[file:Modified Lesson_ESL.doc]]

Reflect Understanding the learning styles of diverse students is imperative to effective teaching. Background and culture play such an important role in the lives of students; it is the foundation of their knowledge. The artifact Reflection on Exceptional Learners is a paper I wrote at the end of a course about learners with disabilities. The Modification of a Lesson Plan for English Language Learners artifact is a lesson plan that i found on everythingesl.net and modified to better fit the needs of learners whose native language is not English. Within the lesson I provided strategies that would benefit the student in their learning process. Both artifacts exemplify my understanding of diverse learners and my awareness of the modifications in the classroom that are necessary to provide them with a fair and appropriate education.

Project The artifacts, Reflection on Exceptional Learners Course and Modification of a Lesson Plan For ELLs, demonstrate plans for my future practice because they both project my willingness to create a classroom environment that a diverse student can feel safe to grow and learn in. I will provide everything in my power to understand and incorporate aspects of other cultures or ways of life to promote a climate of understanding and acceptance. I understand the affects of unintended nonverbal communication and will continue to be self-aware. At this moment in my journey, as i have expressed in my Reflection on Exceptional Learners Course, I have a very broad understanding of different exceptionalities, with specific insight into children with ADD and ADHD. Since I have a broad understanding, I will conduct my own personal research when I receive a student in my classroom who has individual exceptionalities as to prepare myself to provide them with the fair education that they deserve.