EXAMPLES OF WORK SAMPLE FOR MEETING STANDARDS
- Ying Shen
When you select items for your portfolio, think about how you could show a reviewer what you have done and how you have been improving. This usually does not take a large number of work samples. However, they do need to be chosen carefully. Try to select items that show the progress you have made and how you have learned from your experiences. The following are some possible ideas for work samples to assist you in the development of your portfolio.
Standard 1: Subject Matter
● Lesson/unit plans that use ways of knowing and methods of inquiry specific to the discipline
● Philosophy of content area
● Examples of using multiple representations and explanations to teach the content
● Papers, tests, research, essays, and projects specific to the discipline
● Evidence of outstanding achievement in the discipline
● Special training in the discipline
● Examples of using a curriculum that engages students in using the tools of the discipline
Standard 2: Student Learning
● Evaluation of student learning
for a lesson taught in methods placement
● Evidence of understanding learner development
● Evidence of using developmentally appropriate practices
● Evidence of connecting student learning experiences with knowledge about how students learn
● Evidence of designing instruction based on students’ developmental needs
● Evidence of active engagement in learning
● Case study projects focused on analyzing student learning
Standard 3: Diverse Learners
● Example of instruction adapted to the special needs of students
● Reflection on why a lesson was or was not effective with particular students
● Reflection on critical incidents involving diversity and special learning needs
● Examples of addressing different learning styles in lessons
● Evidence that students’ backgrounds and prior knowledge are accounted for in instruction
● Lessons that show sensitivity to diverse cultures
● Evidence of personal experience in diverse cultures
● Evidence that individual differences are respected in your classroom
● Knowledge of a community's culture and norms and how that knowledge was incorporated into the curriculum
● Evidence of the identification of exceptional learning needs and referrals when appropriate
● Experience working with an Individual Education Plan (IEP)
● Field experience evaluations from EDU3219 and EDU3635
Standard 4: Instructional Strategies
● Evidence of a variety of instructional strategies used, including those to encourage critical thinking, problem-solving, and performance skills.
● Reflection on the use of different strategies
● Examples of how you monitor the effectiveness of an instructional strategy
● Evidence of flexibility in the use of strategies
● Use of educational technology
● Show how different strategies were used to meet different purposes
Standard 5: Learning Environment
● Pictures to illustrate an important part of your classroom’s learning environment
● Evidence of using peer relationships to promote learning
● Evidence that your classroom is a “learning community” that assumes responsibility for themselves and others
● Evidence of progress toward intrinsic motivation in student learning
● Reflection on a case study
● Reflection on a critical incident
● Classroom rules, guidelines and procedures
● Special routines and procedures used to enhance the learning environment
● Ways in which individual and group work is effectively monitored by you
● Ways in which social relationships are enhanced in your classroom
● Expectations you hold for students and yourself that promote a positive learning environment
● Ways you have organized your classroom’s physical space to enhance learning
● Ways in which conflict is handled in your classroom
● Evidence of cooperative learning
Standard 6: Communication
● Use of effective verbal, nonverbal, and media communication
● How you use effective listening techniques
● Multiple ways in which you provide opportunities for students to practice communication strategies
● Use of a variety of media communication tools
● Effective use of questioning and discussion strategies
● Examples of how you have engaged students in higher-order thinking
● Reflection on how communication in your classroom can be affected by culture and gender
● Special techniques you use to foster sensitive communication among students
Standard 7: Planning Instruction
● Unit and lesson plans based on subject, curriculum goals, your students, and the community
● Evidence of how you connect the curriculum to student experiences
● Examples of some long and short term goals for students
● Reflect on how you have adjusted plans based on your evaluations
● Point out ways in which your planning is based on your personal philosophy of education
● Identify how you account for different learning styles in your plans
● Identify how you plan for different levels of learning among your students
Standard 8: Assessment
● Examples of different types of assessments you constructed and used
● Examples of informal assessments you have used
● Show how you have used the results of assessments
● Examples of authentic assessment you have used
● Examples of ways you have accommodated to student needs in your assessments
● Evidence of systematic record keeping
● How you help students make use of assessment results
● Ways in which you communicate student progress to students, parents, guardians, or other colleagues
● Examples of your students’ self-assessments
● Evidence of familiarity with standardized tests appropriate for your students
● Peer assessments
Standard 9: Reflection and Professional Development
● Philosophy of education
● Use of professional literature and other resources in your teaching and understanding of students
● Collaborative work with professional colleagues
● Familiarity with the Code of Ethics for Minnesota Teachers
● Ways in which you reflect on and improve your teaching
● Relevant professional memberships
● Attendance at professional conference, workshops, training sessions or other professional development experiences
● Belief statements
● Ways in which you fulfill your professional responsibility outside your classroom
Standard 10: Collaboration, Ethics, and Relationships
● Evidence of involvement in school and the community
● Evidence of participation in activities that promote the growth of the whole learner (coaching, advising a club, serving as a chaperone)
● Ways you have used community resources in your teaching
● Team planning, team teaching, and interdisciplinary teaching
● Belief statements regarding professional ethics
● Sample letters to parents
● Your approach/experience with parent-teacher conferences
● Ways you have used parents in your classroom
● A class web page
● Class newsletter
● Experience on professional committees
● Experiences working with others on an IEP
● Experience working with support personnel