Professional Self-Assessment #2

Teacher Candidates Name: Natalie Spradley Mentor Teachers Name: Nicole Whitley
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Date: 4-11-13 School: Polo Road Elementary

Grade Level (s)/Subject Area(s) 5 grade, Social Studies, Reading, and Writing Instructions to the teacher candidate: Please reflect on your professional performance, and respond to each of the following prompts. 1. In terms of the ADEPT Performance Standards, what are your professional strengths? How have you built on these strengths so far, and how do you plan to do so in the future?

In terms of the ADEPT Performance Standards, my professional strengths are : APS 5: Instructional Strategies As I have gained more knowledge and insight on implementing more ways to teach lessons, my ability to incorporate different instructional strategies has increased. I have found it less challenging to utilize PowerPoints, videos, songs, research groups, graphic organizers, mini-projects, grand conversations, small groups, KWL charts, Think-Pair-Share groups, etc. when planning my lessons. Students have also seemed to enjoy learning more now. APS 6: Providing Content For Learners I have built on this strength by using multiple sources, other than the textbook, to obtain content. I use grade- level information and resources to make sure students can comprehend the information. I also use my peer teacher as resources. They have taught the material for over 10 years so there information is valid. Internet sources such as Brain Pop is also aligned with the SC Curriculum Standards. APS 7: Monitoring, Assessing, and Enhancing During Instructional time I asses students comprehension by asking questions. Based off the responses I know if I can continue with the grade level content, or if I need to adjusts the pace of the lesson to the needs of the two different classes. I also utilize Exit Slips or Questions Now slips during group instruction. These have helped me provide immediate feedback to students. I have also utilized them to adjust the pace of lessons so that students do no feel they are being left behind. APS: 8: Environment Promotes Learning I affirm students when they are following directions and post current work to display on the board. I make sure that the classroom is clean and free from clutter. Each day after school I tidy up so that clutter does not began to build. I make sure to keep all papers organized in bins or stored in desk out of sight. Plants get water and light every week. Students sometimes say Ms. Spradley, it sure does smell good in here. APS 9: Classroom Management

Since being at Polo Road Elementary, I have implemented a class incentives system called Ms. Spradleys Star Students. Students know my expectations as I constantly repeat them for extra reinforcement. During instruction I walk through out the classroom to observe students who are on task, and to help redirect the attention those students who are not on task. Consistency of rewards or reparation is something that I have improved on since being at Polo Road Elementary. Students who are caught doing the right thing by Ms. Spradley receive star student tickets. At the end of the week, students are able to pull from the Star Student Box. APS 10: Professionalism I attend grade level meetings and I am on time for work. I dress the part and try to maintain a positive attitude. Though I am not perfect in this APS, I believe it is my biggest strength. I have attended faculty meetings, a school board meeting, career day, DARE graduation, Pathfinders Fitness Challenge, and Professional Development Days.

2. In terms of the ADEPT Performance Standards, what are your professional challenges? How do you plan to meet these challenges? My professional challenges in terms of the ADEPT Performance Standards are: APS 1: Long Range Planning I need more practice with developing Long Range Plans. I believe that this will be a strength in time. In order to change this from a weakness, I can review some of the peer teachers long range plan samples, and ask question to experienced teachers about how to compile a long range plan for maximum effective use.

APS 3: Planning Assessments And Using Data I have to become better at using formal pre-assessments to compare post-instruction comprehension. In order to meet this challenge, I have to research appropriate times to use formal and informal pre-assessments, and how to utilize the data they provide instruction. I also must do better with providing feedback promptly to the students. APS 4: High Expectations Sometimes it is difficult to determine grade appropriate content. Therefore, I have to be better at finding pre-made assessments/ assignments. Unfortunately, I have not developed the skill set to determine what is grade level appropriate, but as I continue to teach, I will find what it is that I need. I also find it difficult to erase bias attitudes about some students. There is one student in my class who always comes to school very tired. He always wants to sleep during instructional time. All the kids usually give much effort to class work assignments, while he completes them with little to no effort. I found myself getting use to his behavior and started to accept work that he did with no effort. I had to realize that I was lowering the expectation for him. In the end I knew that would only hurt him, so I found other methods to get him involved and intrinsically motivated.

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Describe your students overall progress and achievement. What insights have you gained into ways to improve student progress and achievement? My students overall progress and achievement have increased in the area of content obtained and held. My first block class would be considered high achievers compared to my second block class, so at this point, its hard to really notice a difference in the way that they perform in the area of ELA content. Social Studies however, has made major improvements in both blocks. My second block class has shown clear signs of improvement in comprehension of material and the holding of information. I know this based off of pre- assessments, post assessments, and observational notes. Students in both blocks seem to really enjoy the lessons now that I use such a variety of instructional strategies. It makes them want to learn more. I have gained insight from my cooperating teacher that in order to improve and keep track of student progress, I can do more formal pre-assessments and to compare to post assessments. I can also plan better lessons to differentiate instruction in ELA so that it may cater to all of the children. I have to learn how to break what I have been given for the last 4 years at the collegiate level which is Direct Instruction, and find resources to help me think outside the box. Utilizing my peer teachers is also another way to promote higher student progress and achievement.

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How will you use the knowledge you have gained through this professional selfassessment to promote your continuous professional growth and collaboration? I will use this knowledge I have gained through this professional self- assessment to promote my continuous professional growth by studying all the ADEPT standards I am the weakest in, and seeking to perfect those things. I want to be an awesome teacher, and I know the only way to reach that goal is by using professional self-assessments like this to analyze how effective I am being as teacher. I will also build upon the ADEPT standards that I am strong in, and master those standards. I think self-reflection is one of the most powerful tools that can promote change. It helps me to see the things that I need to change, so that I can help positively change the life of a student, and help them become better learners. I will use this information in this assessment to make sure that I am reaching all of the Professional Goals I want to obtain. It would also help to do assessments like these weekly!