Assignment is as follow:

Task: in your own words compose a reflection that discusses your current understanding of all five Initial Certification standards

Components: For each standard address the following

1. Describe your current understanding of the standard referencing specific points utlined within the detailed indicators of the standard

2. Based on your current understanding of the standard identify and explain a goal and the supporting actions required to connect the standard to the classroom based on your current or past field experiences and/or substitute experiences within the public school setting. (Be specific)

1st page is the introduction

2nd page is Standard I. Knowledge of the Subject Matter

3rd page is Standard II. Professional Responsibility and Ethics

4th page is Standard III. Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment

5th page is Standard IV. Learning Environment and Classroom Management

6th page is Standard V. Family and Community Involvement

Standards for Initial Certification Programs

I. Knowledge of the Subject Matter: The candidate demonstrates depth and breadth of content knowledge, skills and dispositions that are aligned with national, state or district standards

1.1 exhibit depth and breadth of content knowledge, skills and dispositions

1.2 provide relevant content of the discipline being taught, including concepts, principles, relationships, methods of inquiry and key issues

1.3 use appropriate content strategies, including media and technology, which guide learners to construct knowledge, increase understanding of subject matter and move to higher levels of thinking

1.4 implement instruction that makes connections within the discipline and across disciplines

1.5 use a variety of resources, including technology, to stay abreast of current knowledge in order to meet district, state and national standards

1.6 analyze the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) for the level of thinking in relation to the knowledge, skills and disposition of the discipline.

II. Professional Responsibility and Ethics: The candidate fulfills professional roles and responsibilities, adheres to legal and ethical requirements of the profession and demonstrates the dispositions necessary to be an outstanding educator

2.1 demonstrate the dispositions necessary for an educator who adheres to legal and ethical requirements of the profession

2.2 collaboratively create a learning environment that reflects local, state, or national standards

2.3 plan educational experiences for all learners, considering developmental, cultural, linguistic, gender and socioeconomic characteristics

2.4 exhibit ongoing professional improvement through a commitment to life long learning

2.5 use technology and information from professional resources relevant to the field of teaching

2.6 know and demonstrate the content, pedagogical, and professional knowledge, skills, and dispositions necessary to help all students learn

III. Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment: The candidate creates, organizes and implements developmentally appropriate curriculum, instruction and assessment that are consistent with current pedagogy, content knowledge and skills

3.1 select instructional goals and objectives which are aligned with district, state and national standards

3.2 use technology and other resources in planning and implementing instruction and assessment

3.3 plan lessons and use a variety of instructional and assessment strategies for diverse learners

3.4 design instruction that is relevant and actively engages the learner

3.5 design instruction based upon the analysis of results of multiple methods of performance-based assessments of student learning

3.6 apply an understanding of the environmental factors that may affect student learning to improve instruction

3.7 incorporate relationships among and within concept-based integrated units of various disciplines

3.8 provide timely and accurate evidence of student progress and achievement to students and parents/guardians

IV. Learning Environment & Classroom Management: The candidate is a leader and collaborative member of a learner-centered community in which an atmosphere of trust and openness produces a stimulating exchange of ideas, encourages risk-taking, and promotes feelings of mutual respect

4.1 Create a learning environment that fosters a positive climate of equity and excellence to meet the needs of a diverse student population

4.2 Maintain a productive learning environment that consistently implements rules and procedures for the effective management of time, materials, personnel and technology to maximize learning for all students

4.3 Establish a secure, safe, predictable environment

4.4 Use strategies to establish an effective classroom routine through effective communication strategies, the modeling of respectful behavior and encouragement of self-directed learning

4.5 Create a stimulating learning environment that promotes independent and cooperative learners who are self-disciplined and motivated

4.6 Generate corrective measures for students' inappropriate behavior

4.7 Collaborate with parents, supervisors, and administrators to arrive at corrective measures for students' inappropriate behavior.

V. Family & Community Involvement: The candidate establishes and uses strong positive relationships among students, families, colleagues, schools and community to support the needs of all learners. The candidate fosters the development of caring citizens in their community and in a global society.

5.1 demonstrate an understanding of the family, community, school, and classroom factors that may affect learning

5.2 establish strong, positive relationships among students, families, colleagues, schools and community through effective professional and interpersonal skills

5.3 use a variety of resources, including technology, to enhance communication and collaboration with students, families, colleagues and the community

5.4 make positive contributions to the school, school district and community that foster the development of caring citizens in the community and a global society

5.5 develop learning opportunities that involve families and the community to support and enhance instruction and the educational environment of the school.