1. Name and describe impact(s) you have had on students' learning or growth as a result of coursework.

Currently, the education industry is going through a very contentious and polarizing period. In many instances, the United States is behind many other developed countries as it relates to the quality of its education, particularly k-12. This has sparked a very vicious debate as pundits are looking to engage in an advanced overhaul of the overall education system. Here, the idea is not to teach to standardized tests but instead to engage with learning proficiencies. Through this shift, the aim is to help develop the critical thinking and innovation skills needs to succeed in the coming economy. Likewise, enrollment in STEM related fields continues to be very low relative to other developing countries such as China and India. For one, the growth of student enrollment in this fields are diminishing. This ultimately has grave implications for the society as individuals with skills relevant for the future growth of the economy are minimal. It is therefore important to foster a community of growth and innovation as it relates to individual coursework.

As a special education instructor, the environment in which children learn is important. The coursework has taught me to have a larger degree of emotional intelligence as it relates to student learning and growth. With special education students, many have circumstances that often transcend the classroom. This includes emotional, financial, and social issues that stem from a variety of sources. These issues are exacerbated by society and the stigmas attached to children with special needs. Society often perceive these children as inferior and often ridicule them for the circumstances that they were often born with. Peers can often be the most damaging psychologically, as they can emotionally abuse special needs children. This is further compounded by cyber bullying and other traumatic instances that children are exposed to on a daily basis. As a result of my coursework, I have been able to have an immediate impact on the manner in which I engage with my students from a phycological perspective. I first look to instill confidence in them through a welcoming and engaging environment. This is critical as it relates to the impact on the ability of students to learn, grow, and develop. From my coursework, I learned to empower students while also leveraging their unique talents, abilities, and skill sets. To accomplish this, I use a variety of instruction techniques that I have learned through my coursework. This includes techniques centered around cohesion and group interaction, along with individual instruction. The techniques also include leveraging a variety of formats and instruction channels. Each activity is designed to instill a sense of confidence that will ultimately manifest itself through higher knowledge retention and engagement.

Finally, the coursework has taught me how to mitigate extreme and often unexpected changes without sacrificing instruction quality. The COVID-19 pandemic has been unprecedented in its overall impact on the education sector. The pandemic required a rapid shift within the industry overall as it relates to how education services were rendered. In addition, the unknown information surrounding the virus created a large degree of uncertainty as it relates to the overall learning environment. Thankfully, due in part to my coursework, I was able to adapt relatively quickly to the prevailing changes in the market as it related to how education would be handled. The hybrid learning model, which leveraged a combination of online and in-person distribution channels became standard practice. In addition, the use of masks, hand sanitizers, and other forms of preventative techniques were also heavily utilized. In all, I was able to use the coursework to not only embrace these changes, but to also deliver a very compelling learning experience to the children that I serve.

2. Discuss ways in which you have used feedback from your teacher education program (i.e. instructors/supervisors) to improve your practice

Feedback is critical to the overall improvement of ones practice. Feedback, particularly constructive feedback is very helpful at identifying areas of improvement while also being able to further develop individual strengths. Special education instruction is particularly unique as it is variable. Different students often have different mannerisms and different needs. In addition, the specific needs of each child often require a unique approach on the part of the instructor. As a result, feedback is very welcomed as it helps instructors better cater to...…of teachers due in part to poor working conditions, low pay, and long hours. With lack of available and qualified teachers, the number of students per classroom increases which could ultimately detract from the overall quality of education.

5. For this section you will construct two to three (2-3) professional goals, anchored by your Looking Backwards: Reflexive Praxis exercise. Your goals should address areas of growth that you wish to develop as a result. Each goal should be measurable with a clear outcome. Once you have established clear, measurable goals, enumerate each:

a. To establish ongoing communication with prents/guardians for a 90% pass rate in my class

b. Take a leadership role within the school to better promote learning outcomes for students of diverse populations.

c. Develop processes to better connect the online and in-person learning environment for all students within the classroom

6. Next, explain how each goal is aligned with a particular Candidate Learning Outcomes. Lastly, establish three to five (3-5) strategies that you will take to fulfill each goal.

Each goal is aligned with the following candidate learning outcomes. These outcomes are primary centered around the data literacy and research leaning outcomes. I chose these outcomes in particularly as schools continue to transition into the digital age. As the transition continues, schools need to be ahead of the transformation and learn how to leverage it to improve student outcomes.

1. Standard DLR3: Understand and design essential processes for program evaluation (e.g. IEP, curriculum, professional development).

2. Standard DLR1: Evaluate, plan, select, and implement appropriate formative and summative assessments (including those that are technology-based) that are fair, valid, and reliable to monitor individuals understanding, behavior, and progress

3. Standard PCA2: Collaborate with students, peers, families, and community to support innovation and individuals success that promote lifelong learning and advance the profession

To fulfill each goal, I will use the following strategies

1. Engagement with school leadership and peers on a more consistent basis. Here, I will look to establish common goals for facility that help to advocate for better student outcomes

2. Engage with parents more to encourage much more involvement in the education process through parent-teacher associations and community involvement

3. Join a professional organization geared towards the education profession and be active within it.

4. Leverage feedback from…