Standard 4: Uses strategies to deliver instruction that meets the multiple learning needs of students.
a. Aligns classroom instruction with local standards and district curriculum.
The rubric below was created in a district PLC team and aligns with state standards. It was used during The Outsiders unit.
b. Uses research-based instructional strategies that address the full range of cognitive levels.
In my classroom I use Project Based Learning and PLC teaming to help my students reach a high level of academic proficiency. Also, I utilize rubrics, graphic organizers, and digital platforms to share information with my students.
c. Demonstrates flexibility and responsiveness in adjusting instruction to meet student needs.
After tracking student performance on a fiction summary formative assessment, I created a re-assessment for students who did not meet this standard with proficiency. The students who were not proficient (yellow and pink) watched the video below, re-teaching the summarizing skills and then took a re-assessment.
d. Engages students in varied experiences that meet diverse needs and promote social, emotional, and academic growth.
The PBL projects highlighted on this website provide a wide variety of learning experiences for students. Each unit engages students academically, socially, and emotionally. Furthermore, many of the projects bring students to new places to engage in different learning experiences with experts.
e. Connects students' prior knowledge, life experiences, and interests in the instructional process.
In my poetry unit, students are taught about figurative language and how to analyze poetry, and publish their own poems on Kidblog. Students are given the freedom to write about what they want, using their own personal interests, experiences, and knowledge to create poetic works, which are accessible online. On the link below you can view studnet blogs. On the left hand side of the webpage there is a link titled "poetry." This will allow you to see the poems published by my students.
f. Uses available resources, including technologies, in the delivery of instruction.
At times, in order to differentiate the classroom, I provide instruction to my students using screencasts. One of these can be seen below.