E-Portfolio Reflection

D.E.S.E.R.T Model
Leslie Vasquez-Hunt

ABSTRACT [This document is a summary of the artifacts and appendices included in my eportfolio]

My E-Portfolio is an accumulation of artifacts, benchmark assignments, and assessments I have completed during my participation within the Elementary Education program at Dixie State University. The benchmark assignments also provide evidence of my ability to be a competent, caring, and qualified educator by providing a strong connection to the D.E.S.E.R.T model standards. The D.E.S.E.R.T model learning outcomes incorporate national standards (InTASC,TEAC/CAEP), Utah Effective Teaching Standards (UETS), and the Dixie State University core themes of culture of learning, values, and community. The standards are organized under Diversity (DM1), Effective Pedagogy (DM2), Subject Matter (DM3), Environment (DM4), Reflective (DM5), and Teaching Disposition (DM6). Each of these components represented within my e-portfolio shows my educational progress as I have completed each semester within the Elementary Education program. The Diversity (DM1) aspect of the model shows my understanding of diversity, and supports the development of English Language Learners (ELLs), while meeting the needs of all learners. During my second semester I was asked to write a differentiated lesson plan to include modifications in order to meet the needs of five different learners within my practicum classroom. The lesson included differentiation for two ELL students, two students with an IEP, one advanced learner, and one student with behavior problems. This lesson provided me with the opportunity to meet the needs of my ELL students while simultaneously accommodating the needs of the other diverse learners in the classroom. I have learned through the Sheltered Instruction Observation Protocol (SIOP) how to modify my lessons in order to keep students engaged and to meet all of their learning goals by using scaffolding, questioning, group configurations, and formative assessments. This model encompasses the ability to meet the needs of my language learners as well as those who need to be enriched and/or who need tier 2 instruction. This differentiated lesson plan includes SIOP, and differentiation for each of the students needing modifications. The Effective Pedagogy (DM2) component of the model shows my understanding of how to create effective and appropriate instruction, which encompasses technology and assessments. During my third semester I was given the opportunity to teach a sixth grade lesson on Christianity in the Roman Empire. Although, I was hesitant about the topic in which I was given, I embraced the challenge and felt successful. I believe I was able to

demonstrate my capability of teaching by using the SIOP model, and the Utah State Core Standards to align my teaching with the necessary objectives to meet the needs of all students. This lesson was engaging for all students and myself. My competency of effective pedagogy was demonstrated successfully as I received appropriate feedback from my teaching supervisor and a score of 3.98 out of 4.0. The Subject Matter (DM3) component of the model provides evidence of my ability to demonstrate confidence, subject matter knowledge and the use of instructional strategies to engage students. One of my favorite assignments throughout each semester was the History Production. This assignment was both educational and enjoyable to complete. I was able to research a topic in which I feel great compassion for, and turn that information over into a production in which to educate others. I used a program called iMovie to create the history production, Poverty in the United States. I was able to gather information from various resources, including pictures and music. This assignment successfully demonstrates my ability to be confident, successful, knowledgeable and creative in order to teach and engage my students. The Environment (DM4) component of the model provides artifacts of my Classroom Management Plan. These artifacts incorporate evidence of my ability to successfully put into place classroom management strategies in order to create a physically and emotionally safe environment for my students. This Classroom Management Plan includes my philosophy on classroom management; behavioral case studies conducted during my first semester in the program, classroom procedures, and introduction letters to the parents and students. As my teaching progresses I am sure some of my classroom procedures and philosophy will change. However, these components provide evidence of my preparation and plan to manage my classroom appropriately. Additionally, within this component of DM4, I have included my SIOP Assessment Project. This project is an accumulation of demographics, assessments, analysis, and synthesis of student learning. This artifact confirms my ability to encourage students to use speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills in order to reach their learning goals. The Reflective (DM5) component provides evidence that I seek learning experiences as a source of reflection, and that I can use data to reflect and adapt my teaching around the data collected. I have included my Teacher Notebook Assessment reflection as one of my

artifacts for this component. This assignment gave me the opportunity to assess my students at the beginning of the year to see their learning style, interests, hobbies, and a collection of work samples. After colleting all the data I was given more insight into my students, and felt a better connection to their learning. I was also able to use this data to plan my lessons accordingly using SIOP. This assignment provides evidence that I am able to develop a professional learning plan based on individual needs and learners. Finally, the Teaching Dispositions (DM6) component provides evidence that I can demonstrate professional teaching dispositions. For this artifact I provided my philosophy of education from 2011 and from 2014 (current). As, I looked back at my philosophy from then until now, I see several differences. However, I still have one overall goal, to be the best teacher I can be, and make a difference in the lives of my students. I have also included a link to my classroom website. The website serves as a connection for parents, students, and members of the community to be apart of the classroom community and help with student learning. These artifacts provide evidence that I am able to demonstrate caring and professional relationships with students and families that focus on acceptance and attention to their educational needs. In conclusion, my e-portfolio provides evidence of my continuing growth within the Elementary Education at Dixie State University. It proves I have progressed throughout the semesters and gained knowledge, skills, confidence, and maturity, with proficiency in the D.E.S.E.R.T. model standards. My e-portfolio also confirms my ability to be a competent, caring, and qualified educator. As the fourth semester draws close to the end, I am becoming more and more excited to join a team of teachers where they too can continue to help me further my educational goals, and continue using the tools I have gained within this program.