Reflection:

Standard 4.a. Issues of Assessment for ELLs

The artifact I choose for standard 4a came from my work experience with my 1st
grade class. The artifact is a request for initial referral accompanying a list of different
intervention strategies I had devised for this particular student. This artifact demonstrates
that I can distinguish between normal language development as evident to me by the
measurements of the rest of my class, language differences, and learning problems,
using multiple sources of information; like allowing more time to meet with the
student, making sure to include visuals, bodily kinesthetic, auditory, and verbal support
throughout my lessons before concluding that the problem resides within the learner
and making a special education referral.
Since designing these interventions, I have realized that teachers cannot be so
quick to make assumptions about students without trying out different strategies to try
and meet the students individual needs. Its important to try different strategies in all the
main concerns you might have for that particular student. Its simple for a classroom
teacher to take notice that a student in their class is not on grade level and simply refer
them for an evaluation; the hard part is taking it into your own hand to try and help that
student. Nevertheless, this artifact has also made me realize that teacher have to know
when to ask for help. If you have tried everything in your power and the child hasnt
shown improvement you must be accept that the problem might reside within the leaner.
This artifact contributed to my professional understanding of this standard by
giving me comprehension of what its like to have to zoom into my instructions and
adjust it to meet the needs of all my students, especially those with potential learning
disabilities. I had to really look at the needs of this individual child and think multiple
ways I can help him succeed in the lessons. This artifact has also made me more aware

Reflection:
Standard 4.a. Issues of Assessment for ELLs
that intervention strategies take time to be put into place because the student needs time
to adjust. This is especially true when you are dealing with early childhood students.
A few of the areas in which I would consider improving would be to try and
create a closer connections to the parents of the student for whom I am writing the
intervention strategies. I think this would be a great help because the parents might share
successful strategies in which they use at home and I can share strategies that I have used
and have work to benefit their child. This would also make a more effective and
individualized instruction without have to go through the process of an evaluation.