Candidates model and facilitate the use of research-based, learner-centered strategies addressing

the diversity of all students. (PSC 2.2/ISTE 2b)

Reflection:
The artifact selected for this standard was a lesson plan. In the lesson plan I researched
multiple research based strategies. The research based strategies and unit selected had to
successful integrate technology on a mid to high LOTI. I chose to write my lesson on the civil
war using the research base strategies of grouping, learning styles, and project based learning.
Through the process, I had an opportunity to learn the steps it took to create in depth lesson plans
geared towards the enhancement and development of academics with students and technological
advancements.
As I read through the plan and the actual execution of the plan I quickly realized how
simplistic the plan was for myself to execute; however, I attempted to share this same plan with a
colleague and realized the plan itself is not written full in terms that others could interpret. If I
were to change the artifact, I would adjust the written language by breaking the information and
steps all the way down so that anyone could use my same plan and implement successfully with
any group of students. I also noticed that the artifact expresses the use of basic web 2.0 tools;
however, the lesson does not fully elaborate on the tools nor did I provided strategies and ways
to teach students how to use the tools.
The lesson plan that I created focused on research based strategies and differentiate.
These two areas are areas of weaknesses at the school in which I currently teacher. As the
department chair, it is my responsibility to continue to support teachers in my department so that
they can grow and enhance students achievement and performance in their classrooms. This
lesson that I created not only allowed me to model and facilitate the research based strategies
within my classroom, but I also had an opportunity to walk the entire social student department
through the process further facilitating research based and differentiation to a portion of
educators within the building. The professional development sessions I provided not only
assisted teachers in developing plans to enhance student achievement and performance, but it
also impacted our school improvement plan by building mastery in differentiation of faculty and
staff.
The lesson plan format, template, and steps that were taken provided increased awareness
at Ballard-Hudson Middle School in that teachers noticed how intense and strategic planning
should be. Also I believe that the teachers within the social studies department have displayed
significant growth in creating lesson plans integrating technology, research based strategies, and
differentiate of all students. The lesson plan template deeply impacted the improvement of
quality effective teaching with diversity of all students as the primary focus.