Artifact #3: Dignity for all Students (DASA) Certification

DASA is a New York State legislation that was established to provide students with a

safe learning environment free from discrimination and harassment. It enforces a strict and zero

tolerance policy against student discrimination, harassment, bullying, intimation, and taunting. I

am including my DASA certificate in this Elementary Education Portfolio because it recognizes

that I am aware of the seriousness and prevalence of behaviors such as bullying and harassment

occurring in today’s schools. In addition, the DASA certification has taught me how to

recognize, act upon, and follow up with bullying type behaviors as it is my duty and

responsibility as an educator. Students from Medaille’s Masters of Science in Education Program

are required to complete the DASA training as a supplemental part of a course entitled Culturally

Responsive Teaching. This is important because with the growing diversity among children in

today’s schools, educators must be aware of not only how to meet the needs of such a diverse

group of students when it comes to planning and implementing curriculum, but also being able to

advocate for students and their differences and adopt a pedagogical philosophy of each

belonging. Creating an affective caring environment is crucial in helping children to feel safe and

excepted. If children do not feel safe then their learning can be jeopardized along with other

possible serious repercussions. Therefore, being trained in DASA has made me feel competent in

the areas of culturally responsive teaching, planning, instruction, and learner accommodation.

Connections to Standards

INTASC Standards

Standard #2: Learning Differences

 The teacher uses understanding of individual differences and diverse cultures and

communities to ensure inclusive learning environments that enable each learner to meet high

standards.

2(h) The teacher understands students with exceptional needs, including those associated

with disabilities and giftedness, and knows how to use strategies and resources to address these

needs.

2(i) The teacher knows about second language acquisition processes and knows how to

incorporate instructional strategies and resources to support language acquisition.

2(j) The teacher understands that learners bring assets for learning based on their

individual experiences, abilities, talents, prior learning, and peer and social group interactions, as

well as language, culture, family, and community values.

2(k) The teacher knows how to access information about the values of diverse cultures

and communities and how to incorporate learners’ experiences, cultures, and community

resources into instruction.

NYS Code of Ethics for Educators

Principle 1: Educators nurture the intellectual, physical, emotional, social, and civic

potential of each student.

Educators promote growth in all students through the integration of intellectual, physical,

emotional, social and civic learning. They respect the inherent dignity and worth of each

individual. Educators help students to value their own identity, learn more about their cultural

heritage, and practice social and civic responsibilities. They help students to reflect on their own

learning and connect it to their life experience. They engage students in activities that encourage

diverse approaches and solutions to issues, while providing a range of ways for students to
demonstrate their abilities and learning. They foster the development of students who can

analyze, synthesize, evaluate and communicate information effectively

The Ontario Ethical Teacher Standards

Care: The ethical standard of Care includes compassion, acceptance, interest and insight

for developing students’ potential. Members express their commitment to students’ well-being

and learning through positive influence, professional judgment and empathy in practice.

TEAC/CAEP Claims 1-3

Claim 2: Medaille College graduates meet the needs of diverse learners through effective

pedagogy and best teaching practices

Claim 3: Medaille College graduates are caring educators.

NYS P-12 Common Core Learning Standards

N/A

NYS Learning Standards

N/A

ISTE Standards

N/A

ILA Professional Standards

N/A

CEC Standards

N/A

Ontario Curriculum Standards

N/A