INTASC+Standard+03

The teacher understands how students differ in their approaches to learning and creates instructional opportunities that are adapted to diverse learners.
 * __INTASC Standard 3__

__Specific Category of Standard 3__

INTASC.3.C K: The teacher knows about the process of second language acquisition and about strategies to support the learning of students whose first language is not English.

INTASC.3.G D: The teacher appreciates and values human diversity, shows respect for students' varied talents and perspectives, and is committed to the pursuit of 'individually configured excellence.'

__Understanding Sentence__

A teacher understands the importance of diversity and culture in the classroom.

__Artifacts__**
 * Critique of EL Resource [[file:EL Critique.doc]]
 * Autobiographical Cultural Time Line [[file:MRS0210Assn1.doc]]


 * __Reflect__**

The artifacts, Critique of EL Resource and Autobiographical Cultural Time Line, illustrate the importance of how we treat our students and each other in today's society. As more and more people immigrate to our country and state, we as educators must adapt and help them learn and to use English. However, tapping into their L1 language and using it as a resource is a requirement. Educating oneself to the diverse cultures in my classroom will enable me to be more effective and to show a true sense of caring to my students and parents.

__**Project**__

My basic philosophy regarding English Learners (EL) in my classroom is that they deserve the best education that I can provide them. These students have the potential of being one of the most challenging areas that I face during my teaching career because language is an issue. The major foundation of communication is hindered. One could easily just let them fall through the cracks or just give them minimal instruction; however, I do not plan to do that. I think differentiation to my teaching approach is not only beneficial to my EL’s but to all my students. Whether a student is confined to a wheelchair, has ADHD, or is hindered to learning because he does not understand the language, he suffers a disadvantage or a disability. Differentiation allows me to work with each and every student on his/her level. It is all in the preparation. If I do my job by assessing, acknowledging, and planning, there is no reason why these students should not succeed in my classroom. I have always held respect as one of my key values in life. I will teach and involve respect in my classroom. One can not respect another if he does not know where another comes from, if he does not understand how another acts, and/or if he is unaware of the factors that contribute to the makeup of that person. Culture is such a huge part of this picture. That is why during my first week of school, I plan to learn as much as is humanly possible about my students' personalities, their likes and dislikes, and their cultures. Then, I want to find a venue whereby to share that information with the whole class, stressing the importance of our differences along with our similarities. Then, we can take the opportunity to walk in each other's shoes and to establish who we are so that from day one we can respect one another for the individuals we all are.