Standard+I

Teachers use their knowledge of subject matter, teaching and learning, and technology to facilitate experiences that advance student learning, creativity, and innovation in both face-to-face and virtual environments. Teachers:
 * 1. Facilitate and Inspire Student Learning and Creativity **
 * a.** promote, support, and model creative and innovative thinking and inventiveness
 * b.** engage students in exploring real-world issues and solving authentic problems using digital tools and resources
 * c.** promote student reflection using collaborative tools to reveal and clarify students' conceptual understanding and thinking, planning, and creative processes
 * d.** model collaborative knowledge construction by engaging in learning with students, colleagues, and others in face-to-face and virtual environments

Include all that apply: instructional strategies such as differentiation, technology standards (NETS-S), state standards.
 * 1. List all that goes into planning for classroom instruction.**
 * My lesson planning looks a little different then a typical teachers would. I have the ability to work one-on-one with most all my students, so I am able to individualize for each student. I start by looking at the students GIEP and identifying which goal we will be addressing. I then start the planning, I ask myself what type of higher order thinking strategy do we want to utilize, and what standards are we going to follow/ meet. I also have to take into consideration what resources I have available and which of the five buildings that I travel to I am at.


 * 2. List the types of projects and activities you use with your students.**


 * The following are just a sampling of examples of projects that my seminar students have completed this year:
 * Doubled Stuff?- In this lab students investigate to determine if Oreos are truly doubled stuff. Students must use higher order thinking and problem-solving strategies and collaborate in groups to complete this investigation. They also utilize the computer to insert data into the tables they have completed, to type their report and to complete the on-line assessments that I created to be answered after the lab is finished.
 * Walking Tour of Hanover- Students are able to get outside the traditionally classroom and tour the architecture of their hometown. Student chose a structure; research the history, materials, etc. and take pictures using a cell phone and send it to our class blog where they will compile all their information.


 * 2a. Do your planned projects and activities include any of the following: project-based learning, authentic activities, higher order thinking, collaboration, problem-solving, creativity and innovation, and use of digital tools and resources? List all that apply**.


 * The projects/ lessons that I plan always include one or all of the following: higher order thinking questions, peer collaboration, creativity, innovation, and the use of technology.


 * 3. List at least 3 ways that you can improve or would like to grow with regard to planning.**

4.List resources that can help you grow in this strategy. ** Summary Statement for Strategy 1 ** For step 3 above, write a summary statement. Include this statement on your Action Plan Summary page.
 * I get caught up at times focusing to much on the outcome and not putting enough time into the planning.
 * I would like to spend more time collaborating with other teachers in similar situations to mine. I need to improve on my own personal time management during the planning process of lessons.
 * As a requirement for my technology class, we had to create an Action Plan. I believe that if I put this plan into action immediately this will help me improve.
 * Continue information and self-evaluation in this field will help me to grow as a successful educator. For example in one of the books we were required to read for my technology class included a teacher rating assessment. This particular assessment was on how I could use technology to support learner-centered strategies that address the diverse needs. I liked this because I just answered the questions using a rating scale and saw what areas I need to focus in on.
 * The biggest resource will be the Gifted Listserv that I have recently been invited to join along with a Gifted wikispace. These two provide tons of valuable resources, examples and plans that will provide the reassurance that I need and examples of lessons and projects that I can use that worked to challenge others. The Listserv will give me the peer support that I have been seeking as well. Other resources are available to help me grow as well.
 * My goal is to apply technology to develop students' higher order thinking skills and creativity. I am also interested in talking with our district technology department to look for ways that we can encourage staff to use technology more in the classroom. I believe that we need to use our resources in each department to mentor and educate each other. I would like to encourage teacher collaboration in regards to technology and sharing ideas.