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Showcase

This page is a showcase to the work that I have done while in the Master of Arts in Education program at Michigan State University. The work that I have highlighted here has helped to mold me into the educator that I am today and is work that I am proud of. My chosen concentration area for the MAED program was literacy instruction, but I chose to add in several courses within special education and behavior management to strengthen my teaching knowledge within these categories. On this page, you will find a sample of what I have learned and discovered in both literacy instruction and classroom management strategies, as well as how they can be applied to classroom instruction.

Literacy Instruction

For this project, I analyzed two different case studies for students struggling with reading. In the analysis, I examined assessment data collected on the students to determine the areas in which the students needed additional support for success. I then created goals for each students' instruction and recommended instructional strategies that their classroom teachers could implement to support their learning. Through this analysis, I gained immense knowledge in the importance of data collection, as well as how to use this data to fit the instructional needs of my students.

Analysis of Assessments

All About Words examines effective vocabulary instruction for students at the prekindergarten through second grade level. In this book study, I was able to explore the strategies suggested and find ways to use these best practices within my own classroom to enhance my vocabulary instruction for my young learners.

Book Review and Reflection

In this case study, I collected and analyzed assessment data for a struggling reader in my kindergarten classroom. I observed her specific behaviors and difficulties within literacy instruction, and used this information to discover her specific areas of need. I then created detailed lesson plans to support her in the specific areas of need that I noted from the assessment data, which included phoneme segmentation and first sound fluency. After conducting the lesson plans, I then again collected assessment data and examined her growth within the categories.

Student Case Study

Case Study Lesson Plans

This unique project allowed me to analyze and compare a popular novel with the film re-make. I examined the themes that were presented within each version of the story Holes and discussed how the themes may be used within the classroom. I also discussed the job of an educator when choosing pieces of text to use within the classroom and the importance of choosing material that is meaningful and authentic for students.

Text and Film Comparison

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Behavior/Classroom Management

In this case study, I identified a challenging behavior with my classroom and analyzed the behaviors that were occurring to understand why the behaviors may be present. I then developed and implemented a behavior plan based on research and course ideas to assist my student with his behaviors. I then evaluated the plan itself as well as the outcomes with my student. I created my essay to give the details of the study, including the background knowledge and observations that were collected. In the presentation, I provided a more concise version of the essay to share with colleagues that may have similar students within their care.

ABC Essay

ABC Presentation

I created this webpage for parents, colleagues and administrators to highlight the importance of a strong classroom management plan within the classroom. On the page, I discuss the use of Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) in a school setting and how I implement PBIS within my own classroom. Through developing this page, I learned about several assistive technologies and classroom management strategies to use within my own classroom.

Classroom Management Webpage