HTSB Standard 4: Content Knowledge – Rationale

The artifacts that I have chosen to satisfy standard 4 are: a) student evidence
demonstrating multiple methods of solving systems of equations, b) multiple representations of
PEMDAS accessible by students, c) picture of student engagement, and d) Additional course
resource—McGraw Hill account. Artifact a) is evidence of student work demonstrating mastery
of solving systems of equations through multiple methods. This particular artifact establishes
mastery of multiple representations in the content of solving a system by graphing, substitution,
and elimination. As a result, it guides my student through learning progressions by applying
previous knowledge (orders of operations, multi-step equations) to current knowledge and
connecting the two for a more meaningful understanding. Additionally, through the lesson I can
pass on an appreciation of multiple perspectives within the content to facilitate my student’s
critical thinking of all three perspectives, how they are connected, and when it is appropriate to
use each method. Article b) is my representation of PEMDAS accessible to my students
throughout the lesson on orders of operations. By providing multiple representations of
PEMDAS (parenthesis-exponents-multiplication-division-addition-subtraction) my students are
able to visualize, practice, recognize, and demonstrate their use of PEMDAS in orders of
operation practice problems. Additionally, color coding them provides my students a link
between each perspective to better capture key ideas and enhance learner achievement of the
content standards. Artifact c) is a picture of a student demonstrating his perspective on solving a
system by substitution. He took the opportunity to demonstrate to the class his way to easily
solve the problem. His way, to most students, was the difficult route; however, to him it made the
most sense to be able to solve—exhibiting a grasp of the content knowledge through a distinct
perspective that engages his critical thinking. Evidence d) is a supplementary online resource that
my students are able to access anywhere there is internet or Wi-Fi connection. This resources—
McGraw Hill Education online account—allows students access to technology to work
independently on problems at home and view tutoring videos to reinforce the lesson in class.
Also, students can engage with the tools to gain a more concrete understanding of the topics that
are covered. Lastly, this online platform allows me differentiate and partner up with my students
who are struggling for one-on-one direction. All artifacts demonstrate my commitment towards
each learner’s mastery of the content and skills.