Standard Three Rationale: Learning Environments

Standard three states, ”The teacher: uses a variety of classroom management strategies to
proactively gain and maintain student attention, facilitate smooth transitions, and to support a
positive and respectful learning environment. Consistently identifies potentially disruptive
situations and intervenes in an appropriate and timely manner to maintain a positive learning
environment. Encourages students to use speaking, listening, reading, writing, analysis,
synthesis, and decision-making skills in collaborative learning contexts.” The artifact that I chose
to address this standard is a second grade lesson plan that I created for a small group of students
in a mild-moderate classroom at an elementary school.

This artifact shares a connection with this standard by supporting a positive and
respectful learning environment. Gaining background knowledge about my students helped me
to select which IEP goals to focus on. Encouraging a small group of students to reach their full
potential is rewarding and impactful for the student and to myself. I believe my students
demonstrated mastery when visually presenting tally marks and identifying which is least or
greatest. By assessing my students knowledge of the math problems, the student’s and I better
understood the diverse learning strengths and needs.

The skills I have gained from this mathematical lesson plan will transfer to new teacher
experiences down the road. I want to implement this plan for my students in small groups but
also all subject areas. The most rewarding and effective teaching skill I have learned with this
small group is taking the time to listen to what students have to say. Their mathematical process
matters, inside and outside of my classroom. Listening to the students helped me address the IEP
goal and understand if the students are comprehending the mathematical material. They are in
charge of how they respond to their classroom peers and help guide them into a positive area
when understanding second grade math.