Clinical Field Experience A: Observations, Data, and Pre-Assessment

Assessment Description

In order to provide effective literacy instruction, teachers must get to know their students and assist them in developing a strong literacy foundation. Incorporating differentiation in literacy instruction is essential to meeting the needs of all students. Differentiation strategies should be based on students’ needs based on gathered observational and other types of performance data.

Identify a group of three students with varying abilities in the classroom who need extra literacy support; these students can be from your own classroom. Spend time observing these students this week during their literacy block for 2-3 lessons.

Part 1: Observation

During your observations take note of each student’s:

· Behavior

· Participation

· Learning style

· Literacy strengths/weaknesses

· Learning challenges

· Social interactions

· Distractions

· Perseverance/motivation

Following the observations, discuss your notes with your mentor and how you plan to address students’ observed literacy needs.

Provide additional information about the students such as:

· Individual literacy needs based on classroom assessment data.

· Individual behavior/social-emotional needs.

· IEP/504 and language needs.

· Strategies used with the students that have been successful.

· Strategies used with the students that have been unsuccessful.

Complete the “Classroom Observation Data Collection” section of the “Literacy Work Sample.” https://docs.google.com/document/d/1nG3T2lF8_sV4dOG-4c8qHmPAFaPf_7Mb/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=113630894753078775728&rtpof=true&sd=true

Be sure to use pseudonyms for all student names throughout this course.

Part 2: Pre-Assessment and Data Analysis

Collaborate with your mentor to select appropriate informal qualitative reading inventories (QRI) to assess the group of students selected in Part 1. Use the data collected and observations of each student in Part 1 to inform your decisions. Implement the selected QRIs with the students to obtain current information about their literacy needs and strengths. Analyze the data collected with your mentor. Discuss each student’s strengths and areas of need.

Complete the “Pre-Assessment of Reading Performance” section of the “Literacy Work Sample.” https://docs.google.com/document/d/1nG3T2lF8_sV4dOG-4c8qHmPAFaPf_7Mb/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=113630894753078775728&rtpof=true&sd=true

Following the completion of your field experience, write a 250-word reflection discussing the experience of observing students to identify their instructional needs. What can you learn about individual students by observing them in the classroom? Additionally, reflect on the process of selecting the QRIs with your mentor and implementing the QRIs with the students. Summarize the QRI data analysis and each student’s strengths and determined areas of need. How will these experiences affect your professional practice?