Artifacts and Activities Paper: First Norm Developed 2
Abstract
InTasc Model Core Teaching Standards have several standards set for educators to
follow. While our instructions stated that six norms must be named under Standard #4 Content
Knowledge and Standard #5 Application of Content, I could benefit from strengthening all the
norms, however, I have identified six that I need to maintain. This paper will review the six
norms that I need to improve and discuss the artifacts and activities I will consult to help develop
competency in each norm area as well as the biblical reference and how it applies to practice.
Keywords: content, competency, standards, education, inTasc, teaching standards
Artifacts and Activities Paper: First Norm Developed 3
Performance Standard
For the Performance, Essential Knowledge, and Critical Dispositions norms for INTASC
Model Core Teaching Standard #4: Content Knowledge. I am the least prepared and need to
strengthen the areas of encouraging my students to tap into their prior background content
knowledge, connecting new ideas to concepts they are accustomed to, and making connections
with their own experiences(4d). I also need to strengthen how engage students in learning
experiences in the disciplines that encourage learners to understand questions and analyze
ideas from different perspectives to master content (4b). My next norm to strengthen is students'
misunderstandings in a discipline that interfere with learning and create experiences to build
accurate conceptual understanding (4e) (INTASC, 2013, p. 24). I feel these areas I need to
strengthen since I will be teaching English as a Second Language and some of these students
have either had no education or very little of one.
To improve competency concerning standards 4b, 4d, and 4e I can incorporate different
teaching styles and look at their prior knowledge level. "Prior knowledge from previous courses
significantly influenced student achievement" (Hailikari, Katajavuori & Lindblom-Ylanne, 2008,
p.113). Teachers can use prior knowledge to assess where their students are in terms of
competency (Halilikari, Katajavouri & Lindblom-Ylanne, 2008). I can incorporate picture books of
their country and help relate the lesson to home there or their new home. Teaching English as a
second language will be difficult enough and each child has different learning styles. While
researching for this paper and how to present material in different ways, I found a blog on
Collaborative Classroom. Veronica Vasquez (collaborativeclassroom.org/blog/setting-the-stage-
for-supporting-our-ells/) says there are lower-order skills and higher-order skills. When teaching
students who are learning English as their second language teachers need to ask questions that
address both levels of this thinking process. Teachers also need to create a classroom that the
Artifacts and Activities Paper: First Norm Developed 4
child can relax in and want to participate in ((collaborativeclassroom.org/blog/setting-the-stage-
for-supporting-our-ells/).
For InTASC Model Core Teaching Standard #5: Application of Content. I need to
strengthen (5b) the areas of engaging my students in the application of content knowledge to
real-world problems through the lens of interdisciplinary themes; (5l) comprehension of utilizing
digital and interactive technologies for efficiently and effectively achieving specific learning
goals; (5r) valuing knowledge outside my content area and how doing so will enhance student
learning.
In an ESL classroom, I would listen to my students regarding the country they came
from. This would help them and me understand real-world problems and what is happening
around them. We could take virtual field trips in the classroom back to their homeland and or
virtual field trips to different parts of the world. In my interview with ESL teacher, Rachel Propst, I
learned that these students want to learn everything they can, and they take that knowledge
they've learned home with them and teach their parents (R. Propst, personal communication,
October 21, 2024).
Activity
In addition to the scholarly article and the blog, I will observe an ESL teacher's lesson
plan and observe how they apply that lesson plan in the classroom. While I have not completed
this activity yet, I have spoken at length to Ms. Rachel Propst regarding ESL in the classroom.
Rachel has stated that many of these students are on different levels of learning. She helps
several students with their homework in other classes because they don't understand what the
teacher is asking (R. Propst, personal communication, October 21, 2024). I will observe her in
the classroom to further improve my competency in all areas.
Artifacts and Activities Paper: First Norm Developed 5
Biblical Perspective
James 1:5 tells us "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives
generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you" (Bible gateway passage:
James 1:5 - New International Version). This verse emphasizes the importance of pursuing
knowledge and insight in all domains of the classroom and competency. We must support our
student's growth whether that is in the role of teacher, social worker, or parent. All roles in their
lives are just as important as the next. "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me"
(Bible Gateway Passage: Philippians 4:13 – New King James Version) has always been my
favorite verse. Through Christ, I can get through schooling and grow in my learning as a teacher
to help students become better adults.
Artifacts and Activities Paper: First Norm Developed 6
References
Bible Gateway passage: James 1:5 - new international version. Bible Gateway. (n.d.-b).
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James+1%3A5&version=NIV
Bible Gateway passage: Philippians 4:13 - new King James Version. Bible Gateway. (n.d.-b).
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians+4%3A13&version=NKJV
Hailikari, T., Katajavuori, N., & Lindblom-Ylanne, S. (2008). The Relevance of Prior Knowledge
in Learning and Instructional Design. American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education.,
72(5). https://doi.org/10.5688/aj7205113
Model Core Teaching Standards and Learning... (n.d.). https://ccsso.org/sites/default/files/2017-
12/2013_INTASC_Learning_Progressions_for_Teachers.pdf
Vasquez, V. (2022, December 1). Setting the stage for supporting our English language learners
in collaborative literacy. Collaborative Classroom.
https://www.collaborativeclassroom.org/blog/setting-the-stage-for-supporting-our-ells/
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