ISLLC+Standard+6

Standard 6: //An education leader promotes the success of every student by understanding, responding to, and influencing the political, social, economic, legal, and cultural context.//
//ISLLC Standards//

//Name of Artifact: Maine Association for Middle Level Education (MAMLE) Presentation Date: October 2009//

//**Rationale:**// This artifact is a presentation that was created by a colleague and myself. After collecting data in our own classrooms, we discovered that an area for improvement was students’ science literacy skills. In response to these findings, we created a unit of study entitled “Working Like a Scientist”. Once completed, this unit was assessed, analyzed, and determined to be successful in its mission. Students were more descriptive when describing what they observed in activities, answered science prompt questions with more depth, and used science vocabulary more appropriately. When it was concluded that this unit promoted student success, we believed it was our responsibility as educators to share what we had learned. In October of 2009 my colleague and I presented the unit and our findings at the annual MAMLE conference. I have included this presentation under ISLLC standard six as it demonstrates my dedication to promoting the success of every student and my desire to act to influence local, district, and state decisions affecting student learning. //**Reflection:**// One experience reflected in this artifact is the collaborative effort to create a unit of study that would enhance student science literacy skills and therefore their understanding of the content. This demonstrates my proficiency with working with colleagues to promote student success. A second experience is that of sharing knowledge with other educators in a professional setting. This exhibits my willingness and aspiration for influencing teaching methodology on a larger scale than my own classroom. As I grow professionally, I am more aware of the fact that I am part of global learning community. To act as though I am a lone teacher in one classroom is to deny learning opportunities to my students and myself. When I discover a strategy that encourages student engagement and success, it is my responsibility to share this new knowledge with my educational community. The MAMLE presentation was an incredible experience that allowed me to develop my professional skills and act to influence teaching strategies at the state level. In the future, I hope to use what I have learned from this experience to collaborate with members of the education community on an even larger scale.



//Name of Artifact: Compendium Notebook//
//Date: December 2009 Course: EDU 702 - School Law//

//**Rationale:**// The Compendium Notebook is a guide to Maine State Education Laws. It is a useful reference tool for school personnel and it demonstrates my ability to advocate for students as well as promote the success of every student by understanding the legal context of schools. The notebook is presented as an artifact for ISLLC standard six as it demonstrates my growing proficiency with advocating for children and understanding the political, social, economic, legal, and cultural contexts of schools. //**Reflection:**// The process of compiling the notebook was extremely beneficial as I discovered the resources available through the State website. I also gained a better understanding of the laws that govern school decisions and how those decisions impact the school community. This knowledge enables me to be a better advocate for colleagues, students and their caregivers, and myself. In order to remain a strong advocate for my school community I will continue to amend the Compendium notebook so that it remains aligned with current state laws governing education.