PS3 PROFESSIONAL GROWTH PLAN

Name: Susan Maas

School: Coalhurst Elementary School

Practicum Dates: Jan 4 April 26 2016

Teacher Associate: Emma Lenz

University Consultant: Arlene Driscol

A. Professional Goals
Goal #1: to develop a firm understanding of the materials that the students will be
covering.
Rationale: In my Ed. 2500 placement, when I was asked questions I sometimes
had difficulties relaying my knowledge to the students in a
meaningful
way so that they could understand. I want to ensure
that I will be able to
answers students questions appropriately,
and according to their
individual learning levels.
Goal #2: to incorporate comprehension strategies into my content areas of
Grade 2: Social Studies, Math, and Art.
Rationale: by incorporating comprehension and vocabulary strategies into my
subjects I hope I will be able to help the students understand the concepts
and the application of those concepts better.
.
B. Strategies
Strategies for addressing Goal #1: Pre-view lessons making sure I understand
and can explain the terms used. Make sure I can do the work needed to
show the answer in a clear way. Do not assume that my students have the
background knowledge covered. I need to assess the different learning
levels/ styles with the help of my TA, so that I can understand what issues
I may face with the students comprehension.
Strategies for addressing Goal #2: This goal is also my PIP and as such I will be
working hard at increasing my understanding for how my students learn
best in order to present my tool to the school at the end of my practicum.
C. Indicators of Progress Towards Goals
Indicators of Progress for Goal #1: I understand the material being covered
showing my work in a simple and coherent manner, with proper
explanations addressing the different needs of the students;
TA and UC
feedback.

PS3 PROFESSIONAL GROWTH PLAN

Indicators of Progress for Goal #2: successfully develop a toolbox for helping
students learn and understand concepts and vocabulary in Social,
Math
and Art.
D. Timeline for Completion
Goal #1: is ongoing as the content and the material will change and be updated.
Goal #3: is to be completed and implemented during my PSIII practicum.
E. Reflections on Professional Growth
Goal #1: to develop a firm understanding of the materials that the students will be
covering.
Reflection: During my PSIII practicum I became more comfortable with the
material being covered within my classes and as a result was able
to
explain concepts to students in a way which was
understandable for them.
I believe that a major factor in my
success with achieving this goal was
directly caused by my
research and implementation of comprehension
strategies
(goal #2).
Goal #2: to incorporate comprehension strategies into my content areas of
Grade 2: Social Studies, Math, and Art.
Reflection: in the beginning of the practicum trying to implement the
comprehension factor into the classes seemed like an overwhelming
project. But as the student became more familiar with using the Freyer
model of vocabulary comprehension the faster and easier it became for
them to understand what was expected. I was most pleased when the
students were able to explain words using their own understanding of
them. With the students understanding of the major vocabulary aspects
within the classes, their engagement and comprehension of what was
being asked of them also increased.
The students understanding of the vocabulary terms allowed the class
to cover more material in a more in-depth fashion because less time
was spent daily relearning the basics. I will use this vocabulary
comprehension style of front loading vocabulary terms in my future
classrooms. The tools I created during this practicum are easily adaptable
to any grade level and can be used with to every student.