Domain E Artifact Reflections

Reflection for Domain E Artifacts

Damon Garner
National University

In partial fulfillment of the requirements for

TED 690 Capstone Course
Dr. Pengilly

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Domain E Artifact Reflections

Abstract

I will be looking back at my 3 artifacts, or pieces of evidence for Domain E of the

California Teaching Performance Expectations. Creating and maintaining effective environments

for student learning is the focus of this domain. I will cover the rationale and value of selecting

these artifacts.

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Domain E Artifact Reflections

Keeping time and proper pacing throughout the school year can be a challenge. When

you have state testing and all the ins and outs of high school sports and events, you can get quite

frustrated and confused with the schedule. It is imperative to keep in communication with your

colleagues and administrators to make sure you know when and what to teach. The first artifact I

have is a personal email from a parent whose daughter has a very critical heart condition.

Throughout the school year I worked and accommodated for the student and the parent was very

appreciative of my help and sensitivity with her condition. Because of the grit and determination

of the student I awarded her our personal classroom semester award for Spirit of the Stallion

which signifies not only academic success but also one where a student overcomes adversity and

still shines through.

The second artifact I have is my course syllabus. This syllabus breaks down my

classroom curriculum, guidelines and expectations for the school year. It is important to have a

clear set of expectations and guidelines for your students to be able to follow and understand.

Understanding what is being asked of them and how I grade my class is crucial to the students

success or failure in my course. This course syllabus is a living document and goes through

changes throughout the years I have added in more Common Core requirements.

The third artifact Im looking at is the literature review. Edmund T. Emmer, Carolyn M.

Evertson and Murray E. Worshams Classroom Management for Secondary Teachers is a great

look at out how to set up your classroom expectations and guidelines. By setting the tone early in

the year from day one, teachers can consistently manage their classrooms in such a way that the

students will appreciate the clear structure and environment that you present. This is usually an

area that new teachers struggle with. No matter what a textbook says coming face to face with

thirty plus teenagers is a daunting task. Emmer, et al state that, (2003) Another characteristic of

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Domain E Artifact Reflections

good managers is consistency in the use of rules and procedures and in their dealings with

students who do not follow them. (p. 130) This is the area that is usually most challenging for

new teachers because the good kids will sometimes misbehave and the bad kids will wonder

why they are not being punished for it. Once you lose your consistency, youve created a real

problem in the class where you constantly now have to explain your reasoning to the students for

bad behavior. If you dont use consistency from the beginning you will have a long year ahead of

you.

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Domain E Artifact Reflections

References:

Emmer T. Edmund, Evertson Carolyn M. & Worsham E. Murray Classroom Management For

Secondary Teachers. Pearson Education. 2003