Name: Laura Thompson

IRA STANDARD / Artifacts / Rationale
1. Foundational Knowledge. Candidates have knowledge of the foundations of reading and writing processes and instruction. As a result, the candidates:
1.1Demonstrate knowledge of psychological, sociological, and linguistic foundations of reading and writing processes and instruction. /

RE 5100 Midterm and Final Exams
RE 5725 Reflections
RE 5715 and RE 5725 IRIs

RE 5715 IRI Analysis

/ These artifacts demonstrate my ability to plan, implement and evaluate my instruction based upon a well-developed theoretical and philosophical base. Assessment is an ongoing process that at times leads to a modification of instruction which is implemented across disciplines.
1.2Demonstrate knowledge of reading research and histories of reading. /

RE 5100 Midterm and Final Exams

RE 5715 and RE 5725 IRIs

RE 5715 IRI Analysis

RE 5040 Action Research Project

/ These artifacts provide evidence of my knowledge of current and historical reading research which enables me to shape my instruction to meet the needs of all students.
1.3Demonstrate knowledge of language development and reading acquisition and the variations related to culture and linguistic diversity. /

RE 5100 Midterm and Final Exams
RE 5725 Reflections

RE 5715 and RE 5725 IRIs

RE 5715 IRI Analysis

/ An understanding of cultural and linguistic diversity is essential when trying to meet the individual needs of students. These artifacts reflect my experiences in evaluating student performance and designing instruction to enhance learning.
1.4Demonstrate knowledge of the major components of reading (phonemic awareness, word identification and phonics, vocabulary and background knowledge, fluency, comprehension strategies, and motivation) and how they are integrated in fluent reading. /

RE 5100 Midterm and Final Exams
RE 5725 Reflections

RE 5715 and RE 5725 IRIs
RE 5715 IRI Analysis
RE 5040 Action Research Project

/ These activities provide a solid foundation for understanding the major components of reading. This knowledge guides me in designing instruction which will hopefully result in the development of a fluent reader.
Standard 2. Instructional Strategies and Curriculum Materials. Candidates use a wide range of instructional practices, approaches, methods, and curriculum materials to support reading and writing instruction. As a result, the candidates:
2.1 Use instructional grouping options (individual, small-group, whole-class, and computer based) as appropriate for accomplishing given purposes. /

RE 5730 Wright Brothers Lesson Plan
FDN 5220 Famous NC Person PowerPoint Presentation
CI 5636 Story Elements PowerPoint Presentation
CI 5636 Reading Photo Essay PowerPoint Presentation
RE 5130 and FDN 5420 Wordless Picture Book Activity and PhotoStory
FDN 5420 “Stinging Words” Webpage
RE 5040 Action Research Project
RE 5130 Multigenre Project
RE 5130 Families I Poem Project

/ These artifacts offer evidence of my ability to use appropriate grouping for different instructional purposes. Utilizing a variety of grouping options allows the instruction to meet the diverse needs of learners.
2.2 Use a wide range of instructional practices, approaches, and methods, including technology-based practices, for learners at differing stages of development and from differing cultural and linguistic backgrounds. /

RE 5730 Wright Brothers Lesson Plan
FDN 5220 Famous NC Person PowerPoint Presentation
CI 5636 Story Elements PowerPoint Presentation
CI 5636 Reading Photo Essay PowerPoint Presentation
RE 5130 and FDN 5420 Wordless Picture Book Activity and PhotoStory
FDN 5420 “Stinging Words” Webpage
RE 5130 Multigenre Project
RE 5130 Families I Poem Project

/ This list of artifacts demonstrates my experience in using a variety of practices and methods for delivering instruction. Many of these incorporate technology-based activities. Each has been designed to accommodate students at differing developmental levels and cultural backgrounds.
2.3 Use a wide range of curriculum materials in effective reading instruction for learners at different stages of reading and writing development and from different cultural and linguistic backgrounds. /

RE 5730 Wright Brothers Lesson Plan
FDN 5220 Famous NC Person PowerPoint Presentation
CI 5636 Story Elements PowerPoint Presentation
RE 5040 Action Research Project
RE 5130 Multigenre Project
RE 5130 Families I Poem Project
RE 5535 Story Telling Lesson Plan
FDN 5220 Increased Knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint

/ These products show my ability to incorporate a wide variety of instructional materials when designing lessons. I have included activities which provide for differentiation of instruction and diversity of learning styles as well as a consideration of cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
Standard 3. Assessment, Diagnosis, and Evaluation. Candidates use a variety of assessment tools and practices to plan and evaluate effective reading instruction. As a result, candidates:
3.1Use a wide range of assessment tools and practices that range from individual and group standardized tests to individual and group informal classroom assessment strategies, including technology-based assessment tools. /

RE 5715 and RE 5725 IRIs
CI 5636 Story Elements PowerPoint Presentation
FDN 5420 “Stinging Words” Webpage
RE 5730 Wright Brothers Lesson Plan
RE 5040 Action Research Project
Informal Classroom Assessments
Running Records

/ These artifacts provide various assessments I can use with my students to determine their knowledge and how to modify my instruction. The diversity of the on-going assessments allows me to get a more accurate picture of the students’ strengths and weaknesses.
3.2Place students along a developmental continuum and identify students’ proficiencies and difficulties. /

RE 5715 and RE 5725 IRIs
RE 5715 IRI Analysis
RE 5040 Action Research Project

/ These artifacts show my ability to assess and diagnose students’ strengths and weaknesses and place them on a developmental continuum. The continuum is flexible allowing me to make adjustments as necessary based upon student progress.
3.3Use assessment information to plan, evaluate, and revise effective instruction that meets the needs of all students including those at different developmental stages and those from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds. /

RE 5715 and RE 5725 IRIs
RE 5715 IRI Analysis

RE 5040 Action Research Project

/ These artifacts are tools I use to plan, evaluate and revise instruction according to individual needs. I am able to take into consideration the various developmental stages as well as differing cultural and linguistic backgrounds.
3.4Communicate results of assessments to specific individuals, (students, parents, caregivers, colleagues, administrators, policymakers, policy officials, community, etc.). /

RE 5725 Parent Letters
RE 5715 IRI Analysis
RE 5040 Action Research PowerPoint Presentation
Parent Conferences
Parent Resource Room Maintenance

/ This list of artifacts demonstrates my ability to communicate the progress and needs of my students to parents and other teachers. My experience in helping to maintain the school’s Parent Resource Room has also enhanced my knowledge of parent involvement.
Standard 4. Creating a Literate Environment. Candidates create a literate environment that fosters reading and writing by integrating foundational knowledge, use of instructional practices, approaches and methods, curriculum materials, and the appropriate use of assessments. As a result, candidates:
4.1 Use students’ interests, reading abilities and backgrounds as foundations for the reading and writing program. /

RE 5715 and RE 5725 IRIs
RE 5725 Reflections
CI 5636 Reading Photo Essay PowerPoint Presentation
CI 5636 WikiSpace
RE 5130 Multigenre Project
RE 5130 Families I Poem Project
Interest Survey

/ This list of artifacts demonstrates my ability to seek and incorporate knowledge about the students into my instruction. This creates a classroom which is conducive to learning and promotes success.
4.2 Use a large supply of books, technology-based information, and non-print materials representing multiple levels, broad interests, cultures and linguistic backgrounds. /

RE 5140 Book Critiques
RE 5140 Folktale Authentication
RE 5130 and FDN 5420 Wordless Picture Book Activity and PhotoStory
FDN 5420 “Stinging Words” Webpage
RE 5730 Wright Brothers Lesson Plan
RE 5130 Multigenre Project
RE 5130 Families I Poem Project

/ The artifacts listed here provide examples of my ability to incorporate a variety of materials which assist in creating a print-rich environment that is conducive to learning. This wide variety allows me to meet the needs of all students and encourages success.
4.3Model reading and writing enthusiastically as valued life-long activities. /

RE 5535 Original Story
RE 5535 Story Telling Lesson Plan
RE 5040 Action Research Project
CI 5636 Story Elements PowerPoint Presentation
RE 5130 Multigenre Project
RE 5130 Families I Poem Project
Reader’s Theater

/ With these artifacts, I am able to demonstrate to my students my passion for reading and writing. I am able to share how reading and writing have positively impacted my life.
4.4Motivate learners to be life-long readers. /

RE 5535 Original Story
RE 5040 Action Research Project
RE 5130 and FDN 5420 Wordless Picture Book Activity and PhotoStory
CI 5636 Story Elements PowerPoint Presentation
RE 5730 Wright Brothers Lesson Plan
RE 5130 Multigenre Project

/ Each artifact in this list is a tool for encouraging my students to be life-long readers. Students have the opportunity to participate in a variety of activities that will motivate them and foster a love for reading.
Standard 5. Professional Development. Candidates view professional development as a career-long effort and responsibility. As a result, candidates:
5.1Display dispositions related to reading and the teaching of reading. /

RE 5040 Action Research Project
IRA Membership

/ This set of artifacts offers evidence that I continually seek to further my knowledge base of reading education through reflective practices, networking and professional associations.
5.2Continue to pursue the development of professional knowledge and dispositions. /

RE 5040 Action Research Project
ASU Master’s Program

/ These artifacts demonstrate my desire to continue my professional development through educational research, reading and the pursuit of an advanced degree.
5.3Work with colleagues to observe, evaluate, and provide feedback on each other’s practice. /

CI 5636 WikiSpace
Shared Materials
Grade Level Meetings
Learning Focused Classroom Walk-through
Interaction with Mentor

/ These school and system-based activities show the importance that I place on interacting with colleagues. This professional network provides support and feedback which assists in improving my teaching practices.
5.4Participate in, initiate, implement, and evaluate professional development programs. /

RE 5040 Action Research Project
CI 5636 WikiSpace
Novel Study Workshop
K-2 Reading Data Workshop
Shared Materials and Knowledge of Computer Programs such as Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint

/ My participation in professional development programs provides evidence that I am eager to learn about new methods, materials, and research in the area of reading. I am also available to lead in training other professionals in my areas of strength.