UNIVERSITY OF SASKATCHEWAN

COLLEGE OF EDUCATION INTERNSHIP FINAL ASSESSMENT FOR 402.15 Kassandra McKeever Date: December 3rd 2012 At: Bethlehem Catholic High School School Address: 110 Bowlt Crescent Saskatoon, SK. School Phone: 1(306) 659-7900 Co-operating Teacher(s): Michelle Yuzdepski

Teaching grade(s) and areas: Arts Education 90, Visual Arts 10, 20, 30. CO-OPERATING TEACHERS ASSESSMENT 1. The Contextual Description of the teacher, learner, subject matter and community: Bethlehem Catholic High School is a grade 9-12 school serving the west side of Saskatoon. Built in 2007, BCHS currently has a population of approximately 1170 students from 46-birth countries/, 15% Metis or First Nations students along with 25% of international origin (EAL Students). The school also has both French and Ukrainian immersion programs. Kassandra has been placed with me (Michelle Yuzdepski) as her co-operating teacher at Bethlehem Catholic High School in Saskatoon. I have been a teacher for the past 21 years for the greater Saskatoon Catholic School Division. My experiences in both the alternate and mainstream programs have helped me become a teacher who values a classroom where diversity is welcomed and humor is appreciated. The learners in the Visual Arts program here at BCHS vary from the functionally integrated students whose main purpose for being in a visual arts classroom is for

social reasons, to the EAL student who is encouraged to improve his or her conversational English to the advanced art students who will pursue studio art in a post-secondary setting. Kassandra has been interning in the areas of Arts Education 90 and Visual Arts 10, 20, and 30. 2. The Summary of Extended Practicum performance based on program goals including indicators of proficiency, growth and future goals: Kassandra immediately made herself present among the staff and students in a very positive and enthusiastic manner right from the beginning of her internship. During her time with me, Kassandra has quickly adapted to the fast pace of this large high school and shown herself as a natural when it comes to teaching. Kassandra is a very confident teacher and has shown no signs of difficulty when she is in front of her students either giving instruction or working with them on an individual level. Her ability to acknowledge her strengths, her continual goals and the areas she wants to improve upon, all allow Kassandra the opportunity to grow in this profession. This is part of her character and I do not anticipate that she would ever change in this capacity. Kassandras internship has been a very positive experience for our students and me. Kassandra has been extremely involved in the classroom and extra curricular programs in our school. She has done some thoughtful and thorough lessons and unit planning. As a result, her students benefitted greatly. Kassandra has demonstrated that she is an inclusive teacher who finds a way for each student to learn. She is also a staff member who works well with her colleagues and wants to learn and grow in her chosen profession.

SUMMARY OF PROGRESS TOWARDS PROGRAM GOALS Please include your written comments, based on evidence and interpretations collected in the Professional Growth Portfolio and in documented observations over the term. The teacher candidate ___Kassandra McKeever __ has achieved in the following areas:

1. Support broad areas of student growth by providing varied and constructive learning opportunities
Demonstrated proficiency and growth: Kassandra has met with all her students on an individual basis to give them the opportunity to discuss any difficulties they may be having in the classroom. Kassandra also uses multiple teaching strategies and creates a learning environment that provides opportunities for students to collaborate, share ideas and learn from outside sources (master artists, resource based learning, etc.). Kassandra is very conscientious in applying self-assessment, peer-assessment and teacher assessment into her unit plans. She understands and applies both formative and summative feedback in her teaching. Kassandra creates dialogue with students to determine their strengths and areas where improvement is to be considered and is intent on helping those students in those areas. Kassandra found numerous opportunities to incorporate Stepping Out practices in her lessons i.e. Know, Wonder and Learn. Kassandra understands how important the EAL (English as an additional Language) program is to our students, school and community. Through collaboration and observation she is learning how to adapt lessons and activities for EAL students. From this experience Kassandra has gained a better understanding of how to teach EAL students.

2. Affirm dignity and respect for individuals (students, families, colleagues)

Demonstrated proficiency and growth: Kassandra values the input and knowledge of other staff members and conducts herself according to the professional codes of the teaching profession. She is very aware of the importance of inclusion of all students, she ensures that all students of varying abilities are included in group work and adapts each assignment according to the students needs in order to give them all a sense of belonging. Kassandra is welcoming to new students who have arrived later in the year, never making their late arrival in the class seem like an inconvenience. Kassandra has taken the time to sit with each group of students in her classes and

enjoy the company around her; Kassandra does not play favorites. It is evident that the students value Kassandra. They often will come into the art room to find her to talk about their artwork or even just to chat. Kassandra will take students aside when dealing with an issue. She never wants to single out in front of the class a student when there is an important issue that must be resolved. Kassandra believes that in order to gain respect you have to give respect; mutual respect is key to classroom success. From the beginning of her time here, she made it a goal to get to know the students. She realizes that by sharing mutual respect, students are less likely to act out, or show disrespectful behaviours in the classroom. Holding a positive rapport with students creates a space for open communication; it is evident that Kassandra understands that being approachable as a teacher is the basic foundation in success in the classroom.

3. Strive to support social justice and ecological responsibility

Demonstrated proficiency and growth: Kassandra sees the importance of acceptance of all in the classroom, She does not tolerate negative attitudes towards others displayed among students and will quickly address the situation if it need arise. Kassandra encourages student to reuse the supplies in the room without wasting plastic containers, paper, etc. She emphasizes good planning on her part and the part of the students prior to give them paper and other materials, which prevents waste. Kassandra is an advocate for equality with in the classroom and recognizes that in the classroom students should feel valued and a sense of belonging from their teacher as well as their peers. She believes that the classroom is a place where each student is recognized and respected for their individuality. She demonstrates that every student will have different needs and expectations, and that it is her job to meet those expectations and uphold respect and equality for everyone. 4. Develop as a critical reflective practitioner who connects practical

and theoretical knowledge

Demonstrated proficiency and growth: Kassandra is very keen on being observed and having data collection on her teaching skills. Kassandras teaching is consistent whether she is being observed or not. She asks questions regarding her lessons and also takes the time to point out her own perspectives on her performance in the classroom. Kassandra recognizes how the constructivist theory applies to good learning in the classroom. Kassandra has taught some very good lessons and unit plans where she has presented important practical strategies in art to further students skills and knowledge. For example, Kassandras grade 11 students learned several strategies to apply paint. Then she taught students to use this practical knowledge in a lesson based on the work of a Saskatchewan Aboriginal artist, Allen Sapp.

Students learned about reserve life and an appreciation for documenting and expressing their own life experiences in their artwork. Kassandra observed herself teaching, on a camera that was set up during one of her lessons. While going through the video both Kassandra and I (Host teacher) commented and pointed out strengths and areas of improvement; she was her own biggest critic. This shows great initiative towards self-reflection and selfassessment; something she encourages in her students and practices herself. This is evidence of Kassandras success in becoming reflective practitioner.

5. Create a positive community in the classroom and school Demonstrated proficiency and growth: Kassandra is the senior girls soccer assistant coach at Bethlehem school. She has a passion for this sport and has become involved with this team and this has a positive impact outside of the classroom. Kassandra has volunteered to help out and participate with students representative councils activities i.e.; first pep rally of the year, welcome week activities, and participated in the Halloween carnival accompanied by students and colleagues. When soccer season came to an end Kassandra continued to be an active member in our school. She has now taken on the position of assistant coach for frosh (green) girls basketball and is helping create the set for Bethlehems fall drama production. Kassandra is also a member of the Bowlt Classic Basketball Tournament committee; she works in collaboration with staff to run Bowlt Promotion in homerooms, along with Poster design. Kassandra always presents herself to the students in a positive manner both inside and outside the classroom. Kassandras enthusiasm for extra curricular activities creates a positive perspective for students in her classroom. She encourages students to be involved, take risks and be apart of something bigger, a team or club. Kassandras gives students motivation to be included and involved in the activities our school has to offer. 6. Build instructional competence and strong teacher identity Demonstrated proficiency and growth: Kassandra is very confident in front of the classroom. Her confidence is evident to students. Kassandra has her own teacher identity, which she continually shows through her approach to staff and students, humor and routines in the classroom. Kassandra is committed to ensuring that students learn and complete the assignments given in class. Issues of poor attendance or adaptations for an individuals learning style, do not deter Kassandra from finding a way for her students to learn each lesson that is presented to them. Kassandra has a good understanding of the subject content in junior and senior level classes. Her ability to present content and explain it to students is admirable. Students find Kassandra approachable in and outside the classroom whether it may be content related, personal interests or personal issues. Her accountability

and dependability as a teacher is key to the success with her students. TEACHER CANDIDATES SELF-ASSESSMENT INCLUDE INDICATORS OF PROFICIENCY, GROWTH AND FUTURE GOALS Ive always heard the saying that If you love what you do, you will never work a day in your life. This internship has set my passion for teaching in stone. I have learned to address situations as they come, plan far ahead, and the most important concept I have learned is to always be present; be present in the classroom, in spirit and in mind. If you are always present you will be ready for anything that may come your way. During my internship I have come to appreciate learning as a process of valuing and constructing. I recognize that not every student may have the same learning style or ways of comprehending. This idea has challenged me to learn to adapt to my student and the content in order for the student to learn at their highest potential. I feel that I have grown in my practice by understanding that both the teacher and the student need to internalize the concept of respect. From experience, I have realized that both the teacher and student have to hold mutual respect for one another in order for the classroom to be a safe and welcoming place. Through these last four months of internship I have come to understand how beneficial it is to practice being a reflective practitioner. Without reflection I would not be the confident, consistent, approachable teacher that I believe I have become through this internship. If I had not taken the time to reflect on my teaching, lessons, interactions and planning, this experience would not have been such a success. As I proceed into my profession I want to continue to show the students, the school and the community my enthusiasm for involvement. In the last four months I have coached girls senior soccer, girls junior basketball, been a member of the Bowlts basketball tournament committee, participated in the pep rallies, Halloween carnivals and I have contributed to Bethlehems annual drama production. Providing students with plenty of opportunities will enhance knowledge outside the classroom and promote a healthy balance between content knowledge and interactive skills. I will continue to let my personality shine through by encouraging students to be involved with in their school. This experience has made me a more confident and understanding person. I have experienced so many new things that I had never anticipated. Each one of these experiences has made me become a more confident, understanding, flexible and reliable leader that I am so pleased to be. I have been exposed to many things at this school, but faith is a new concept for me. Faith has helped me build competence and has helped affirm my unique teacher identity. I am blessed to have had such a wonderful experience at Bethlehem Catholic High School.