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Exhibit 1.1: Current subject knowledge and processes

Title of Exhibit

The Odyssey Showcase Teaching Unit

Domain Outcome #(1.0)

Candidates are proficient in curriculum development and implementation; knowledge of curriculum and subject matter is used to create positive change in classrooms, schools, and districts.

M.Ed. Domain Indicator #(1.1)

The candidate demonstrates expertise in current subject knowledge and processes.

Artifact(s)

STU Lesson Plan 2

Assessments in STU

Rationale

I demonstrate expertise in current subject knowledge and processes by designing lesson plans that effectively incorporate critical content knowledge and skill components that are tied to learning standards, expressed through the creation and implementation of the Showcase Teaching Unit focused on Homer’s Odyssey. According to Heritage (2007), teacher knowledge teaching of skills within that knowledge domain are absolutely necessary to successful learning, because teachers with solid knowledge are better able to structure learning for students.

Self-Evaluation and Reflection

After teaching the Odyssey for three years, I had the opportunity to purposefully revise my Odyssey lesson plans as part of the Showcase Teaching Unit. After incorporating the idea of the recurring theme in literature as a central part of my unit on the Odyssey, I was able to direct my activities toward learning more about recurring themes, and began to feel more confident in my teaching as a result. I used the revised lesson plans in the 2007-2008 school year, and noticed a deeper engagement with the text on the part of students. I spent much less time explaining minutiae of the stories, and students expressed an understanding of the thematic elements of the story that seemed to go beyond previous classes’ demonstrations.

How verified

Jim Multra, 8^th Grade Humanities Instructor, observed this exhibit.

Verification Document

Evidence of Student Learning

Replace this text with a description of any hard evidence, meaning data, that can show your P-12 students improved their learning as a result of this activity (consult help for more details)

Evidence of Student Learning Artifacts