Candidate Work Sample - Section I and II

Teachers Name: Ms. Miller                                                                                Grade Level: 1^st Grade

School: Newington Elementary                                                                             Year: 2010

CWS Section I: Unit Topic or Title

            Community Helpers

CWS Section II: Contextual Factors

            My first grade class consists of 17 students, a mixture of African American and white students, male and female, and differences between physical and learning capabilities.  The school is located in Summerville, South Carolina and is considered to be in a rural location.  The school population consists of students from diverse backgrounds, including low to high socioeconomic statuses.  There is also a range of learning abilities between the students in Ms. Miller’s 1^st grade classroom.  There were slow learners who needed more individualized attention and there were advanced learners who needed more challenges on the lessons.

Step 1 (I): Identify Overall Classroom Demands

Classroom Organization

·         There will be much decoration on the walls and student work displayed on the walls to create an environment where the students feel welcome.

·         There will be a large rug in the center of the room for large group activities and instruction and desks set up into groups of 5 to allow for small group work and individual work.

·         The students will be expected to follow the rules create a respectable environment for their teacher and their classmates. 

·         The instruction and activities will be stimulating and thought-provoking to keep student’s attention and involvement.

Classroom Grouping

·         Whole group will be used during direct instruction on the carpet, smart board activities/lessons.

·         Small groups will be used during seat work, reading centers, and math centers.

·         Individual instruction will be given during small group work, as students are completing assignments individually and as needed through all instruction.

Instructional Materials

·         Students will have technology through the use of the smart board, watching videos and being involved in a computer software learning game. 

·         Students will have concrete materials available to them, especially through instruction in math and science activities. 

Instructional Methods

·         Direct Instruction will be used when introducing a lesson and reinforcing the concept. 

·         Small group instruction will be used when students are to practice a skill or complete an assignment that would be better completed within a small group.

·         Individual work will be implemented when students have proven their knowledge of the content and need to be formally and informally assessed through their work. 

Student Evaluation

·         Students will be evaluated through observations and informal assessments.  Students will be assessed through their participation in class discussions and large group instruction. 

·         Students will be formally assessed through their completion and accuracy with worksheets and tests, such as spelling and math tests.