Kylee Bulington 

InTASC Standard: Standard #9: Professional Learning and Ethical Practice. The teacher engages in ongoing professional learning and uses evidence to continually evaluate his/her practice, particularly the effects of his/her choices and actions on others (learners, families, other professionals, and the community), and adapts practice to meet the needs of each learner (InTASC, 2013).

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Brief Description of Evidence: In my EDUC 230 The Exceptional Child course during the spring semester of 2017, I engaged in an InSource conference for parents. I volunteered at the conference by handing out information to parents and educators. Then I participated in a seminar about developing and IEP.

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Analysis of What I Learned: During this conference, I learned how to develop each section of an IEP effectively. I have a better understanding of how to choose certain words to use when writing and talking about an IEP so that I do not upset parents. The information that I have learned from this experience is supported by Lev Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory. The theory explains that culture and social interaction are important to cognitive development. I worked within my zone of proximal development at this conference because I had prior knowledge before going to the conference and in the meeting I learned more from the presenter who was the more knowledgeable other. 

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How This Artifact Demonstrates my Competence on the InTASC Standard:  My competence in this standard is proven by my ability to expand my knowledge through professional experiences and allow myself to have a better understanding of how to develop an IEP. I had already learned about what an IEP is in my class and this opportunity to be involved in the meeting expanded my knowledge. I can use the knowledge that I gained from this meeting when I have a classroom because I will have learners that have an IEP. It is important because as a teacher I will be involved in case conferences that involve IEPs. I will be able to meet the needs of my learners because I know about what is included in an IEP. Engaging in meetings like the InSource meeting is important to help better the classroom environment, families, other professionals, and the community. When people know about what is included in an IEP they have an opportunity to better understand how learners with disabilities are given opportunities to learn in the least restrictive environment.