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Sunday, December 24, 2017

Professional Hopes and Goals

Professional Hopes and Goals



MY HOPES
The most important hope that I have for working with children and families are that I am able to make a difference in their lives. When a student of a different culture enters my classroom, I want them to leave knowing that I cared about them and I respected them as a student as well as their diversity. When you show children who are diverse that you care and you are willing to learn about their culture and home life, it allows them to open up more and build their confidence. Many Americans do not approve of diversity, but as educators it is our duty to put children and families first and show them how important they are and that they are able to accomplish all things just as any other American.


My Goal
The one goal that I have as an ECE professional is that I make all who are victims of diversity to feel that they can trust me, and also see me as a confidant. I have reached this goal to a certain extent with my current parents. As previously stated, there are two Hispanics children in my class, one of the families has a child who has many special needs so the mother is not able to participate in many activities with school. As an educator, I make sure that keep myself in the loop with this family because it is my duty to make sure their child receives her education and also that they too receive the support that they need. Not only does this goes for the Hispanics, but for all other diversity that is in my class as well. It is my goal to show that parents that I am here for both you and your child, and the ultimate goal is that they receive the best foundation possible.


My Thanks
This term has been an eye-opener for me because it made me examine who I am as a person as well as my own discrepancies towards diversity. I would like to thank my fellow colleagues for all the encouragements, praises, and opinions that I have been on my blogs as well as my discussions. They have all been enlightenments and beneficial to my profession. Once again, thank you!!!!















Wednesday, December 13, 2017

Welcoming Families From Around the World

Welcoming Families From Around the World


Image result for Morocco
Morocco Flag


Country of Origin

While working in the Child Development Center, a new student joined our four year old class. The student who has just arrived in my class is from the country of Morocco which is located in Africa. 


5 Ways to be Culturally Responsive

  1. The first way I will be culturally responsive is to learn all I can about the country, especially the culture so I can know what to do and what not to do.
     2. Along with the American culture, I will also expose the students to the culture of                     Morocco so that the student will not feel excluded.

     3. I will incorporate the Moroccan culture into learning areas around the classroom such             as reading, dramatic play, and science.

     4. I will have a show-n-tell day where each child can share something about their culture           and heritage, this way the student can explain to us more about where she is from. 

     5. Finally, I will have a Moroccan day so that we all can explore the culture of Morocco

I hope these preparations make a impact on the family in many ways so that they know we care for their family and that we are not here to judge or criticize. I also want the family to feel safe and secure knowing that their child is in good care, and we all want to learn and grow with them, and this will be done by exploring the culture. 

Saturday, December 9, 2017

The Personal Side of Bias, Prejudice, and Oppression

The Personal Side of Bias, Prejudice, and Oppression



The most prominent memory of me witnessing bias and prejudice is in the movies and shows that depict slavery and any other injustice done to African-Americans. Most times as I watch how the slaves and African-Americans were treated in the 1800's and early 1900's it brings tears to my eyes, because it makes you think , what could they have done so wrong to deserve the hate they were given. It was the same for Jesus, he was beaten, spit on, and everything else and he had done nothing wrong. The same goes for Blacks, even the dogs got treated better then they did and all because of the color of their skin. 

When the dominant culture used and abused Blacks it diminished equity in a major way because we were not allowed to do what they do. For example, Blacks had a school and Whites had a school. Whites had a water fountain, Blacks had a water fountain. Their biases caused for segregation in the United States, and it now seems as though they are trying to bring it back. 

When I see how my people were treated, and are still being treated it makes me sad and at the same time angry because they had no choice but to sit their and endure. Watching movies such as Roots and Rosa Parks brings brings both sadness and joy to my spirits because it shows that although things started off rocky, they always end up smooth and in your favor. 

In order for segregation to come to an end, the dominant culture would have to make a change within themselves so that they are willing to try and understand everyone's differences and biases. 


Saturday, November 25, 2017

Awareness of Microaggressions

Awareness of Microaggressions




A microaggression that I witnessed was the statement that Trump made a few months ago regarding the football players and the national anthem. The statement that he made was "when somebody disrespects our flag, to say, ‘Get that son of a bitch off the field right now. Out! He’s fired. He’s fired!" This was a form of microaggression because he indirectly speaks of African-Americans. The NFL is 80% black so of course everyone knows that he is speaking of the Blacks. The context in which the microaggression occurred was during a rally in Alabama where he was in front of a crowd of older white republicans, who are also conservatives. This of course excited them because they too felt the same way. When I heard what Trump said about the football players, and their kneeling during the anthem, it made me angry because the "President" who suppose to be for all Americans, only cater and focuses to one certain population, and of course it is not the minorities. The comments was very disrespectful and outline and it only revealed his true colors even more.


The effects of discrimination lead to people becoming very angry and taking matters into their own hands. When people are effected by discrimination and other stereotypes it causes for them to rebel even more than they already were. This was witnessed during Trump's statement of regarding football players and the national anthem. What the nation failed to realize is that African-Americans are not standing and respecting the flag because the flag never respected us. For two or three years you could not turn on the TV without hearing about White cops shooting down Blacks, and there reasoning behind the matter was "because they feared for their lives!" So once I observed how others felt due to the effects of discrimination and stereotypes, I believe that they have every right to feel they way they do. 

Sunday, November 19, 2017

Perspectives on Diversity and Culture

 Perspectives on Diversity and Culture

The three colleagues/friends that I talked to about culture and diversity all had the same opinionated definition. To sum it up, they stated that to them culture is the way that people behave according to the rules of their heritage. When it came to diversity they all had slightly different opinions. One stated that diversity means to them that a person is different according to race, religion, language, etc. She also mentioned that because of diversity, we are able to recognize other cultures and learn more about them. Another colleague said that diversity to her is standing out from the crowd and letting your differences be known. She says that she loves the diversity in her class room because it makes her aware of the cultures of her students and how things are done in their homeland. 

Based upon what I have studied so far, the only thing that I can relate to with my colleagues are that culture is a set of rules that govern what we do and how we behave. The video says that culture is like an iceberg, and only the tip shows this includes books, music, clothes. The other 90% that is beneath is what is really important this includes ideas such as those related to children. This is what the colleagues failed to realize, that culture is more than just an outer appearance. 

Seeing the way my colleagues view culture and diversity gives me insight that we have not yet arrived into fully understanding culture and we have a long way to go.

Laureate Education (Producer). (2011). Culture and diversity [Video file]. Retrieved from https://class.waldenu.edu


Friday, November 10, 2017

My Family Culture

My Family Culture 
Image result for picture of a black family with a dog


Image result for black family traditions
The images above are snippets of my family culture. 

    If I were told that I had to permanently leave my home country the three items that I will bring with me to cherish my family culture would be family portraits to cherish the memories, our family pet because in our American culture, pets are treated as people and we love them as we would our own kids. Lastly I would bring my family recipes so that I am able to keep the traditions alive as if I were home. 
    I would explain to others what the traditions mean to me by inviting them over to get to know my culture and also to give them experience through food, and singing. I would also show them through pictures how my family does things in our culture.
    If I were told that I am able to keep only one of my three items I would choose to keep my pictures. Once lost they can never be replaces, especially those that hold values and traditions. All other can be replaced, but not pictures, especially those that are near and dear to your heart. 
   The insight that I have learned is to be respectful of others and their differences. Put yourself out there to want to learn about others family culture so that you can understand and learn from it. Because this is what will help you when working with those families. 

pics are from google.com/blackfamilyculture

Friday, October 27, 2017

When I Think of Research

When I Think of Research

I believe that my simulation is important to the field of early childhood because, knowing how poverty effects children academics helps us to better work with them, and help them become successful in life. As educators it is important that we encourage our kids and help them to understand that it is not all about fashion and the latest trends, because they are plenty of "fashionable" children, but what do they know? It is also important that we build the confidence of those who live in poverty so that they know they are able to succeed just as the richest child in the class is able to succeed. You have to give children of poverty extra care and constantly build their self-esteem because they may not always get it at home. This is why I feel that my research simulation is important because it give guidance eon how to help children of poverty become successful in academics. 

Conducting the simulation proposal would benefit the children, the parents, the educators, and anyone who deals with the child on a daily basis. This simulation is not only for educators and parents, but for any and everyone who deals with the child(en) because they all need to learn and understand the importance of how poverty really effects education, especially minorities because the have more to fight for. It is imperative that we all work together to help a child succeed and not become another statistics that can go down in someone's research. 

There were times when I went back and forth with myself if rather I wanted to continue this road of early childhood because of the constant changes and unsupport from politics and sometimes parents, but I quickly realized that they do not have someone who will constantly push them to strive for better and constantly push them then they, too will fall by the wayside. This is why I have decided to push myself along with the kids I serve because they need someone who will help them become better and successful and build that self-esteem that all things are possible, no matter where what the current situation is. 

I really appreciate all the comments that were left to my blog, because they helped to make my blogs better and better by the week. I wish you all the best in the future and once again, thanks!

Saturday, October 7, 2017

Research Around the World

Research Around the World
Sub-Sahara Africa

The website that I chose to research was Early Childhood Development Virtual University (ECDVU) Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). My reasoning for choosing this topic was to discover how children in sub-Saharan Africa were benefiting from the Early Childhood Development University. In the past 17 years, the school has had major success in achieving high completion rates. Year one – 90%, year two – 96%, year three – 100%. The graduates of the program had nothing but positive things to say about the program, and said that they will highly recommend it to others of the Sub-Sahara area. The purpose of The Early Childhood Development Virtual University (ECDVU) Sub-Sahara Branch is to address ECD capacity building and leadership development in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). 

The overall purpose of the Early Childhood Development Virtual University program is to  promote and further develop ECD leadership capacity as a key strategy in support of child, family and community well-being and broader social and economic development. This is why the program is so highly favored among those in the sub-Sahara region because it makes a difference for their people and helps to give them avenue to better beginnings. The research conducted by the students is very helpful in giving insight into the problem and conditions in the countries in which they live.

Friday, September 22, 2017

Research and its Benefits for parents and/or family

Research of Academic Success of Children in Poverty


The topic of discussion that I would choose to focus my research on is The Academic Success of Children in Poverty. My reasoning for choosing this topic is because many children who live in poverty are either failing, taking remedial classes or dropping out completely. This is why I feel that it is important that we research this topic so that we can figure out different solutions of helping children who suffer from poverty remain successful in academics throughout life. Every child in poverty are not failing in academics, but some educators like to out bad apples with good apples and not even attempt to help those who can. This topic that I chose will help both children and families to realize that just because everything is not going good at home, you are still able to make something out of yourself, no matter what anyone says different.

The positive contributions for families and children on the topic of Academic Success of Children in Poverty would be that it will give them the encouragement to keep striving and also that all hope is not lost. In the research there will be studies that show the link between poverty and how it affects academics, and the ways in which it affects academics. Once children and families start seeing the numbers and reading the stories about the different teachers, lawyers, doctors, counselors, etc., who had to overcome poverty to make their dreams a reality and success, they too will see that they can accomplish whatever they set their mind too.

Friday, September 15, 2017

My Simulation Topic




All three subtopics that I chose for this course are ones that explain how poverty plays a role in the lives of families and the children in those families. But the topic that I chose to focus on more for this course is Poverty and how its effects on families and children. The reason that I chose to make this topic the focus for this course is because as an early childhood educator, I see a lot of children who suffer from poverty and do not have all of their needs met. There have been children in my class who have came to school with dirty clothes or the same clothes from a few days before. But it is not for me to judge them or their families, but instead give them the resources needed so that they can help the child gain confidence and pride. 

The research chart was a good learning tool because it helped to give me insights on how to conduct research on my topic throughout this course, and also have to decipher between the needed information and non-needed information. This is why I thoroughly completed the assignment because I knew that this is what had to be done in order to have successful research skills. The discussions thus far has taught me about the importance of fine details, rather it is a article or website make sure it is a resource that is compute. 

My advice to you all, if looking for any, would be to really utilize the Walden Library. I have tried finding scholarly articles on my own through google, but not so successful.  Also the scholar.google is a very great to and I am glad that the professor recommended it to us. 

Because I am new to being a researcher, is there any advice that can be given on where to start on how to make researching successful? Do you think that my topic is a good topic to begin with or is it to broad?


Thursday, August 24, 2017

International Professional Goals

International Professional Goals


Learning about early childhood at an international level is beneficial for professionals because it helps us to know how to help others. The three consequences that I experienced from learning about the international early childhood field is that once you become involved, it's hard to let go. Every week I longed for podcast and readings that enlightened me about what is done in other countries so that I can learn and incorporate them into the classroom. The second consequence that I felt was on a personal level, and this was that the children in third world countries receive a better lifestyle and education. These children deserve the best opportunities that they can get, and it saddens my heart that they do not have the access to quality education. The third consequence is that the international early childhood field allows us to become more involved with ourselves and our community. When we begin to look at the lives of others and how they live it makes us better people to help ourselves.

The goal for international issues is that others can become major contributors to a country and help them develop so that we all can become internationally successful. When we all help each other, we see what each person has and how it can benefit us. This is why we all need to work together and not against each other, and think about the children and families who could benefit from the advancement of other countries. 

I really enjoyed this course and all the websites and readings that came along with it. I have never been so involved with international studies, and now that I have been enlightened, I will gladly continue my studies in International early childhood studies. 

Tuesday, August 22, 2017

Professional Goals, Hopes and Dreams

Professional Goals, Hopes, and Dreams



What issues regarding quality and early childhood professionals are being discussed where you live and work?

      Where I live, the issues being discussed regarding quality is that the professionals do their job in a proper manner in which is pleasing to the parents.  Some professionals could care less of the feelings of the child and/or parents and this issue affects the quality of the professionals and the work that they produce. Where I work, the issues being discussed are privacy and how it effects the confidentiality of families. When we as early childhood professionals talk among ourselves, or tell parents information regarding other children and professionals, it weakens the quality of the professional field. This is why it is important that early childhood professionals, we keep information regarding our families confidential because we never know who is listening and who knows who.

What opportunities and/or requirements for professional development exist?
         When a professional practices professional development, it leads to them giving their very best to that child and their family. We early childhood teachers conduct themselves in a professional manner, it allows for other to see your glow and doors become opened that you never knew existed.

What are some of your professional goals?
       My professional goals consist of becoming employed with the states "Bright From the Start" program in which they manage all Pre-K over Georgia and the Quality Rated accreditation program. Working with Bright From the Start is a goal because it means that I am able to give back to the programs in which I currently work and help them become more developed to help those in low-income families and prepare them for Kindergarten. If I am not able to become employed with "Bright From the Start" my next choice will be a program in Georgia called Babies Can't Wait, where they work with children who are developmentally delayed. They work in the homes of their clients and help them accomplish developmental milestones that they have not yet mastered. Both programs are beneficial to the development of children in order for them to be successful and ready for preschool and kindergarten.

What are some of your professional hopes, dreams, and challenges?
     The challenge that I can see right now is not be able to reach my potential because of experience, but my hopes and dreams are that someone would take into consideration all that I have accomplished thus far, which is more than most my age have. Although I may not have been on jobs long, I still learned a lot from all of my experiences, which can help to take me a long way in my future endeavors.



Walden University M.S. in Early Childhood Studies

Criteria for Blog Assignments


Quality of Work Submitted

Work reflects graduate-level critical, analytical thinking.
Satisfactory


Unsatisfactory

Adherence to Assignment Expectations

The extent to which work meets the assigned criteria.
Assignment meets expectations

All key components are included

Does not fulfill the expectations of the assignment.

Key components are not included.


Final Assignment Grade

15%

0%
It is expected that all blog assignments will be submitted according to the assignment due dates indicated. Exceptions may be made at the discretion of the faculty member if contacted by the student prior to the due date describing extenuating circumstances.
Satisfactory = 4 points/Unsatisfactory = 0 points


Saturday, August 12, 2017

National Center for Children in Poverty





For the past few weeks, whenever we have been asked to discuss our websites it has been predominantly about what their mission and expectations are for the poor. I am glad to be able to focus on a different aspect of the website and the other benefits that they have to offer for those who are poor or living in poverty. 

NCCP has blogs that help others to better understand the situation of the poor and needy. One of the blogs I chose to read was "Why Do We Expect Food Stamp Users to Make Perfect Food Choices?" The blog explained how others viewed SNAP participants because of their choice to make unhealthy choices in food and drinks. It also said that the reasoning behind these poor choices stem from the convenience of the grocery stores. Participants of SNAP are on SNAP for a reason, and this is because they are living in poverty, and they have to buy cheap. Everyone knows that if it's cheap, it is not good for you. 

The section that I chose to dig deeper into was the newsroom. The newsroom gives insight into what the NCCP will be working on throughout the year, and where they plan to go into the future. The NCCP has news that enlightens its readers on what is going on with the organization and how they can be a contributor to helping them grow as they help those in poverty.

The newsletter for this month focus on the undergrad interns that worked with NCCP this summer. Their mission is to help fight poverty in America and improve the public health for those who live in poverty. One is a graduate of the public health community and the others are still studying public health in their junior years of college. 

The main focus of this website was ways to help those who are in poverty and to give statistics of the poor and poverty rates. I would say that the website helped my understanding in the equity segment because it explains that no matter the race, shape, or size poverty has no particular person. It has no reference to the educational point. 

The insight that I gained from this website is that they are dedicated to helping those who are poor and in poverty and providing them with avenues for a better life. 

Saturday, August 5, 2017

Inequality Issues

I have yet to hear from any podcast members, so I with the alternative route. According to the Center on the Developing Child, they work globally to build a broader movement to achieve breakthrough outcomes for children around the world ( Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University, 2010). The center works with countries such as Brazil, Mexico, and Canada; other countries are involved as well. 

The Núcleo Ciência Pela Infância (NCPI) is a collaborative that involves the Center on the Developing Child, and other major corporations throughout Brazil that partnered together to create a science driven early childhood movement to inform policymakers on how to apply science to Early Childhood programs. This is a good collaborative because science has a lot to do with Education from the teaching standpoint and the benefits of helping children learn through exploration.

Canada has the Albertha Family Wellness Initiative a program in which science plays a big role as well. Like Brazil, Canada uses science of child development to inform public policies. They support research in early brain and biological development, mental health, etc and translate the research. This is a good program that can also be used in the United States so that others can see the benefits of science working in the Early Childhood field. It also helps policy makers to make decisions based upon the research of scientist, which will be very beneficial to children, especially those of Early Childhood. 

The equity is strong in the countries because they want all children to succeed. The Center on Child the Developing Child has three propositions that guide their international work and they are:
  • Coordinated strategies to support child development can multiply the effects of investments in child survival, health, education, and economic development.
  • We need to protect children from significant adversity, in addition to providing them with enriched learning opportunities.
  • The early childhood years are critical building blocks for lifelong health, not just school readiness (Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University, 2010).
All three points focus around children, and there is not one race or culture being singled out


Center on the Developing Child at Harvard University. (2010). Global children's initiative. Retrieved from http://developingchild.harvard.edu/about/what-we-do/global-work/


Walden University M.S. in Early Childhood Studies

Formative Evaluative Criteria for Applications and Reflective Essays

Quality of Work Submitted

Work reflects graduate-level critical, analytical thinking.
A: Exemplary Work

A = 4.00; A- = 3.75


All of the previous, in addition to the following:
B: Graduate Level Work
B+ = 3.50; B = 3.00;
B- = 2.75
All of the previous, in addition to the following:
C: Minimal Work

C+ = 2.50; C = 2.00;
C- = 1.75
F: Work Submitted but Unacceptable

F = 1.00

Adherence to Assignment Expectations

The extent to which work meets the assigned criteria.


Assignment exceeds expectations,
integrating additional material and/or information.


Assignment demonstrates exceptional breadth and depth.

All parts of the assignment are completed, with fully developed topics.

The work is presented in a thorough and detailed manner.

Assignment demonstrates appropriate breadth and depth.
Most parts of assignment are completed.


Topics are not fully developed.


Assignment   demonstrates minimal depth and breadth.
Does not fulfill the expectations of the assignment.

Key components are not included.


Assignment lacks breadth and depth.
Assimilation and Synthesis of Ideas

The extent to which the work reflects the student’s ability to-

  1. Understand the assignment’s purpose;
  2. Understand and analyze material in videos, readings, and
            discussions;
  1. Apply          presented strategies
**May include, but are not limited to, scholarly articles, collegial discussions; information from conferences, in service, faculty development, and/or meetings. .

Demonstrates the ability intellectually  to explore and/or implement key instructional concepts.

Demonstrates exceptional inclusion of major points, using creditable sources**, in addition to course videos or required readings.

Demonstrates insightful reflection and/or critical thinking.

Demonstrates a clear understanding of the assignment’s purpose.


Includes specific information from course videos or required readings to support major points.



Provides careful consideration of key instructional concepts.

Shows some degree of understanding of the assignment’s purpose.


Generally applies theories, concepts, and/or strategies correctly, with ideas unclear and/or underdeveloped


Minimally includes specific information from course videos or required readings.

Shows a lack of understanding of the assignment’s purpose.


Does not apply theories, concepts, and/or strategies



Does not include specific information from course videos or required readings.
Written Expression and Formatting

The extent to which scholarly, critical, analytical writing is presented in APA format;

Standard Edited English ( i.e. correct grammar, mechanics).

Represents scholarly writing in a correct APA format.



Work is unified around a central purpose with well-developed ideas, logically organized in paragraph structure with clear transitions.

Effective sentence variety; clear, concise, and powerful expression are evident.


Work is written in Standard Edited English. No prominent errors interfere with reading.

Work is well organized with correct APA formatting  throughout.


Ideas are clearly and concisely expressed.




Elements of effective communication such as an introduction and  conclusion are included.

Work is written in Standard Edited English with few, if any, grammatical or mechanical errors

Somewhat represents mature, scholarly, graduate-level writing, with APA generally followed.

Ideas are not clearly and concisely expressed.



Elements of effective communication such as an introduction and  conclusion are not included.


Work contains more than a few grammatical, or mechanical errors.

The quality of writing and/or APA formatting are not acceptable for graduate level work.

Major points do not reflect appropriate elements of communication.  


No effort to express ideas clearly and concisely.




Work is not written in Standard Edited English. Contains many grammatical or mechanical errors
Final Assignment Grade

A: Exemplary Work

A = 4.00; A- = 3.75

B: Graduate Level Work
B+ = 3.50; B = 3.00;
B- = 2.75
C: Minimal Work

C+ = 2.50; C = 2.00;
C- = 1.75
F: Work Submitted but Unacceptable
F = 1.00

Sunday, July 30, 2017

Sharing Web Resources

The website that I chose is the National Center for Children in Poverty. The sections that I felt were most relevant are Topics and State Profiles. I chose these two sections because in Topics you can view articles related to poverty which gives advice on how to help those in poverty. State profiles gives a break down of children who are living in poor or low-income families from state to state. All this is relevant because you are able to choose your state, access the poverty statistics and help the children in your demographics; the topics categories have good resources on how to help low-income families and those suffering from poverty.

According to the National Center for Children in Poverty, child poverty rates are highest amongst black, latino, and American Indian children (NCCP, 2015). This made me think about an issue in new ways such as I must now work harder for the children who are of this descent and make sure that they have everything that they need HOLISTICALLY. Because these three ethnicities have the highest poverty rates, it is important to make sure that we do all we can to make sure this does not affect them academically.

The economist contributed to this website through the tools tab in which you are allowed to calculate a basic needs budget, there is a income converter, a young child risk calculator, and other tools that can be used to show what poverty looks like. 

One article that I read discussed helping children and parents access mental health through medicaid. This will help children to receive services through home visits and also parenting programs. Receiving services through medicaid will also help low-income/poor families to get the services they need to better their health. 

National Center for Children in Poverty
http://www.nccp.org/



 Walden University M.S. in Early Childhood Studies

Formative Evaluative Criteria for Applications and Reflective Essays


Quality of Work Submitted

Work reflects graduate-level critical, analytical thinking.
A: Exemplary Work

A = 4.00; A- = 3.75


All of the previous, in addition to the following:
B: Graduate Level Work
B+ = 3.50; B = 3.00;
B- = 2.75
All of the previous, in addition to the following:
C: Minimal Work

C+ = 2.50; C = 2.00;
C- = 1.75
F: Work Submitted but Unacceptable

F = 1.00

Adherence to Assignment Expectations

The extent to which work meets the assigned criteria.


Assignment exceeds expectations,
integrating additional material and/or information.


Assignment demonstrates exceptional breadth and depth.

All parts of the assignment are completed, with fully developed topics.

The work is presented in a thorough and detailed manner.

Assignment demonstrates appropriate breadth and depth.
Most parts of assignment are completed.


Topics are not fully developed.


Assignment   demonstrates minimal depth and breadth.
Does not fulfill the expectations of the assignment.

Key components are not included.


Assignment lacks breadth and depth.
Assimilation and Synthesis of Ideas

The extent to which the work reflects the student’s ability to-

  1. Understand the assignment’s purpose;
  2. Understand and analyze material in videos, readings, and
            discussions;
  1. Apply          presented strategies
**May include, but are not limited to, scholarly articles, collegial discussions; information from conferences, in service, faculty development, and/or meetings. .

Demonstrates the ability intellectually  to explore and/or implement key instructional concepts.

Demonstrates exceptional inclusion of major points, using creditable sources**, in addition to course videos or required readings.

Demonstrates insightful reflection and/or critical thinking.

Demonstrates a clear understanding of the assignment’s purpose.


Includes specific information from course videos or required readings to support major points.



Provides careful consideration of key instructional concepts.

Shows some degree of understanding of the assignment’s purpose.


Generally applies theories, concepts, and/or strategies correctly, with ideas unclear and/or underdeveloped


Minimally includes specific information from course videos or required readings.

Shows a lack of understanding of the assignment’s purpose.


Does not apply theories, concepts, and/or strategies



Does not include specific information from course videos or required readings.
Written Expression and Formatting

The extent to which scholarly, critical, analytical writing is presented in APA format;

Standard Edited English ( i.e. correct grammar, mechanics).

Represents scholarly writing in a correct APA format.



Work is unified around a central purpose with well-developed ideas, logically organized in paragraph structure with clear transitions.

Effective sentence variety; clear, concise, and powerful expression are evident.


Work is written in Standard Edited English. No prominent errors interfere with reading.

Work is well organized with correct APA formatting  throughout.


Ideas are clearly and concisely expressed.




Elements of effective communication such as an introduction and  conclusion are included.

Work is written in Standard Edited English with few, if any, grammatical or mechanical errors

Somewhat represents mature, scholarly, graduate-level writing, with APA generally followed.

Ideas are not clearly and concisely expressed.



Elements of effective communication such as an introduction and  conclusion are not included.


Work contains more than a few grammatical, or mechanical errors.

The quality of writing and/or APA formatting are not acceptable for graduate level work.

Major points do not reflect appropriate elements of communication.  


No effort to express ideas clearly and concisely.




Work is not written in Standard Edited English. Contains many grammatical or mechanical errors
Final Assignment Grade

A: Exemplary Work

A = 4.00; A- = 3.75

B: Graduate Level Work
B+ = 3.50; B = 3.00;
B- = 2.75
C: Minimal Work

C+ = 2.50; C = 2.00;
C- = 1.75
F: Work Submitted but Unacceptable
F = 1.00

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