The artifact I chose to highlight Conceptual Framework is a thematic unit I created in EDUC 665, Learning Theory and Instruction.  The idea of thematic instruction is to plan a curricular unit that pertains to a particular theme.  While studying the introduced theme, students are making real world connections, and relating to real-world issues while preparing them to function outside of the classroom.  This form of instruction also allows for integration of technology that motivates the students.  This thematic unit is based on how one would react to a medical situation in a foreign country.   The performance assessment includes interacting at a doctor’s office and a hospital, which incorporates standards from the Georgia Performance Standards and the American Council of Teaching Foreign Language.  By creating a standards-based unit that covers the subject area and contains numerous styles of assessments, students are afforded the opportunity to succeed.  This artifact demonstrates my ability to plan, implement, evaluate and reflect which is the essence of VCSU’s conceptual framework. All of this information directly relates to NBPTS Core Proposition 2:Teachers know the subjects they teach and how to teach those subjects to students.

This artifact also connects closely with NBPTS proposition 1: Teachers are committed to students and their learning.  The task of creating a thematic unit entails much thought and creativity. This artifact shows the commitment I have to my students and their success.

In the future I plan to use the backward design method to improve learning and instruction.  Incorporating VCSU’s Conceptual Framework will directly enhance student learning as it allows me to design instruction based on anticipated results.