Discussion - Identified growth and development milestones

Discussion Question

In this course, you have identified growth and development milestones for children birth through age 8. In your Signature Assignment, you will demonstrate a deeper understanding of growth and development in a selected age group, including practical strategies and applications to support the typical and atypical learner in the selected range. In this lesson, we have discussed the scholar-leader-practitioner model and how it embraces the interplay between theory and practice, emphasizing the importance of teachers assuming each of the three roles: scholar – being aware of current research and public policy; leader – engaging in positive leadership roles connected to the profession; and practitioner – connectivity to practical application. Using this as a premise, you will complete a peer review. The goal of this assignment is twofold. First, it will allow you time for inward reflection on your role in the process to support all students’ growth and development through the use of research-based best practice. Weaving together learning from the previous lessons, you will develop an essay that speaks to how you will serve as a scholar, leader, and practitioner to best meet the needs of the birth through grade 3 learner. Second, and of equal importance, you will have the opportunity to engage in a peer review with a classmate, reviewing their self-analysis and providing deeply meaningful feedback. You will wear two hats for this assignment: reflector and responder. For both roles, be purposeful and intentional with your compositions, employing master’s level writing throughout.

Develop a 2 - 3 page essay addressing the following:

Select an early childhood context (preschool caregiver, kindergarten teacher, etc) and provide an overview of how each of the roles (scholar, leader, and practitioner) can be applied in the targeted environment. Provide at least two specific examples of how you can implement each role. Provide research-based strategies/approaches for how you can embrace the role of scholar, leader, and practitioner. For example, for one idea, you may say “In my role as preschool director, I will advance my role as leader through the use of relevant Professional Learning Communities (PLCs). Since the goal of PLCs is to ensure students learn (DuFour, 2004), we will form groups targeted on specific early learning standards. The formation of PLCs will support student learning while nurturing staff collaboration. A second way I can grow in my role as teacher leader is…..”

You will complete this for all three branches of the Scholar-Leader-Practitioner model, ending with six total strategies/approaches to support your growth.