For this benchmark, use the balance of your practicum hours to inform and observe the classroom environment, dynamics, and three students.

From your observation, identify, analyze, and critique the instructional, assessment, and behavioral support strategies that affect the learning of a typical, special needs, and gifted learners.

Choose three students to observe: a typical, a special needs student, and a gifted student. Focus on one academic subject for each child.

In a 1,200-1,500-word reflection, include the following for each child:
1. Describe the classroom/student demographics, including the diversity of learners, cultural background, gender, family and community socioeconomic factors, etc. Describe how you would use this information to promote student outcomes.

2. Identify and explain the developmental milestones and multiple influences on early development and learning.

3. Describe how you would differentiate classroom instruction with the integration of a broad repertoire of developmentally appropriate teaching/learning approaches to meet the needs of the observed student. Provide specific examples of the differentiation strategies.

4. Explain what incentives and Positive Behavioral Supports (PBS) are in place within the classroom and how the observed students respond. What changes would you make to the PBS?

5. Describe how instruction, assessments (e.g., formal and informal), and behavioral supports are aligned to the early learning standards, curriculum, and learning plans goals.

6. Explain how you would build instruction that uses effective strategies and resources, including the appropriate use of technology, to meet the needs of children with special needs.

Use 3-5 scholarly resources to support your findings.
Prepare this assignment according to the APA guidelines found in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center. An abstract is not required.
This assignment uses a rubric. Please review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.

Children observed must be in per-k to 3rd grade