~ Goal Statement Reflection ~
A Glance Back
by Amy Strange
Upon reflecting back on the professional goals that I came up with when entering my Masters of Arts in Education program, there have been some changes to my goals as I have progressed through my program.
My first goal was to increase my knowledge and understanding of how to teach children with disabilities. I feel like this goal has been achieved through my exposure to the following: learning how to structure, organize, and subsequently manage a classroom; learning how to identify, prevent, and manage behaviors in a classroom; learning how to accommodate for different learners through the differentiation of instructional techniques; learning how to accommodate for different learners by modifying the methods, expectations, or environment in which these students operate; learning how to foster creativity within a classroom; and learning about social-emotional development of children.
My second goal was to learn additional techniques, strategies, and procedures to use with children in the classroom. This goal has also been achieved due to the establishment of a toolbox of strategies that can be utilized with children with disabilities. Some of these strategies include the following: utilizing behavioral contracts in the classroom, implementing reinforcement systems in the classroom, creating peer-assisted learning opportunities, and implementing home notes systems.
My third goal was to increase my understanding of the typical development of children in order to help increase my ability to better assess the strengths and deficits of children with disabilities. Completing the courses in my MAED program has led to an increase in my knowledge of the development of children's cognition, social-emotional skills, language skills, play skills, literacy skills, and general academic skills according to the California state standards.
My final goal was to complete a master's program that afforded me the opportunity to create an equitable balance between my academic, professional, and personal responsibilities. Although there were some semesters where this balancing act was challenging, overall I feel that this program allowed me to achieve this goal as well.
Upon reflecting back on the professional goals that I came up with when entering my Masters of Arts in Education program, there have been some changes to my goals as I have progressed through my program.
My first goal was to increase my knowledge and understanding of how to teach children with disabilities. I feel like this goal has been achieved through my exposure to the following: learning how to structure, organize, and subsequently manage a classroom; learning how to identify, prevent, and manage behaviors in a classroom; learning how to accommodate for different learners through the differentiation of instructional techniques; learning how to accommodate for different learners by modifying the methods, expectations, or environment in which these students operate; learning how to foster creativity within a classroom; and learning about social-emotional development of children.
My second goal was to learn additional techniques, strategies, and procedures to use with children in the classroom. This goal has also been achieved due to the establishment of a toolbox of strategies that can be utilized with children with disabilities. Some of these strategies include the following: utilizing behavioral contracts in the classroom, implementing reinforcement systems in the classroom, creating peer-assisted learning opportunities, and implementing home notes systems.
My third goal was to increase my understanding of the typical development of children in order to help increase my ability to better assess the strengths and deficits of children with disabilities. Completing the courses in my MAED program has led to an increase in my knowledge of the development of children's cognition, social-emotional skills, language skills, play skills, literacy skills, and general academic skills according to the California state standards.
My final goal was to complete a master's program that afforded me the opportunity to create an equitable balance between my academic, professional, and personal responsibilities. Although there were some semesters where this balancing act was challenging, overall I feel that this program allowed me to achieve this goal as well.
- "...my goal is to expand my knowledge of the educational process, and how it translates to teaching children with disabilities."
- "I want to learn additional techniques, strategies and procedures to use with children who are in special education programs."
- "Furthermore, I hope to increase my understanding of the typical development of children so that I can better assess the deficits and strengths of children with disabilities."
- ..."I am looking for a master's program that is conducive to balancing my professional and academic responsibilities, and that offers a flexible schedule."
~ Professional Goal Statement
April 30, 2009
| Professional Goal Statement |
