Artifact Reflection

Title of Artifact: Communication Log

Date Completed: September 2014 May 2015, September 2015
Artifact Description
This artifact is a communication log and IEP form provided to regular education teachers.
Wisconsin Teacher Standard Alignment
The artifact primarily aligns with Standard 6 Communication: teachers communicate well, which states, The teacher uses
effective verbal and nonverbal communication techniques as well as instructional media and technology to foster active
inquiry, collaboration, and supportive interaction in the classroom.
Communication is very important in education and in the school setting at many levels. First, communicating with parents
is vital. Letting parents know what their child is doing in the classroom, both good and bad, builds a certain level of trust
and respect. The communication log represents these parent/teacher communications for the 2014-2015 school year.
Secondly, it is extremely important to communicate and collaborate with staff. From a special education perspective,
communication with regular education staff is a necessary and often thing. I touch base with regular education staff
multiple times per week. One thing I did to communicate student IEP information was to create a shared Google folder
with them and included the IEP information for each of their students that was important for them to know and follow. In
this folder, I can make changes throughout the year, or from year to year. I am not bombarding teachers with paperwork,
it is all in one spot and I can send them a quick email to tell them when changes are made.
Teacher/student communication is also very important. A lot can be learned when students and teachers build a trustful
relationship. When students know that you are openly communicating information with them, they are able to focus on
learning.

UWP Knowledge, Skill, Disposition Statement Alignment

The artifact primarily aligns with standard KSD3.a, Communicates clearly and accurately, which states, The candidate's
spoken and written language are correct, expressive and clear, with well-chosen vocabulary that enriches teaching and
communicates thoughtfully, responsively, and effectively for a wide range of student understanding and encourages
appropriate student language development.
The artifact aligns with the standard because communicating clearly and effectively to all parties makes everyones
experience better. As a teacher, when I am able to clearly communication information, whether it is an assignment,
expectations, lessons, the students are going to take much more understanding away from the experience than if I were
communicating poorly.
Secondary Alignment:
1. KSD4.c Communicates with families
What I learned about teaching/learning from this experience:
I learned that communicating effectively to a group of students is very important. Successful communication within a
classroom of students will affect how the students learn because communicating clearly and accurately will better help
students understand the message I am trying to send. Also, communicating with teachers and parents creates a better
overall experience for the students because everyone is on the same page and knows what is expected.
What I learned about myself as a prospective educator as a result of this experience/artifact:
My ability to communicate will allow me to teach my class more successfully, giving the students a better opportunity to
learn. Making sure parents and other staff are on the same page will make the learning experience of the students even
better.