Dixie State University expects their education department students to provide evidence of growth and document that growth,

using a foundation tool called the DESERT Model. My E-Portfolio provides a display case to show some of the benchmark documentation to support my qualification as a competent, caring and qualified educator. My competency is displayed in my effective demonstration of preparing and delivering a lesson during my student teaching experience. In my (DM5), the lesson plan parallels the Utah Core Curriculum Standard 3: Document personal growth as a musician. This lesson identifies my classroom contextual factors and recognizes the students with special needs. I included accommodations in this lesson for these students which I believe were vital to their understanding and comprehension. Examples are, reading aloud all of the hand-out, asking multiple students to describe what was being learned in their own words and using the internet to show students examples which words could not do justice (DM1). I also implemented SIOP Strategies to include vocabulary, incorporate reading and small group activities which tied directly to subject content. My formative and summative assessment gave evidence that my extra efforts of accommodations for those with and without special needs paid off and provided support that the objectives were being met. As a performance driven class my objectives always include students success as performers. Whether its classroom procedures/routines or assisting a students learning with a simple VIP (DM4), all of these are created and in place prior to a student ever stepping foot into my classroom and are evidence of my preparation, thoughtfulness and caring for all my students, diverse or not. For instance, my classroom rules are G.R.O.W., which is an acronym: G Give your best, R Respect yourself and others, O Order is a product of good behavior and W Work is expected to GROW, these rules are in place to assist students in understanding that following rules has a personal positive result (DM4) Standard 3. Additional evidence that caring for students is a high priority for me is

my participation in a special needs dance where I volunteered my time and equipment to provide the music (DM1). I enjoy making a difference in the lives of our future generations. As stated in my Philosophy of Music Education, Our children are owed the opportunity to be taught a language that speaks to the heart, soul and mind. If it werent for caring about the next generation all of my educational efforts would be for naught. It is critical when gaining an education that one must receive and display or prove that a level of competency is met. Benchmarks are set by education establishments locally, state wide and nationally, which are important in striving for quality educators. I have received an overall GPA of 3.7 from my institution of learning and have passed the state mandated Praxis Exam for music content K-12, (Appendix). These accomplishments combined with my life skills and experience, give those who wish to employ me confidence in my abilities. I display evidence in my resume (Resume) and my reflection of those who have been instrumental in my path of education as a career (Biographical Sketch). As I reflect on my E-Portfolio, I am reminded of those who have been instrumental in my life long journey to become a teacher. My support group includes my parents, spouse, family, teachers and friends. These individuals have a very diverse history and a plethora of challenges that I can draw from and relate to my classroom. My E-Portfolio has been a valuable extension of all of those who have and will have impact in my life as an educator. It is a reflection of my growth as a student. My E-Portfolio signifies a culmination of data reflecting my competence, caring and qualifications as a student of education.