Portfolio—Teaching, Public Education
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Portfolio| Teaching, Public Education
Allen (Texas) ISD
Freshman English
I led my Pre-AP (advanced level) Freshman English students to consistently high passing rates on their Freshman English STAAR EOC exam, including a 100% passing rate in 2015 (compared to state’s 81% and Allen ISD’s 90%).
Syllabus specifying curriculum for this college-prep course at Allen (Texas) High School plus requirements for assignments, conduct, grading, etc. The English Department supplied basic info, but each teacher created his/her own syllabus; this was mine.
This will give you an idea of the rigorous requirements for college prep courses that both I and my students had to meet in this consistently top-rated, large (1,400 students per high school grade) Texas school district.
(Click the image to see the PDF.)
I handed a copy of this letter to each student on their last day of school.
(Click the image to see the PDF.)
Writing Strategies Course
Developed and taught new Writing Strategies course for students at high risk of failing the Freshman English STAAR End-of-Course (EOC) state-required exam. Result—this became the first year that many passed a state-required writing exam; all went from struggling to write a few sentences to writing well-flowing essays by year end. Developed diagnostic pretests and posttests to analyze weaknesses and monitor progress; used Eduphoria learning management system plus MS Excel to frequently analyze performance trends; adapted instruction at least weekly based on data analysis and feedback.
"Lauri, you have done an amazing job for your students! Your passion and commitment to their success has been so evident throughout the year.” –Liz Schultz, District ELA Instructional Specialist.
Technology
I weekly created custom lessons for online apps such as Poll Everywhere and Kahoot to use student phones as input devices, enabling real-time student collaboration and immediate feedback on electronic classroom whiteboard. Developed method to use iPhone conferencing app to implement and document Individual Education Plans for special ed/disability students, making this time-intensive task far easier. Created robust custom website updated daily with assignments, examples (including multimedia), key lesson videos, resources, deadlines, and calendar.