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UNC Charlotte College of Education Conceptual Framework |
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RISING
TO THE CHALLENGE: DEVELOPING
EXCELLENT PROFESSIONALS (2ND
Edition, 2004) Executive
Summary of the Conceptual Framework for Education of Professional Educators
at UNC What are the
characteristics of excellent professionals who graduate from UNC 1. Knowledgeable Ø demonstrate highly advanced knowledge
of human development and of student needs Ø demonstrate highly advanced knowledge
of curriculum and content Ø demonstrate highly advanced knowledge
of expectations within a variety of educational environments for P-12
children/youth/young adults and their
families, as well as state standards for P12 learners, instructional
contexts, social contexts, and societal goals Ø make links among theory, research and
practice as well as between content and pedagogy Ø demonstrate knowledge, high regard and adherence
to the ethical standards of their field Ø expand their professional knowledge
through the use of technological resources 2.
Effective Ø use justifiable, appropriate strategies
well grounded in research and the wisdom of practice within their respective
disciplines Ø apply their knowledge to planning,
goal-setting, implementation, and continuous assessment Ø use data to make professional decisions Ø demonstrate a positive impact on P-12
student learning either through teaching or through the establishment of educational
environments that support student learning 3.
Reflective Ø demonstrate excellence in their
reflective educational decision-making Ø demonstrate reflective self evaluation
skills Ø demonstrate flexibility and
adaptability Ø engage in continuous improvement of
professional practice 4.
Responsive to Equity/Diversity Ø apply their knowledge and skills to
foster educational environments that are respectful of diverse backgrounds
and cultures Ø promote positive, supportive
educational environments that are respectful of and responsive to individual
differences Ø provide developmentally appropriate,
age appropriate, individually appropriate, and culturally responsive
instruction Ø practice inclusive professional
practices that respond effectively to the educational needs of all
children/youth/young adults Ø hold high expectations for all
children/youth/young adults and provide high levels of support for high
achievement Ø recognize that equity and social
justice are enhanced through education 5.
Collaborative Ø value the collective contribution of
others in their efforts to provide excellent programs and services Ø demonstrate effective communication,
decision making, problem solving and interactive teaming skills. Ø work in partnership with families, communities,
and colleagues for the benefit of children/youth/young adults 6.
Leaders Ø demonstrate leadership in the
improvement of professional practice at a variety of levels Ø communicate effectively their
professional knowledge to others Ø engage
in policy decisions that have positive impacts on P-12
children/youth/young adults The Knowledge Bases of
Professional Education Programs at UNC Excellent professionals possess a comprehensive knowledge base
that is comprised of conceptual knowledge,
pedagogical knowledge, and reflective
knowledge. Conceptual knowledge relates
to the individual’s broad knowledge base as well as a more specialized
knowledge base in their content field and knowledge of how human beings learn
and develop. Pedagogical knowledge entails
the understanding of methods of effective teaching: knowledge of how to teach
subject matter and knowledge of how to teach the subject matter to specific
learners, with attention to individual differences. Reflective
knowledge enables cogent evaluation of teaching practice,
including self-appraisal. Excellent professionals understand how to blend these
types of knowledge in actuating teaching and learning in positive ways. Excellent professionals make
connections between the knowledge base and the uses of this knowledge. Four particular uses of knowledge are
emphasized within professional education programs at UNC Charlotte: v Excellent professionals use knowledge
to provide effective instruction in order
to have a positive impact on P-12 student learning v Excellent professionals use knowledge
to respond to the needs of P-12 learners
and to provide developmentally appropriate, age appropriate, individually
appropriate, and culturally responsive instruction v Excellent professionals use knowledge
to collaborate with families,
communities, and colleagues to benefit children, youth, and young adults v Excellent professionals use knowledge
to provide effective leadership for the
improvement of professional practice at a variety levels for the benefit of
children, youth, and young adults. In summary, UNC Charlotte develops excellent
professionals who are knowledgeable, effective, reflective, responsive to
equity and diversity, collaborative, and who are leaders in their profession.
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