Core Abilities Self Assessment & Reflection

Instructional Assistant Practicums

In addition to specific job-related training, NWTC has identified core abilities that are transferable and go
beyond the context of a specific course. This will help you reflect on your actions, responsibilities, and
behavior that is important to prepare you to enter the workforce.
You will receive a score from your cooperating teacher and a score from your practicum instructor at the end of
the semester. In addition, you will self-assess your own performance in the core abilities on this form. You will
be scored on how well you reflect on your performance of the core abilities on how well you understand what
behaviors indicate the core abilities, and the examples you provide of your performance. This self-evaluation
and the evaluation from your cooperating teacher is required to pass the IA Practicum course.

Under each of the seven Core Abilities is a bulleted list of behaviors and characteristics to assess student
achievement in each of the Core Abilities. Indicate with a Yes or N.O. if you have shown evidence of each
behavior. Then use the following point scale to rate the your performance on each of the seven Core
Abilities:
2 All or most of the components of this core ability are being performed
1 Some of the components of this core ability are being performed
0 None of the components of this core ability are being performed

Student Name ___Tanya Smith______________________________________________________________ Practicum # _2___________

Cooperating Teacher Signature _________________________________________________________________
Core Ability
Communicate
effectively

Date _12/6/15___________

Evidence of Performance of the Core Ability

Communicates to cooperating teacher the NWTC IA programs expectations of practicum student
performance. Offers answers, ideas, and comments to problems and questions posed in class or
discussions.
Uses Standard English in all communications (email, phone, discussions, assignments and at practicum
site).
Asks relevant questions and engages in reflective discussion with cooperating teacher about students,
classroom routines, activities and teaching duties.
Uses active listening skills with students, parents, and staff at practicum site.
Uses appropriate verbal and non-verbal techniques to communicate effectively with students at practicum
site.
Asks for clarification and communicates concerns with cooperating teacher.
Is friendly and confident in communicating with families and staff at practicum site.
Offers answers, ideas, and comments to problems and questions posed in class or discussions.
Written work is completed according to expectations for the course and conveys thoughts, ideas and
information clearly.
Reflect on what this core ability means to you and give examples of how you have communicated effectively:

When Mrs. Overeem was absent she was able to communicate with me via email to let me know that she was
not going to be into school and than send me a copy of the schedule for the next day just as she was able to
send a copy of the schedule to the other Para. Throughout my placement I had learned some sign language
because for the most part the to students that I was working with are none verbal and they either used sign
language, pecs pictures or they are starting to talk some, which I think is awesome.

Yes
x

N.O.

x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
Points earned
0

Think
critically and
creatively

Applies basic child development principles to work at practicum site.

Sensitive in choosing appropriate times to observe and record, and to participate and help in classroom
activities.
Able to adjust environment, activities, teaching strategies and responses to meet the needs, abilities and
interests of the students.
Able to brainstorm with cooperating teacher regarding teaching strategies, classroom duties and student
issues.
Performance in the classroom demonstrates understanding and application best practices in education.
Takes risks in attempting activities with students and in front of adults.
Able to observe children objectively and make interpretations that are accurate and based on knowledge of
development and of the child.
Reflect on what this core ability means to you and give examples of how you think critically and creatively:

x
x
x
x
x
x
Points earned

There were times when there were three of us in the classroom and when the student would start to act out two
adults already trying to help that student defuse was enough adding a third person and a third voice would only
make that student more frustrated or feel like they are being ganged up on. So unless asked to step in when
there was already two people there I sat and observed how the student responded and how they were acting to
what they were saying. There was a time when the calm soft voice was the one that was the one that the
student needed and chose to listen to and sometimes that is all children need I believe instead of all the
commands and rules.

Solve
problems
effectively

Attends to problem situations as they occur and avoids procrastination.

Uses various resources when solving problems.
Uses cooperating teacher and/or instructor to relate problem or dilemma and seek solutions.
Asks questions when necessary and does not dwell on one problem for too long.

x
x
x
x

 Uses journals and/or communication with instructor to relay problem or dilemma.

Uses resources provided in class to help learn about typical problems or dilemmas in the field.
Reflect on what this core ability means to you and give examples of how you have solved problems
effectively:

x
x
Points earned
0

My cooperating teacher was great to work with and we communicated well together as well as I learned a lot
from her. I am very glad for my journal writing because I was also able to get some advice from my instructor
as well on different situations that were coming up.

Work
cooperatively
and
professionally

Works well as part of a team with cooperating teacher and other staff at practicum site; ready to perform
specific daily duties such as preparing, presenting, or cleaning up after eating, activities, or play.
Adheres to School and District Policies.
Maintains confidentiality in and out of classroom.
Consults with cooperating teacher in planning the activities and work assigned by NWTC instructor.
Is prepared, organized and carries out activities and tasks as planned.
Is considerate of program and staff in making decisions regarding utilization of resources at practicum site;
plans projects, assignments and activities to minimize waste at practicum site.
Reflect on what this core ability means to you and give examples of how you have worked cooperatively and
professionally:

x
x
x
x
x
x
Points earned
0

The team that we have in the classroom now is absolutely fantastic and works out great for the students. The
students are thriving when all the adults are working as a team and more is able to get done with and for the
students in lessons plans.

Value
individual
differences

Is courteous and respectful to students.

Is courteous and respectful to adults (cooperating teacher, other staff, and families).
Is non-judgmental and values self and others.

x
x
x

and abilities

Demonstrates empathy, respect and honesty.

Encourages, values and appreciates ALL viewpoints (including those of students, families and staff at
practicum site).
Employs culturally sensitive language and nonverbal communication appropriate for the setting.
Reflect on what this core ability means to you and give examples of how you have valued individual
differences and abilities:

x
x
x
Points earned
0

I am always walking around and saying good morning, good afternoon or just hello, also if anyone needs a
helping hand always willing to help out.

Demonstrate
personal
accountability

Comes to practicum site prepared (notebook, activities, materials required, etc.).

Arrives to every practicum on time and stays the whole time and comes back from breaks on time.
Follows directions given by cooperating teacher and completes assigned tasks as requested.
Shows initiative at practicum site.
Adheres to cooperating teachers schedule and helps to keep schedule on track as expected.
Gives advanced notice of missing practicum for unavoidable situations.
Adheres to school policy rules and regulations regarding dress, conduct, and communication at practicum
site.
Utilizes approprate skills necessary for working with students.
Completes all assigned tasks in class and outside of class.
Turns in completed assignments on time to instructor as required online or face to face.
Completes all observations and assignment tasks as instructed as scheduled.
Demonstrates self awareness in class and practicum site and is able to recognize and adjust own behavior if
it becomes disruptive (e.g. cell phone use, non-class related computer use, excessive side conversations,
comments or discussion not related to class topic, etc.).
Reflect on what this core ability means to you and give examples of how you have demonstrated personal
accountability:
I always have come to my placement with my tote bag with required materials and then some also always
show up early and most always stay after the time expected. Definetly follow the dress code.

x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x
x

Points earned
0

Demonstrate
community
and global
accountability

Employs culturally sensitive language and nonverbal communication appropriate for work setting.
Expresses sensitivity towards and respect for the complex range of people including abilities, ethnicity,
gender, social class, religion, nationality, and age.
Considerate of the world view of staff and families in practicum site and the larger community.
Is a positive representative of NWTC and the Instructional Assistant program.
Reflect on what this core ability means to you and give examples of how you have demonstrated community
and global accountability:
To me we are all alike we all get up and put our jeans on the same way there is no one person better than the
other in this world, I treat everyone with kindness. I am proud to be a student of NWTC and proud to represent
NWTC when I am out there in my placement.
Total points

x
x
x
x
Points earned
0

_____/ 14

Scoring Standard
You must achieve a rating of at least 1 on each criterion to demonstrate competence.
Rating Scale
No (0): Learner did not meet requirement. Criterion is missing, incorrect or incomplete
Yes (1): Learner met criterion adequately
Ex (2): Excellence-Learner exceeded requirements of criterion with high level of thought and meaningful reflection
Scoring Guide Criteria

Self-Score

Instructor Score

Self assessment and Reflection includes student name, practicum number and class number
and

No 0 Yes 1 2

No 0 Yes 1 2

Self assessment and Reflection was submitted on time.

No 0 Yes 1 2

No 0 Yes 1 2

Self assessment and Reflection shows understanding of the importance of the core abilities.

No 0 Yes 1 2

No 0 Yes 1 2

Self assessment and Reflection includes thoughtful, appropriate examples of behaviors that
illustrate each of the core abilities.
Self assessment is submitted electronically and scoring guide is included and self score is

No 0 Yes 1 2

No 0 Yes 1 2

No 0 Yes 1 2

No 0 Yes 1 2

completed.
Total Points and Comments if necessary:

________/10

________/10