RTC 9

Criterion 9: Individual Differences Respond effectively to the diverse language and cultural experiences, and the varied strengths, interests and needs of individuals and groups of ākonga Cultural competency: Tangata Whenuatanga-affirms Māori learners as Māori-provides contexts for learning where the identity, language and culture (cultural locatedness) of Māori learners and their whānau is affirmed.
Key Indicators	Reflective Questions
i. demonstrate knowledge and understanding of social and cultural influences on learning, by working effectively in the bicultural and multicultural contexts of learning in Aotearoa New Zealand ii. select teaching approaches, resources, technologies and learning and assessment activities that are inclusive and effective for diverse ākonga iii. modify teaching approaches to address the needs of individuals and groups of ākonga. Pukete School Key Indicators The teachers can articulate the individual differences and appropriate responses to differences for the children in their class.	What are important social and cultural influences on learning in this school?   What teaching approaches are effective for ensuring Māori ākonga achieve educational success as Maori?   What are the needs of different groups of ākonga at this school?   How have I incorporated this knowledge into my planning, teaching and choice of assessment approaches?   How will I best utilise the technologies and resources available to me to effectively support ākonga from diverse backgrounds?   How can I more effectively analyse and use relevant assessment data to address the needs and strengths of different ākonga?   Am I aware of the ethnic identities, languages and the cultures of my ākonga and do I acknowledge this in my interactions and teaching?   Am I engaging my ākonga in ways that affirm their cultural identity?   Am I flexible in my teaching approaches?   How can I more effectively communicate with the whānau of ākonga from diverse backgrounds and involve them more fully in their child’s learning?   How does my knowledge of the varied strengths, interests and needs of individuals and groups of ākonga influence how I teach them?   Who can I gain help and support from to better serve the needs of my ākonga, especially those from diverse backgrounds.			Appropriate differentiations are made for children’s individual differences. Examples could include planning which shows how individual needs are meet and/or IEP’s and IBP’s that show how individual differences are meet.

My Evidence	Reflection/Notes	Feedback/Feedforward
My IEP's (Targeted learners in R2) Sharing of students interests and experiences like favourite toys, experiments and instruments.	I try hard to cater for my wide range of learners and their needs and have a strong relationship with them all. I spend time on social coaching, circle time and teaching how each child is special and valued (bucket fillers). I really enjoy the sharing of students interests and experiences outside of school. I try hard to extend students when required and cater for my students that needs more support, learning and emotionally. It is a challenge to continue to do this and I appreciate the support of learning assistants when working with these students one on one. I am enjoying seeing progress in these students and tracking their progress on their own Individual learning programme. I have high behaviour expectations and strong routines in place. Goal: Try to extend my learners more often and use their ideas (student voice) and ITC tools to do so	You are able to talk about individual learning, behavioural and social needs of children in your class and you differentiate to meet these needs. You are concerned not only with their learning needs but also with their overall social and emotional wellbeing. You communicate and collaborate with outside agencies to ensure the best outcomes for your students.
Each week the student of the week gets to take home  our class owl Hoot.  They share their experiences  with us on Monday, along with a story and photo.....Blog posts of his adventures are here
Celebration of Diwali and a supportive response from a parent: