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My pre and post tests to kindergarten students did not show statistically significant data on word count...even though many students significantly said more.  I did see students increase their statements with evidence and adjective count.

I look forward to seeing how students post test at the end of the school year.

o   How have individual students grown/changed over the course of their short VTS experience?

I have seen my students make subtle but continued growth over the past semester.  Students are eager to share and have grown more patient as they wait their turn.  Students have remained kind and polite as they agree and disagree with one another.  I have not had any students respond to one another in rude or disrespectful ways.

o   How has your focus class grown/changed over the course of their short VTS experience?

This group has been great to work with.  I have some very bright students and some that have been apprehensive.  It has been fun to see all students grow.  My focus has changed as my VTS skill set has expanded.  I am interested to see what my unskilled VTS lessons from last year look like.  I think my work on linking and paraphrasing has allowed my class to grow.  I know students are now starting their statements with "I am thinking" and starting to agree and disagree with one another.  This shows me they are listening.  

o   How have you as a teacher and your teaching practice grown/changed over the course of the semester?

I have paid closer attention to what my students notice in the work.  I listen intently to their words so that I can paraphrase their statements.  I get to know students a little bit better.  In the past, I did not work on the paraphrasing portion of VTS and my lessons were weaker for it.  I have grown in my VTS skills, paraphrasing and linking.  By reflecting, I have found that limiting student answers to one or two observations, I am more successful at paraphrasing.   I look forward to continuing this growth in the spring semester.