Strengthening preservice educator reflective practice through the use of personnel preparation standards

ABSTRACT Reflective practice is foundational in what preservice educators should know and be able to do as noted in professional preparation standards for Early Childhood Education (ECE) and Early Intervention/Early Childhood Special Education (EI/ECSE). Reflection aids preservice educators in connecting course content with field and clinical experiences thus strengthening their preparation. The authors demonstrate how one blended ECE and EI/ECSE preparation program integrates professional preparation standards into a framework for enhanced reflection.Data from reflection assignments from over 130 preservice educators across 9 years has been collected and analyzed. Data retrieved from this assignment represents impact data and is used by the faculty to not only monitor and support individual preservice educator growth but also for continuous improvement for the blended preparation program. With reflection prompts aligned with professional standards, program faculty are able to identify areas of strength and growth in accordance with the standards for both the candidates and program. Detailed discussion of this pedagogical approach for candidate reflection as well as continuous program improvement is provided in order for other programs to replicate and adapt to strengthen reflective practice and collect program assessment data for their own continuous improvement.