The document discusses the comprehensive nature of adolescent development, highlighting the importance of physical, socioemotional, and cognitive growth in educational settings. It outlines requirements for a benchmark essay that examines the impact of cognitive and social development on learning, the significance of individual and cultural considerations in instruction, and the role of school, community, and family support. Additionally, it emphasizes the effective use of technology in facilitating student success and creativity.

1. Adolescent development is broad and wide-ranging, including
physical, socioemotional, and cognitive growth. It is important
to have an understanding of cognitive and social development in
order to meet the diverse needs of adolescent students.
For this benchmark assignment, consider information learned
regarding physical development and integrate it with your
understanding of the social/emotional and cognitive changes
occurring during adolescence.
Write a 750-1,000 word essay addressing the following
concerns:
In what ways do cognitive and social development affect
learning? How do individuality, identity development, and
personal behavior affect learning differences and development?
How can diverse strengths, interests, and needs of adolescents
be accounted for when designing developmentally appropriate
instruction that advances learning?
What is the significance of providing an environment that
brings multiple perspectives into the discussion of content?
What considerations should be made for the cultural norms and
the personal, family, and community experiences of students?
Why are school, community, and family supports critical to
student learning and the overall well-being of adolescents? How
can ongoing support from these stakeholders be assured?
How can technology reinforce learning experiences? How can a
teacher ensure appropriate use of digital tools in the classroom?

2. In what ways might digital tools support student success and
creativity in a collaborative, student-focused classroom
environment?
Support your essay with a minimum of three scholarly
resources.
Prepare this assignment according to the APA guidelines found
in the APA Style Guide, located in the Student Success Center.
An abstract is not required.
Benchmark Information:
MA in Secondary Education
This benchmark assignment assesses the following
programmatic competencies [and professional standards]:
1.1: Create developmentally appropriate instruction that takes
into account individual students’ strengths, interests, and needs
and that enables each student to advance and accelerate his or
her learning. [InTASC 1(a), 1(b), 1(d), 1(e), 1(h), 1(i), 1(j);
ISTE-T 2b; MC3]
1.3: Bring multiple perspectives to the discussion of content,
including attention to students’ personal, family, and
community experiences and cultural norms. [InTASC 2(d), 2(j),
2(n), 4(m), 5(p), 10(m); MC1, MC3, MC5]
4.3: Working collaboratively with school colleagues, teacher
candidates build ongoing connections with community resources
to enhance student learning and well-being. [InTASC 9(d),
10(e), 10(l), 10(r); MC1, MC4]