Observation 1: What are your first impressions of the classroom environment?

Is
it warm, inviting, organized, etc? Describe the physical environment in detail.
The classroom was warm, inviting and organized. Comfortable. The classroom has
useful information carefully organized on all walls. Huge current atlas map on the wall
which includes “triangular trade” and “middle passage” on the map. Great visuals. She
also had the holocaust poem, a personal journey. Lots of posters in a framed area.
“How a bill becomes a law”, “branches of government”, “Bill of Rights”. The union and
confederate states map.

Observation 2: Please describe the student make-up of the class, including

gender, ethnicity, ELL, students with physical challenges, and any other apparent
attributes that are important to note.
Period 1: diverse classroom, no students w/ any obvious challenges. Focused students.
Fairly quiet & independent. Advisory period: diverse. More rambunctious group, much
louder. Teacher had to calm them a couple of times.

Observation 3: What are the posted class rules in the room? (exactly as written)
Classroom Rules:
Classroom rules/procedures
1. Be in your seat at the bell.
2. No cell phone use.
3. No gum.
4. No food or drink.
a. Exception
i. Plain water bottle is ok.
ii. Teacher approval.
5. Bring materials every day.
6. Stay on track.
7. Bring Chromebook charged.
8. Be kind & respectful.

Observation 4: Does the teacher enforce these posted rules? Are rewards or
consequences being used for compliance or noncompliance?
Yes. She had to speak with a couple students individually. She also had to calm the
whole class down multiple times. She reminded the class to be quiet so everyone could
hear and learn. She then had to let th eclass know she was disappointed that she
couldn’t get through the lesson. Students were not taking the lesson seriously. So she
didn’t have time to let them get into groups and they ended up having to write their
responses instead of verbally. Had to have a student stand outside the classroom for
being disruptive.
Students did abide by the rules in period 1. Period 2: outburst in class with a student
who was sent out during advisory. A student not in this class yelled stating that he was
bothering him. Teacher got his name so she could “report” it. A student had to come sit
by her because he wouldn’t stop talking. “Do you have a question or are you having a
conversation?” Period 3: had to loan out a couple “loaner” tablets. Encouraged students
to raise their hand to answer. P1: “Excuse me” in a calm tone. Everyone got quiet. “Can
I please keep your attention.” said more as a statement, not a question.
ASSIGNMENT 2 (Classroom Layout): Use graph paper or drawing software to
create an accurate overhead view, labeled drawing, of your assigned classroom
before answering the questions below.

Classroom Layout Question 1:

Describe the workflow of the room. Is the space used efficiently?
I think the walkway would be better in the center of the room, or even two walkways
instead of one really wide one. That would allow the teacher to walk around freely a little
more.
Classroom Layout Question 2:
In your opinion, how can the physical arrangement of the room be improved?
As I stated previously, I think the walkway would have been better suited in the center.
I’d probably have a “hall of fame” wall to display the students' amazing work.

ASSIGNMENT 3 (Instruction):
Observe any instructional time in your assigned classroom, and record your
observations when presented with the questions below:

Instruction Question 1: What is the posted daily schedule for different subjects or
periods?
She teaches the same subject so the daily agenda is for all her classes.

Instruction Question 2: Is instruction done in small groups, centers, whole

groups, individual?
Done individually online. Also in groups, on an app called Kahoot. They stayed in their
individual seats for the group assignment.

Instruction Question 3: How would you describe your cooperating teacher’s

teaching style?
She fully utilizes technology. She also gives examples of things and she always referred
students back to where the info can be found. When they did an assignment, she made
sure to give the students the correct answers afterward so they could then use it as a
study guide.

Instruction Question 4: Does the teacher incorporate the sensory modalities

(learning styles)? If so, give examples.
Kahoot offers games. Through collaboration, students figure out who has the right
answer. Flashcards online. She provides a study guide & they did a project that had the
info they would be tested on.

Instruction Question 5: Do the students seem engaged in the lesson(s) that are
being presented? Please explain.
Yes, students seemed to be motivated by getting a good grade, so they took advantage
of the study guide/quizzes game & flashcard app.

Instruction Question 6: Are there any students isolated from the rest of the class
for any reason? Why?
One student was sent to the hall for being disruptive. Another student was made to sit
by her because he wouldn’t stop socializing.

Instruction Question 7: Is instructional time managed efficiently? Please explain

Yes. She had a clear plan of what they would be working on and provided that info
ASAP. While they got logged in she passed back graded assignments and then began
checking in with students to see if they needed help.

Instruction Question 8: How does the cooperating teacher handle transitions from
one subject or period to another, and are these transitions efficient?
So far they are the same class, doing the same thing so transitioning to the next class is
as easy as clicking back to “slide one”.

Instruction Question 9: List ways that the teacher attempts any “attention
getting” commands? (Ex: Countdown, Light flicker, Heads on Desk) How effective
are they?
She just speaks to her students to calm them down by stating firmly, but nicely, that she
needs them to settle.

Instruction Question 10: What specific behavior issues does the teacher have to
deal with? How does the teacher deal with these behavior issues? Be specific.
She had a couple of students who were very talkative and another who enjoyed making
sure the rest of the class heard his opinions on everything. She ended up sending
students to the hall to calm down and having another student sit near her to stop the
talking.

Instruction Question 11: Are there any policies or procedures in place that help or
hinder instructional time? If so, explain them and how they help or hinder use of
instructional time.
Bring charged chrome book. This helps because they do a lot online. One of the days
that I was observing, 6 students in one class brought a Chromebook that was totally
dead. She only had one loaner Chromebook so that delayed class quite a bit. She didn’t
get through roughly half of what she had gotten through in the other classes that day.
That not only distracted those who didn’t have proper supplies but also those who
showed up, ready to learn.

ASSIGNMENT 4 (Culture): Using the information provided below, carefully

observe and evaluate the culture of the school where you are assigned to
observe. Remember you are evaluating the school for its educational culture,
place of learning, sense of safety, invitation for learning, promotion of
self-actualization, development of values and socialization.

Physical Characteristics: Look at the physical areas of the school to determine

atmosphere, comfort, and feelings the school creates for students in the
educational setting.

1. Consider the school property: building, grounds, fencing, equipment,

landscaping, trees, parking lot, crosswalks, gates, signs and symbols.
The school was clean, they showed lots of school pride. Events were posted
everywhere, really adorable seasonal events. The campus felt safe, they have double
gates. Lawn is dead though. Tiny parking lot; drop off/pick up is so overly crowded.

2. Next, study the interior of the school: halls, floor coverings, lighting, doors,
windows, hall colors and decorations and entrance security.
The school seemed fairly new and modern. Well kept. Clean. Halls are school colors.
Only school colors are used.

Culture of the School: Read, listen and observe to determine the climate, values,
and atmosphere within the school.

1. Identify the school’s mission statement, motto, and mascot.

The school's mascot is a dolphin. I couldn’t find the school's mission statement or motto
though. I asked a student and got laughed at.

2. Analyze staff and visitor interactions in the main office. Note student and
faculty interactions in other areas of the school.
Front office staff are very nice, quite helpful and are on the ball. Office student helper is
professional and respectful.

3. Look at the formal practices: School bell schedule, and the grouping of
students. (ie. grades, block scheduling, periods) Does the school use inclusion,
or a pull-out program for special education students?
None of the students from the class that I observed were pulled, so I am inclined to
think they didn’t need it. However, a student walked in and was complaining to the
teacher that the student that was outside the class was bothering him. The way the
teacher spoke to that student after asking which teacher he was supposed to be with
made me think that they have a dedicated class for special education students.
4. Observe student-to-student interactions, inside and outside of the building.
Observe where students gather to socialize – lunchroom, halls, playground, etc.
No playground since it’s a middle school. Students run through the halls during lunch
and are quite ok with slamming into people. I was knocked into two of the three days I
observed. Students are very respectful when a faculty member can see them. When not
in the earshot of an adult, they are prone to use of foul language and using hurtful
words towards others.

5. Examine school traditions, achievements and awards; community recognition

or community partners; extracurricular activities/clubs and athletics. Look for
and document sources of community pride and sense of identity through
ceremonies, assemblies, trophies, and artifacts.
The school does a party for the students who maintain straight “A’s” the whole semester.
They are sent an individual invitation.

Culture of the Classroom:

Each classroom has its own culture and way of life.

1. Look for teacher(s) expectations for learning and success, interactions with
students, and his/her personality.
Provides multiple sources for students to study and learn. Allows multiple attempts at
game quizzes and tells all students to aim for 100%. Also shows students where to find
the information and encourages asking questions.

2. Evaluate the level of student participation in the class. Who participates? Who
does not? What modifications, accommodations, and/or inclusion techniques
were observed?
Serious students participated in verbally answering questions and so did some who
wanted to make the class laugh.

3. Evaluate the interactions between teachers and students, rapport,

cohesiveness, distribution of power, tone, frequency and reinforcements.
Kind and helpful. It is obvious she welcomes questions and is approachable. Makes
sure students have codes and other information that is needed.
 ASSIGNMENT 5 (Cooperating Teacher Interview):

1. What was the primary reason you became a teacher?

To be honest it was not my first choice. I wanted to go to law school, that is why I
majored in History. UNLV had just opened their law school but there was no
accreditation yet, so I did not have another option. So I went into teaching history.

2. What are the main challenges you face as a teacher?

There are always many challenges. Kids are not used to being students in a classroom.
Also, limited parent support.

3. What is the best part of being a teacher?

The best part of being a teacher is when you get letters from former students. Over the
years I have gotten letters that say I had made a difference in their school career.
Students that go out of their way to write you a thank you letter, it really means
something.

4. How do you determine where students sit in class?

Well, at first I put them in alphabetical order, boy, girl. Then as time goes on I adjust.

5. How do you determine the members of any flexible groups?

I am not sure what this question is asking? What do you mean by flexible group?

6. What assessments do you use regularly?

Students like structure, they respond well to structure. I have a quiz every other Friday.
Then there are chapter tests in between. However, I also use the ticket out the door as
an assessment as well. But, it also reviews the previous lesson at the beginning of the
next lesson.

7. What requirements are placed on you for reporting progress to parents?

There is a progress report that goes out mid-quarter. Parents and students can see their
progress at any time by looking at the grade book. However, students that are falling
behind or not doing anything require a phone call home.

8. How often do you interact with a student's parents in person, and what type of
discussions do you typically have?
Not very often. Parents or teachers can call for a conference, but they are far and few
between.

9. How much grading do you complete on a daily/weekly basis?

Personally, I give a grade for everything I ask the students to do. I try for one grade a
day. At minimum 3 grades a week.

10. How long does it take to prepare lessons for the day/week?
When I first started teaching, it took me the entire weekend to write lesson plans for the
following week. But now since I teach the same thing, it is just a matter of adjusting for
curriculum changes or a holiday. Also, it took some time to transfer everything to
Canvas.

11. What procedures or strategies do you use to maximize instructional time?

The first thing I do is to have an opening activity so the students get to work right away.
Students are not allowed out of their seats unless they sharpen a pencil.

12. What positive reinforcement strategies have you successfully used, and what
behavioral consequences seem most effective with this age group?
The school district has changed their policy on positive reinforcement. Prior I would give
free homework passes or threats. But no more homework and the focus is on intrinsic
motivation. When you set up procedures at the beginning of the year and stick to it, you
have little need for consequences. A phone call home always helps. Other than that if a
student is tardy they get detention.

13. How are specialist teachers involved in the instructional planning process?
In my situation they are not involved in the planning process.

14. How often are you evaluated, and what measurement tool is used by the
administration for determining your teaching performance?
It is a standard form used in all schools. We know in advance what they are looking for
and can plan accordingly.

15. What consequences are there if your evaluation is not favorable?

Well I never had an unfavorable evaluation. I think there is a process for improvement.

16. What surprised you most about teaching as a profession?

How hard it is to teach this particular age group. Also it surprised me how much I loved
it, even with all the chaos. You really have to wear a lot of hats as a teacher.
ASSIGNMENT 6 (Observing a student): Discretely observe one student in your
assigned classroom during an extended period of direct instruction. Detail what
was going on in the environment, and what you observed the student doing while
the lesson was being given. Make sure to document ALL behavior in relationship
to what was being presented by the classroom teacher. Please describe the
setting, the lesson that was given, if the student was on task and engaged in the
lesson, and what you uncovered about putting yourself in a lesson from the
student’s point of view.
Period 1 they all watched the slide show and video while the teacher lectured, one of
the boys in the class interrupts teacher's lecture to ask questions, is informed “that is on
the next slide”, the student always gives his opinion and complains about how
Democrats do things. Complains about California. Jokes to make other students laugh.
He spouts his conspiracy theories and the teacher stays neutral. For example, he spoke
about Trump being cheated out of the election. The teacher told him there were many
stories like that circulating. The student always seemed to be on task, however, he
always had to have his input. The teacher for the most part just kept going.

ASSIGNMENT 7 (Summary): Thoroughly summarize and reflect upon your entire

10 hour Field Observation Placement.
During my 10 hours of observation, I was there for the students to learn about the
electoral college and the constitution. The teacher teaches a regular class as well as an
AP class. However, I didn’t notice any differences in the curriculum from one class to the
next. The only difference I did notice, was the AP classes students were a lot more
well-behaved and serious about their learning. They needed much less direction and
seemed very interested in being the one who had the highest score, while at the same
time rooting other students on. They were very supportive of each other. The classroom
had a walkway on the far left side of the classroom which sort of made it hard to get
around. The teachers' area was the whole front of the classroom with an opening in the
middle, I think it would have been a little more functional had the walkway been in the
middle as well. The classroom was really overcrowded with desks which seemed odd
since the three classes I observed had quite a few empty desks at all times. The
textbook stayed in the classroom on the desks. I really liked that since it was one less
thing for the students to have to carry with them. They do most of their work online in
the class anyway so I think it’s also available as an eText as well. The classroom was
decorated with lots of historical things. I didn’t notice any student work on the walls at all
though. The day's agenda was on the board clear for everyone to see. When students
came in, they were greeted and each class sat down and started getting started. The
teacher had a “today in history” slide show which included a slide about what that day
was celebrating. For example, one of the days I was there was national turkey day. I
thought it was really cute to get that kind of information. The teacher showed me how
she uses different apps and websites for her lessons. One of them she created a few
different games, practice quizzes, and readings. It was organized and well planned. She
also showed me how she was able to see how many times each student did the games.
They were required to do 6 of the things for each lesson minimum. If a student hasn't
done any, she is able to send reminders to them. The entire time I was in her class I
was writing notes. I was inspired in many ways. There are quite a few things I would
want to implement into my own classroom, while other things I saw I would try to
improve upon. The walkway being on the far left seemed really out of place and also,
not very safe if there was ever a fire.