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 is built on a very accessible corner, in between residential areas. The field is large
and also holds a brand new building used for kindergarten through 2nd grade students. It has
two stories and features a nice small playground separate from the other playground for older
students. The courtyard is home to a desert tortoise, the landscape is closed in but allows
sunlight to flow trough and as it was explained to me, is used for science activities as well as a
sort of calm area for students and staff to use.

2. Next, study the interior of the school: halls, floor coverings, lighting, doors, windows, hall
colors and decorations and entrance security. >>>

The entrance is long with multiple double doors which leads to a small lobby in between
another set of doors that remained locked from the outside to keep unwanted visitors out. Upon
entry, to the left is the main office. The halls are built with windows and allows a very pretty
view for students, as well as provides a sort of feeling of freedom. The halls are covered with
different art and literature made from the students and some pictures of the students of the
month and rewards.

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. >>>

Goldfarb s diverse community strives to support all learners with reaching their full potential.
This mission statement shows their dedication to teaching every student with no regard to their
diversities. Their mascot is a bob cat, they use this mascot to compare the characteristics of a
bob cat in relation to their students, reflecting on the intelligence of a bob cat, the resilience of a
bob cat, the independence, things like that.

2. Analyze staff and visitor interactions in the main office. Note student and faculty interactions in
other areas of the school. >>>

The staff was incredibly kind and welcoming, they were excited that students were interested in
becoming teachers within this political climate and the different job opportunities, they made it
 very clear that the need for teachers is dyer.

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? >>>

Grades are separated between “pods” for example there is five classrooms in one wing of the
school all dedicated to 3rd grade and so on. The special classes such as music, art, etc. are
located centrally so all pods can access them easily. There are bells to begin class, start recesses
and end class.

4. Observe student-to-student interactions, inside and outside of the building. Observe where
students gather to socialize – lunchroom, halls, playground, etc. >>>

Students gather as a classroom at one table when eating lunch then are released for recess.
They are able to access the playground as well as basketball and tether ball as well as an extra
activity that the Physical education teacher has set out for the day. The areas always look very
clean and well maintained.

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 hosts many festivals for holidays and seasons, they had a harvest festival and will
soon host a winter wonderland festival for students and parents to attend and even open it to
the surrounding community. They do have a student of the month award and the student is
able to have a lunch with the principal. Assemblies are also conducted for academic awards at
the end of either semesters or quarters.

6. Compare and contrast the current school environment and culture with schools in the historical
past. >>>

The school is very dedicated to learning as well as to offering a sense of community, which is
different from past practices were school was not necessarily a means for fun. They also offer
each child with free meals which has not always been the case in the past. I’ve seen trays taken
from students who are not able to pay for their meals.

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. >>>

Mrs. Sonson has a very gentle approach to her students, she does not yell and I feel that helps
create a strong calm relationship between her and her students. She is very kind and her
 students also replicate this behavior.

2. Evaluate the level of student participation in the class. Who participates? Who does not? What
modifications, accommodations, and/or inclusion techniques were observed? >>>

All the kids seem very excited, sometimes too excited to participate in class activities. The
instructor also gives them the opportunity to but maintains a one person at a time speaking
method.

3. Evaluate the interactions between teachers and students, rapport, cohesiveness, distribution of
power, tone, frequency and reinforcements. >>>

Mrs. Sonson seems to have great classroom control, I believe this is because she allows the
children to be somewhat responsible for themselves and she holds them accountable when they
aren’t.