Assignment 4

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

trees, parking lot, crosswalks, gates, signs, and symbols. >>.

A: the school from outside looks to have been renovated recently. Looks as though a
lot of attention was put into making the school look aesthetically beautiful. I can tell
this by the beautiful garden this sits out front just inside the gates. The parking lot is
rather small because the school itself is rather small. One of the smallest schools I’ve
seen as a matter of fact. The school is on a small side street that is hidden from the
Main Street. (desert inn) The gate is blue and is open only being close shut with blue
pegs in the ground. I feel all these details paint a relaxed and somehow nostalgic
atmosphere. It reminds me a lot of how schools were when I was a boy. Not too
much overwhelming technology or anything like that.

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

A: The lighting inside the school is well lit and bright. The halls are mildly decorated
but the class doors seem to be very well decorated by each classroom. The front
office is off to the side of the main entrance and has a buzzer for people to come in.
This is where I get my visitors pass and directions to the class. The floors inside the
build are regular carpet nothing too special but like I said before, nostalgic.

Consider the factors of school culture (climate, mood, tone, standards). Describe
how you felt visiting the school, walking down the hallways and inside the
classroom. What do you think student feel regarding this school’s culture? >>>

A: I felt a warm and open environment walking down the halls. I was
constantly greeted by both students and staff as I passed by. Children were
always on their best behavior and follow the instructions well. Overall I felt a
sense of respect by both students and staff which is a rare thing to find in
elementary schools.
What is the school’s motto? How does the school demonstrate the motto? Give
examples

A: Couldn’t find a motto but I did find their mission statement. “Will Beckley
Elementary School is a community of students, parents, and staff obligated to
engage students in multiple opportunities to master academic and social
connections by providing essential experiences for students to reach their full
potential as competent members of society.”

The social part of that statement is easy to understand. Easily this is the friendliest
school I’ve been too and even in my own classroom the students were always trying
to help one another.

Did the students, teachers and staff seem friendly, happy and approachable for
students, parents and visitors? >>>

Every time I walked down the halls I was warmly greeted by staff and students. Not
once did I feel awkward or unwanted.

4. 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?

Some of the students in my class would have about 1-2 hours in general Ed
classrooms. They would eventually return to class after that. My class was also
made up of students from 3rd-5th grade.

5. Compare and contrast current school cultural environment with school

historically. >>>
I think now we are beginning to see a more accepting culture portrayed by
student. Sure, I noticed some teasing and what not but overall, students have
become more accepting of each other. Back in my day, special Ed students
were bullied and laughed at. At this school everyone is so quick to help each
other.
Culture of the Classroom: Observe and listen to the interactions between students,
students and teacher.
1. Does it appear that students feel safe enough to ask the teacher questions?. >>>

The student have a comfortable relationship with Ms. Martinez . She has built
up a level of respect that is quite astounding especially when a lot of these kids
have behavior issues. Not only are kids comfortable enough to ask questions
about class but also about personal goals. I heard a lot of students ask Ms.
Martinez if they are on track to get out of special Ed permanently. The student
in this class show great ambition towards their goal.

2. Evaluate the interactions between teachers and students, rapport, cohesiveness,

distribution of power, tone, frequency and reinforcements. >>>

Sometimes the kids will try to assert dominance in the class room. Most of the
time it doesn’t work but due to the low number of workers in the school,
sometimes it gets to much to handle. For example, one day a student name
Naomi who normally has behavioral problems, acted out that day. Miss
Martinez tried to keep control but she also had no assistance teacher that day.
When Ms. Martinez call for a hall monitor, the two that were working were
already tied up. As for a rapport, I see most students even in other classes talk
to their teachers almost likes friends.

3. Evaluate the level of student participation in the class. Who participates? Who
does not? How does the teacher response to student comments? >>>

I say 80% of the students in Ms Martinez’s class participate. Those who don’t
are either acting out, shy, or distracted which tends to happen sometimes. A
lot of unnecessary comments are ignored by the teacher and that’s something
she told me that I have to get used to. She doesn’t feed in to every single
distraction attempt by the students. During my time there I noticed two
students who often did not want to participate because of temper tantrums.
During these situations, those students do not receive points.