Description of Students
In period two, I will have 35 students. Of the 35 students I will have two students in which are Talented and Gifted (TAG) and four students that are on Individual Education Plans. For many classes that I have viewed in the past this class has very few individuals who are in need of differentiated lessons or instructions. With this in mind, I will need to accommodate with the four students who are on IEP’s and the two students who are in TAG. This means that I will need to possibly change my instructions so that it follows the plans of my IEP students. Also, I will need differentiated instruction for my TAG students so that it allows them to access different levels of thinking.
I know that many of my students participate in extracurricular activities. I know that a few are in the marching band, a couple play baseball, and a few are in their won bands. This provides me a great resource, this gives me the chance to reach out and give these students their own way to connect to the material. I want to provide them documents, readings, paintings, or music that helps them connect to the material I will be covering.
One way this will influence the way I teach is that I will need to differentiate my lessons to more advanced and also to students who may have some learning disabilities. I think that with the small numbers of students who have either and IEP or are in TAG will help me be clear and concise with my directions and also allow my students questions to reach higher levels of thinking for all of my students.
I believe that by having the two students that are in TAG, it will force me to push all of my students a little harder to develop higher levels of thinking. I think that when students are presented with the option to think more in depth on a topic while still being intrigued it will leave an opening for all to exceed theirs and my own expectations.
And with the few students who have IEP’s in my class it will force me to elaborate and make sure that my lessons are thought out and have detailed instructions. Depending on each of their IEP’s I will adapt my lesson to their needs. There is not a student out there, that with better instructions can succeed further than with less quality of directions.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Contextual Factors: classroom
Description of Classroom
The classroom is not something I am very fond of. The classroom in which I will be teaching in is a classroom that three different teachers teach in. So none of the teachers get to put their own personal feel to it. Since the classroom is strictly a social studies room, there are a few maps. Of the three maps that are on the walls, two are of the United States and one being a world map. The two United States maps are focused on different features, one is of the states, while the other is focused on the geographic features within the country. There is an InFocus projector, but is on a rolling cart so it often get in the way.
The one aspect of the classroom that I love is how the desks are set up. The desks are split in half, there is a walking section right through the middle of the classroom which makes it easy to roam the room. The two sections of desks are in rows, but are facing each other. Some students don’t like it, but I love the fact that I can walk around and right through the classroom. By having the desks split in two sections, it gives me some freedom to where I can be when I am leading lectures or discussion.
The way that this classroom is set up, it will give me the opportunity to move about the room so I can be constantly asking questions to students as a class or individually. If the desks were all set up facing me in rows, I would not be able to be personal with asking my students questions about the material. Another way that this classroom influences the way I look at my students is that to connect with them, I need to be open with them. Because the room is so unpersonable, I will have to try harder to make connections with the students. Things such as saying hello to each student as they enter my room will be a way I can connect with the students. If I had my perfect classroom I would have pictures of my family, posters of my favorite sport teams, and quote from famous figures around the room to let the students know who I am.
Because I do not have much technology in my classroom, such as a smart board, I will need to use the InFocus machine as much as possible. Technology is a great tool in classes today, so often I will need to base some of my lesson around the machines that I do have access to. I can see myself using the InFocus machine as a source for introductions to a lesson by showing some art or music, but then moving into a discussion or lecture. The reason I strongly believe in using technology is that students we teach today are very in-tune with it. Students are attracted to technology so if lessons can be based around something they are interested in the more apt they will be to stay focused on the content.
However, there seems to be many aspects of the community that will help in my ways of teaching, there are a few that will definitely change the way I teach. One aspect of the classroom that I notice is that the popular, maybe wealthy, confident individuals, are the ones to speak out in class. The individuals that are not as outspoken very seldom talk in class. I want all of my students to participate in my classroom discussions whether or not they are the popular kids or not.
The classroom is not something I am very fond of. The classroom in which I will be teaching in is a classroom that three different teachers teach in. So none of the teachers get to put their own personal feel to it. Since the classroom is strictly a social studies room, there are a few maps. Of the three maps that are on the walls, two are of the United States and one being a world map. The two United States maps are focused on different features, one is of the states, while the other is focused on the geographic features within the country. There is an InFocus projector, but is on a rolling cart so it often get in the way.
The one aspect of the classroom that I love is how the desks are set up. The desks are split in half, there is a walking section right through the middle of the classroom which makes it easy to roam the room. The two sections of desks are in rows, but are facing each other. Some students don’t like it, but I love the fact that I can walk around and right through the classroom. By having the desks split in two sections, it gives me some freedom to where I can be when I am leading lectures or discussion.
The way that this classroom is set up, it will give me the opportunity to move about the room so I can be constantly asking questions to students as a class or individually. If the desks were all set up facing me in rows, I would not be able to be personal with asking my students questions about the material. Another way that this classroom influences the way I look at my students is that to connect with them, I need to be open with them. Because the room is so unpersonable, I will have to try harder to make connections with the students. Things such as saying hello to each student as they enter my room will be a way I can connect with the students. If I had my perfect classroom I would have pictures of my family, posters of my favorite sport teams, and quote from famous figures around the room to let the students know who I am.
Because I do not have much technology in my classroom, such as a smart board, I will need to use the InFocus machine as much as possible. Technology is a great tool in classes today, so often I will need to base some of my lesson around the machines that I do have access to. I can see myself using the InFocus machine as a source for introductions to a lesson by showing some art or music, but then moving into a discussion or lecture. The reason I strongly believe in using technology is that students we teach today are very in-tune with it. Students are attracted to technology so if lessons can be based around something they are interested in the more apt they will be to stay focused on the content.
However, there seems to be many aspects of the community that will help in my ways of teaching, there are a few that will definitely change the way I teach. One aspect of the classroom that I notice is that the popular, maybe wealthy, confident individuals, are the ones to speak out in class. The individuals that are not as outspoken very seldom talk in class. I want all of my students to participate in my classroom discussions whether or not they are the popular kids or not.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Contextual Factors: School
Description of School
My practicum site is at West Salem High School. The student population is 1,704, with each of the four grades having between 392 and 441. Of the 1,704 students roughly 400 are of a minority race, non-white. This school demographics are not very diverse for the other schools in the Salem-Keiser School district. At West Salem there are only about 300 Hispanic students enrolled. Although West Salem is one of the most wealthy schools in the district, they do however have about a quarter of their students who qualify for either free or reduced lunches. There are 81 teachers at west with a student to teacher ratio of 21.
West Salem High School is a very new school. When talking a walk around the campus, I notice many things. Among the many things I notice, the first thing I see is the turf football field. This field is amazing, it is used for many different sports and many different organizations. Along the observations about the sporting facilities is that there is very little room for sports. The baseball and softball fields are used for football and soccer during their seasons.
The feel of the community in the school is very friendly. I thought that most teachers are out in the halls greeting and saying hi to their students as they walk in. The faculty seems pretty close so they have a good time. Something that I noticed about the feel around the school is that they are very supportive and focused with their athletics and extra-curricular activities. Teachers are very involved with how their students are doing in their activities. Not only is it sports but I see more students wearing their Marching band shirts around school than their football Jerseys. I believe that the feel is different than most schools I have been in lately. I think that it is obvious that it is a much more wealthy area than the school I am working in for my student teaching.
The way all this information influences my teaching will be very important. I feel that with how actively involved students, teachers, and parents are in the school activities means I can have more support from parents. Because parents support their children, I can ask more of the students in and outside of class. If students are not being as successful as they can I feel like I have the opportunity to get the parents involved.
Another thing that comes to mind is the resources students have. Much more of these students have the resources at their homes to be successful. Many of my students have computers and Internet at home. This gives me much more options when thinking about homework and assignments.
The biggest Issue that I notice is that communication comes much easier with students. The couple weeks that I was at West Salem, I did not hear Spanish being spoke once. This was a much different atmosphere than I am previously accustomed to. As a teacher I will feel much more comfortable with dealing with issues of students if I know that I will be able to communicate with the students and parents like I would like.
My practicum site is at West Salem High School. The student population is 1,704, with each of the four grades having between 392 and 441. Of the 1,704 students roughly 400 are of a minority race, non-white. This school demographics are not very diverse for the other schools in the Salem-Keiser School district. At West Salem there are only about 300 Hispanic students enrolled. Although West Salem is one of the most wealthy schools in the district, they do however have about a quarter of their students who qualify for either free or reduced lunches. There are 81 teachers at west with a student to teacher ratio of 21.
West Salem High School is a very new school. When talking a walk around the campus, I notice many things. Among the many things I notice, the first thing I see is the turf football field. This field is amazing, it is used for many different sports and many different organizations. Along the observations about the sporting facilities is that there is very little room for sports. The baseball and softball fields are used for football and soccer during their seasons.
The feel of the community in the school is very friendly. I thought that most teachers are out in the halls greeting and saying hi to their students as they walk in. The faculty seems pretty close so they have a good time. Something that I noticed about the feel around the school is that they are very supportive and focused with their athletics and extra-curricular activities. Teachers are very involved with how their students are doing in their activities. Not only is it sports but I see more students wearing their Marching band shirts around school than their football Jerseys. I believe that the feel is different than most schools I have been in lately. I think that it is obvious that it is a much more wealthy area than the school I am working in for my student teaching.
The way all this information influences my teaching will be very important. I feel that with how actively involved students, teachers, and parents are in the school activities means I can have more support from parents. Because parents support their children, I can ask more of the students in and outside of class. If students are not being as successful as they can I feel like I have the opportunity to get the parents involved.
Another thing that comes to mind is the resources students have. Much more of these students have the resources at their homes to be successful. Many of my students have computers and Internet at home. This gives me much more options when thinking about homework and assignments.
The biggest Issue that I notice is that communication comes much easier with students. The couple weeks that I was at West Salem, I did not hear Spanish being spoke once. This was a much different atmosphere than I am previously accustomed to. As a teacher I will feel much more comfortable with dealing with issues of students if I know that I will be able to communicate with the students and parents like I would like.
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Contextual Factors: Community
Description of Community
The city of Salem is the second largest city in Oregon, ranking only behind Portland. The total population of Salem is roughly 156,000 citizens, with the metropolitan population reaching 380,000 individuals. In the year 2000, Salem had only 15% of it’s population was of a Latino decent while 83% of the population of Caucasian race. Salem has a very white community, however, since then it has became more diverse. The per capita income for Salem is just over $19,000 which is just below the Oregon average. The numbers that are stated for Salem as a whole are much different from the numbers that may represent the part of Salem in which my practicum site resides.
Salem has many jobs that require higher education, a large portion of Salem is based around the Capital and the government jobs it brings. Also, there are three sources of higher education, Chemeketa Community College, Corban College, and Willamette University. This gives a good atmosphere for public schools, it gives the chance for students to see what can come from higher education and the accessibility of going to college.
West Salem High School is eight years old, made in 2002. In tern with being a new school, the near by neighborhoods are also new. There are many new developments around the school. The majority of the houses in the surrounding neighborhoods are extremely nice houses. Many of the housing complexes around the school, and many others that are still up and coming. The houses that are in older neighborhoods are still nice and often fairly large. There are areas of west Salem that are not as nice, as there are in every school boundary.
The feeling of the community seem very business like on the main drag (Wallace Road) but at the same time the neighborhoods that are up around the school seem very family friendly. There are always young children playing sports at the high school when the schools athletes are done. With always seeing young athletes always occupying the fields, there is another enormous sporting complex down the hill. This shows me that the community of Salem is very outgoing, many adults play in adult leagues. Something else that I notice is that I see many people running or biking around the school.
When thinking about the community, I feel that with having the school in an upper class neighborhood, I will have more parent involvement with my students. If I have issues with students in my classroom I would feel better about talking with parents about these issues. With parents who are successful I feel that the same expectations are put onto their children. I think as a teacher this will make my job almost easier. I understand parents will expect more from me as their children's teacher, but also I know that with parents involvement I can expect more from my students. The biggest issue I have with teaching is the thought of students not caring and not having the support from parents. In this community I believe that me teaching would change because I know I can ask more from students because of their parents and the resources they may have.
The city of Salem is the second largest city in Oregon, ranking only behind Portland. The total population of Salem is roughly 156,000 citizens, with the metropolitan population reaching 380,000 individuals. In the year 2000, Salem had only 15% of it’s population was of a Latino decent while 83% of the population of Caucasian race. Salem has a very white community, however, since then it has became more diverse. The per capita income for Salem is just over $19,000 which is just below the Oregon average. The numbers that are stated for Salem as a whole are much different from the numbers that may represent the part of Salem in which my practicum site resides.
Salem has many jobs that require higher education, a large portion of Salem is based around the Capital and the government jobs it brings. Also, there are three sources of higher education, Chemeketa Community College, Corban College, and Willamette University. This gives a good atmosphere for public schools, it gives the chance for students to see what can come from higher education and the accessibility of going to college.
West Salem High School is eight years old, made in 2002. In tern with being a new school, the near by neighborhoods are also new. There are many new developments around the school. The majority of the houses in the surrounding neighborhoods are extremely nice houses. Many of the housing complexes around the school, and many others that are still up and coming. The houses that are in older neighborhoods are still nice and often fairly large. There are areas of west Salem that are not as nice, as there are in every school boundary.
The feeling of the community seem very business like on the main drag (Wallace Road) but at the same time the neighborhoods that are up around the school seem very family friendly. There are always young children playing sports at the high school when the schools athletes are done. With always seeing young athletes always occupying the fields, there is another enormous sporting complex down the hill. This shows me that the community of Salem is very outgoing, many adults play in adult leagues. Something else that I notice is that I see many people running or biking around the school.
When thinking about the community, I feel that with having the school in an upper class neighborhood, I will have more parent involvement with my students. If I have issues with students in my classroom I would feel better about talking with parents about these issues. With parents who are successful I feel that the same expectations are put onto their children. I think as a teacher this will make my job almost easier. I understand parents will expect more from me as their children's teacher, but also I know that with parents involvement I can expect more from my students. The biggest issue I have with teaching is the thought of students not caring and not having the support from parents. In this community I believe that me teaching would change because I know I can ask more from students because of their parents and the resources they may have.
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
4.1 Reactions to different kinds of kids
Kids that I find it easy to like are ones who are always working hard. If they struggle, and are not successful I will still totally appreciate their efforts. Hard work pays off in the long run.
Kids that I find hard to like are ones who are spoiled and do not work hard. I think hard work builds character, and if students or children are always handed everything then they do not have a appreciation and respect for life.
Kids that I am sorry for are ones who do not have support at home. I grew up having parents who are constantly involved in everything I do. Support from family members is important in the development of children. Not having support is something I could not fathom, it would be hard be successful when there is no support at home.
The kids that I feel threatened by are the students who just dont care. I feel threatened because I am scared that I will not be able to keep them under control which will then effect the rest of the students. Im thinking, what if I can't connect to them, or talking to their parents doesnt work, and I dont want to just send them to the office. There are so many what if's with students who I will have problems with.
Kids that I identify with are the athletes. I feel comfortable with athletes because I have been down that road, been busy, hard time juggling all the events and school. I respect them if they are able to juggle it all and be successful. It is important for students to be involved in extracurricular activities for many reasons.
Kids I gravitate towards are ones who want help. They may be successful or struggling but if they want me to be there and want help, then I would love to be there.
Kids I feel inadequate around are the students who are very smart. Maybe they know everything I have to offer, what if they could teach the class. There may be students who are very far beyond the class, how do i keep them engaged and with the class.
Kids who I probably dont even notice are the ones who hide. My supervising teacher mentioned to watch for those kids who are good at hiding. They will not speak, keep their faces hidden, and are good at it. I want to be able to have everyone participating.
Kids that I find hard to like are ones who are spoiled and do not work hard. I think hard work builds character, and if students or children are always handed everything then they do not have a appreciation and respect for life.
Kids that I am sorry for are ones who do not have support at home. I grew up having parents who are constantly involved in everything I do. Support from family members is important in the development of children. Not having support is something I could not fathom, it would be hard be successful when there is no support at home.
The kids that I feel threatened by are the students who just dont care. I feel threatened because I am scared that I will not be able to keep them under control which will then effect the rest of the students. Im thinking, what if I can't connect to them, or talking to their parents doesnt work, and I dont want to just send them to the office. There are so many what if's with students who I will have problems with.
Kids that I identify with are the athletes. I feel comfortable with athletes because I have been down that road, been busy, hard time juggling all the events and school. I respect them if they are able to juggle it all and be successful. It is important for students to be involved in extracurricular activities for many reasons.
Kids I gravitate towards are ones who want help. They may be successful or struggling but if they want me to be there and want help, then I would love to be there.
Kids I feel inadequate around are the students who are very smart. Maybe they know everything I have to offer, what if they could teach the class. There may be students who are very far beyond the class, how do i keep them engaged and with the class.
Kids who I probably dont even notice are the ones who hide. My supervising teacher mentioned to watch for those kids who are good at hiding. They will not speak, keep their faces hidden, and are good at it. I want to be able to have everyone participating.
Monday, September 13, 2010
Chapter 3 Reflection 3.7
A Good Job Makes A Difference
I interviewed a teacher at west salem high school. We talked about the different levels of income in the school. He told me that at West Salem High there is a very extreme difference in many of the students. Part of West Salem is very high class while there are many parts that are what would be considered low class. We decided for this interview to reference the low income family. We mentioned that a family may make roughly $35,000 annually. This makes a monthly income of $2,900.
In the newspaper We noticed that there are many two bedroom Apartments for roughly $750.00 a month including everything besides electricity. I figured electricity would be on an average of $50.00 monthly. Most families have cable and internet so I will add in $80.00 a month for that. I figured a family will have two cell phones so that would come out to about $100.00 a month. For groceries a month We figured a small family would spend roughly 300.00 per month. I looked up on line that the average family of two sends about $250.00 per month. For entertainment I will budget about $80.00 a month for a family of four to eat out twice a month.
The total expenses come out to roughly $1,400.00. This umber does not include car payment, insurance, or public transportation fees. Health care, medication, and not skimping it on eating out, groceries, or entertainment would probably be more than what I estimated.
I interviewed a teacher at west salem high school. We talked about the different levels of income in the school. He told me that at West Salem High there is a very extreme difference in many of the students. Part of West Salem is very high class while there are many parts that are what would be considered low class. We decided for this interview to reference the low income family. We mentioned that a family may make roughly $35,000 annually. This makes a monthly income of $2,900.
In the newspaper We noticed that there are many two bedroom Apartments for roughly $750.00 a month including everything besides electricity. I figured electricity would be on an average of $50.00 monthly. Most families have cable and internet so I will add in $80.00 a month for that. I figured a family will have two cell phones so that would come out to about $100.00 a month. For groceries a month We figured a small family would spend roughly 300.00 per month. I looked up on line that the average family of two sends about $250.00 per month. For entertainment I will budget about $80.00 a month for a family of four to eat out twice a month.
The total expenses come out to roughly $1,400.00. This umber does not include car payment, insurance, or public transportation fees. Health care, medication, and not skimping it on eating out, groceries, or entertainment would probably be more than what I estimated.
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Characteristics of Achievement
There are many characteristics that we went over in class, some I agreed with while there were many that I didn’t agree with. I personally think achievement is almost entirely internal.
The first characteristic is that achievement is internally fed. Achievement can not be what others expect of you. You have to feel a sense of achievement personally for it to be true achievement.
The second characteristics that I want to talk about is short and long term goals. To achieve something I believe that you have to plan and work for it. If something miraculously happens it is not achievement. Achievement to me means to set a goal and worked towards the finish.
The third characteristic is that achievement will vary for each individual person. Relating to the first characteristic I think that one person’s achievement would not be an achievement for another. If I were to throw a touchdown pass I would feel a great deal of achievement. If Drew Brees did the achievement would be very different.
Me working for years to become a teacher would be a great achievement because I have had many small goals through the years, passing tests, getting good grades, and getting accepted into grad school. Others may not feel like they achieved as much because maybe it was what is expected of them.
The first characteristic is that achievement is internally fed. Achievement can not be what others expect of you. You have to feel a sense of achievement personally for it to be true achievement.
The second characteristics that I want to talk about is short and long term goals. To achieve something I believe that you have to plan and work for it. If something miraculously happens it is not achievement. Achievement to me means to set a goal and worked towards the finish.
The third characteristic is that achievement will vary for each individual person. Relating to the first characteristic I think that one person’s achievement would not be an achievement for another. If I were to throw a touchdown pass I would feel a great deal of achievement. If Drew Brees did the achievement would be very different.
Me working for years to become a teacher would be a great achievement because I have had many small goals through the years, passing tests, getting good grades, and getting accepted into grad school. Others may not feel like they achieved as much because maybe it was what is expected of them.
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