Context for Learning Description of School and Students

Trinity Christian College Field Experience Form

Context for Learning

Description of School and Students

About the School Where You Are Observing or doing Field Experience

School Name and City:  Penny Lane School

Type of School: Elementary school, Middle School, High School, or Other: Other: Preschool and After School Program

Setting: Urban, Suburban, or Rural: Suburban

Write your responses to the three questions below in paragraph form.

1.       List any special features of the school or classroom setting (e.g., themed magnet, classroom aide, bilingual, co-taught with a special education teacher, pull-out program).

    This is a before and after-school program, so the class is comprised of students in KG through grade 2. There is also an instructional preschool program within the building.

2.       Describe any district, school, or cooperating teacher requirements or expectations that affects the planning or delivery of instruction, such as required curricula, pacing plan, use of specific instructional strategies, or standardized tests.

     Teachers are required to have a minimum of 30 college credit hours, with 12 of these in the education field for the after-school program. The completion of the SAYD (School Age & Youth Development) credential with Gateways to Opportunity is also desired. For the preschool program, teachers are required to have their B.A. in early childhood education and meet NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children) requirements.

3.       For special education only: List any educators with specialized expertise in the school/district (e.g., specific disabilities, subject-specific pedagogy, English language development, speech therapists).

N/A

About the Students in this Class [Give a brief or one word response]

1.    Estimated percentage of students eligible for free/reduced lunch: 60%

2.    Grade level(s): K-2

3.    Number of

a.    students in the class: 19

b.    males:  14

females:  5

c.     English language learners: 0

d.    students identified as gifted and talented: 0

e.    students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) or 504 plans: 1

4.    Complete the chart below to summarize required accommodations or modifications for students receiving special education services and/or students who are gifted and talented as they will affect instruction. As needed, consult with your cooperating teacher to complete the chart. The first row has been completed in italics as an example. Use as many rows as you need.

Special Education Category	Number of Students	Accommodations, Modifications, and/or Pertinent IEP Goals
Example: Learning Disability	Example: 4	Example: Close monitoring, follow up, and Resource Room
Behavior Disorder	1	Close supervision, positive reinforcement, behavior documentation

About the Class You Observed

1.       How much time is devoted each day to instruction in the classroom? Describe the class periods (if applicable)? Choose a content area of your specialty or major. How much time is devoted to teaching that subject?

     Of the 2.5 hours of regular program time, there is 1 hour of instruction per day (30 minutes of reading and character instruction/30 minutes of homework and tutoring).

2.    Is there any ability grouping or tracking? If so, please describe how it affects your class. No

3.    Identify any textbook or instructional program you primarily use for instruction. If a textbook, please provide the title, publisher, and date of publication. None

4.    List other resources (e.g., SMARTBoard, manipulatives, online resources) used for instruction in this class. Kindle, dry erase board, fidget toys

4.       What do you know about what your students know, what can they do, and what are they learning to do? What do you know about your students’ everyday experiences, cultural backgrounds and practices, and interests?

     This is a very diverse group of students. Since they are of varying ages, academic levels differ. Most students need assistance in completing their homework, particularly with reading. Some students are interested in sports and outdoor activities, but many are most interested in video games. There are a few Muslim students and one Jehovah’s witness student.

  

5.       Describe one teaching event. What best practices in teaching were used?

  During the “Character Counts” lesson on “Welcoming Others”, students were prompted to   demonstrate their understanding of content by doing role play performances. They came up with these within their groups, with teacher guidance as needed.