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: Old Quarry Middle School, Lemont, IL.

Type of School: Elementary school, Middle School, High School, or Other:   

Setting: Urban, Suburban, or Rural:

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).

The school is centered in a small town named Lemont. Old Quarry Middle School is a very old school, but it has so much character within it. The classroom that I have observed in and will continue to observe is a 7th grade classroom that is so nicely decorated. The classroom is not necessarily themed, but it is decorated enough to catch not only the students eye, but mine as well. I love Old Quarry Middle School for many of reasons. One reason being that I attended there throughout my middle school years, but also because they have a wonderful Special Education program there.

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.

Required curriculum is a struggle because it holds back the creativity part from the teacher.

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).

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

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

2. Grade level(s): 7th Grade

3. Number of

a. students in the class: 25

b. males: 15

females: 10

c. English language learners: 0

d. students identified as gifted and talented: 2

e. students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) or 504 plans: 3

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
Learning Disability	2	Resource room

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?

There is roughly 35 minutes for each subject. This helps the students to give their minds a little break and to get back on track.

2. Is there any ability grouping or tracking? If so, please describe how it affects your class.

3. Identify any textbook or instructional program you primarily use for instruction. If a textbook, please provide the title, publisher, and date of publication.

Textbook, worksheets, websites, etc.

4. List other resources (e.g., SMARTBoard, manipulatives, online resources) used for instruction in this class.

SMARTBoard, online resources

5. 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?

  I know that these students can do the work if they put their minds to it. They are all very smart and unique in their own ways.