Observation Week (Day 3 09/9/16) - Domain 2: Instruction- Day 3- Content 3

APS 7: MONITORING, ASSESSING, AND ENHANCING LEARNING

APS: MAINTAINING AN ENVIRONMENT THAT PROMOTES LEARNING
Day three is a very interesting day. Students were scheduled to begin map testing, but in
the middle of the morning, that all changed. The Do Now was on the board which required
students to finish the statement, I wish I could tell my teacher that... Because the schedule
changed, Mrs. Hailey decided to use the first period, which are the higher performing students to
determine what more do they want out of learning because after walking and reading students
responses, we found that majority of them are bored. So, to help students feel heard, we allowed
them, one at a time, to share what their opinion about how and what they wish they could tell
their teacher. Many students felt as though they had too much homework, or that some teachers
moved too fast, and more importantly the way they are being graded.
Most of the students felt as though they are being graded harshly, not by Mrs. Hailey but
the entire grading system of the school. Mrs. Hailey then took the initiative to help students
understand the schools grading system. With the explanation of the new grading system:
A= 90-100
B=89-80
C=79-70
D=69-60
F=59-0

Students were able to understand why it changed and that it is more student friendly at this point.
She also made it clear to students that if they are to control themselves in a better behavioral
manner, that more opportunities to do different activities will be available.
Environment
The physical environment of Mrs. Haileys classroom is geared directly toward
increasing reading and writing skills. There are posters which give factual information about
sentence structure, what to look for when reading, and different types of stories. These stories
include folktales, tall tales, fiction, and nonfiction stories. These posters and other decorations
serve as guides for students as they complete required compositions and other writing
assignments. Two computers sit to left of the entrance of the classroom and are very convenient
for student learning. Mrs. Hailey allows students to use them for projects, research and star
reading tests. There are internet blocks that prohibits any site that is deemed not school
appropriate. Lastly, there is a book stand that contains about seventy-five books for students to
read since Mrs. Hailey makes it mandatory that students engage in twenty minutes of silent
sustained reading (SSR) a day.
The seating arrangement of the class really promotes easy communication opportunities
for student-student and teacher- student. They are grouped in sections in which students who are
in the same section can see one another, while all students can easily see the teacher. This allows
Mrs. Hailey to group students for collaborative group work without hassle. The seating
arrangement also allows all students to see the new Starboard and whiteboard containing all
information about what is expected, located at the front of the classroom without blockage.