Context for Learning Assignment

Danielle Raschko

Dr. Agriss

EDUC 341

10 April 2013

Context for Learning Assignment

School Description:

Urban, Title1 Middle School

Special Features:

·        AVID: A tutoring program whose instructional tools are being implemented in

classrooms outside of the program.

·        Home Base: Students spend one designated class period every Thursday with the same

teacher for two years, building a relationship, establishing goals, preparing for high school and college readiness. This class is also used to

School Requirements that affect instruction:

·        MSP: Measure of Student Progress, a standardized test.

In a discussion with my coordinating teacher, the standardized test known as the Measure of Student Progress significantly affects how teachers instruct their classrooms, because the focus of instruction shifts to the area of content that scores the lowest on the MSP. Teachers in the school must then adjust their lessons to address these areas of content; for example, the social studies classroom shifts from discussion and videos to reading materials in order to compensate for a lacking English performance.

·        Standards-Based Grading: A shift from traditional point-based system to a grading

system of a 1-4 range. Ideally more accurate and consistent grading across the

nation that matches standards.

Classroom Description:

      The classroom I am observing is a seventh-grade social studies classroom that runs on semester system. Each class runs 56 minutes on Monday, Tuesday Wednesday and 51 minutes on Thursday and Friday. The class curriculum is covering Pacific Northwest history and is using a textbook called Washington in the Pacific Northwest by Michael K. Green, Laurie Winn Carlson, and Susan Allen Meyers. Within the week two days are spent reading material from the textbook, but the majority of instruction is organized by the instructor who uses graphic organizers to engage students in reviewing the material read. The instructor also utilizes short films and presentations as another way to engage various learning styles.

      There are two main forms of technology within the classroom including the use of the projector for video and presentations. The second form is the document camera which is used to show entry tasks, how to complete graphic organizers- it acts as an alternative to the white board.

Classroom Dynamic (1^st Period):

      I chose first period because it is the class I see most consistently throughout the week. The class consists of eight females and five males, thirteen in all- the population is half the size of the rest of the classes throughout the day. Many students struggle to keep up in class, but there are no identified or established IEPs or 504 plans present at this time. 68% of students receive free-lunch and 14% receive reduced lunch prices.