Reflections on Classroom Climate

  The first week of school is going to be the most crucial part of my teaching career. I will have to lay down the rules, seek my student’s needs and clarify the expectations I want from them, but also what expectations they are looking in me as their "teacher & mentor".  Promote how important communication is. Once the class is clear on what the rules are, have them posted up in the classroom as a daily reminder.  Discuss positive reinforcement and behavioral rewards. "Students will often misbehave if they don't know exactly what they should do and when. Teachers can avoid this dilemma by installing class routines and procedures, which allow the student to begin and complete work expeditiously [RW,19]."

  Creating that warm and nurturing environment. Decorating my classroom to the fullest with posters, pillows, and animals.  I will think about when I was in Elementary school and what do I remember the most.  What things did I love about school back then? My mentor-teaching portion will also guide me in the right direction as to what works and what does not work. Making the classroom learning environment fun. Schools exist for the students, and not for the teachers. It is important for the teacher to expend every effort necessary to make the curriculum relevant, the lessons interesting, and the activities enjoyable. The result will be an engaged and active participant in the learning process.

  How I will treat my students---Greeting them one by one as they enter my "home", the classroom.  I must keep in mind that the days can go by quickly. I must make every minute count. "As part of an effective routine, it is best for students to begin work immediately after the bell rings [215]. " I will have my morning meetings lead directly into the day's lesson. I must set the also remember to set a positive tone for our morning meetings.  I am really excited to buy this book and start to develop my list of "morning meetings" I will use.  My favorite one is using a beanbag to toss around to each student. This gives everyone a chance to speak out and reflect on his or her previous day. 

  

  I believe if I have success with my "tattling vs. bullying" lesson the first week then I will be setting a good tone for the year. However, some students can still misbehave. Misbehavior is a disruption to my effectiveness as an educator. The time spent dealing with misbehaving would be better spent teaching the others. Therefore, misbehavior will be dealt with quickly and consistently with class defined consequences.  This all goes back to me establishing the rules and guidelines the first day. 

  As a teacher it is really important to create that safe learning environment for your students. You want them to come to school excited to learn.  I really was touched by what Ken Robinson said in this video.  He says teachers should "mentor, stimulate, provoke & engage".  Teachers should allow freedom of creativity.  If I continue to work daily with my students and actively develop my skills, this is going to help me manage my classroom to its full potential. 

Resources: 

"Building Classroom Discipline", 5th Edition, by C.M. Charles

"Instructional objectives,determine selection of tools"

  Technology is on the rise today, so it's important for teachers to incorporate these technologies in the classroom. When using digital tools in a classroom it is important to first think about what you want to achieve and how you will achieve that goal/lesson.
Students today are actually more inclined to find information online than they are in a physically library.
You need to ask yourself as a Teacher some preliminary questions:

• What age are the students I am teaching?
• Which ones require that extra special attention? Learning Disabilities?
• How will I engage the students?
• How will I teach the plan so that the lesson is effective?

  From my own personal research with interviewing other teachers, its important you take these questions into consideration.  Then set up the classroom accordingly.  Keeping the ones with visual impairments closely.  Showing the tools to the children first on a large screen is important and keeping them engaged by using a smartboard.  Asking questions to the students and allowing them to ask questions about the digital tool.  Having them practice at home.  With guided technology application and instruction, we are actually allowing the students interact with the tool and provide feedback.   

  I would also make a list of apps/programs that would work for each subject I am teaching.  Break it done by simplicity.  Practice using the tool myself and familiarizing myself with the tool.  So that I can fully demonstrate it to my classroom. If you don't demonstrate and sort out who needs more help then others, you aren't going to have a productive lesson plan. 

  Thinking about my students that I want to teach, 2nd graders: Educational gaming is a great tool.  Research has proven that educational gaming not only improves their technology skills but also improves skills in communication and collaboration, problem-solving and various number-related skills. 

  I want to prepare my students for the future and the next grade level.  By demonstration and use of the apps they should be have the ability to: 

• Process information more quickly
• Determine what is and is not of relevance to them
• The child will think they are "playing" but actually they are "learning"
• Use these computer skills in their future.

A critical piece to any classroom project "is accessing, sorting, and processing information, exploring possibilities to identify problem solutions, and collaborating with others (both live and asynchronously) in order to achieve a goal." (Kloper,2012).  Digital tools are proven to be way more engaging then a typical lecture, so through thorough demonstration you can be successful. 

 

Brain-Based Learning

"Brain-based education emphasizes how the brain learns naturally and is based on what we currently know about the actual structure and function of the human brain at varying developmental stages." (Brainbaseoverview, Wilson).  This helps teachers create lesson plans that connect to students based on their lives and emotional experiences. Research has shown that lecture is the least effective after 24 hours. When a teacher presents the materials right after a lesson.  Doing something memorable.  The brain based learning has been broken down into 12 principles.  When a teacher understands the meaning of each principal than he/she can apply certain teaching techniques for the student that will help him retain/learn in the best way possible. 

1. The brain is parallel a processor: This is important with vision.  Its how we see things in color, shape, motion and depth.  Giving students the access to computers and using a type of learning program that is in 3D and interactive.  They would be using their eyes and following up with a worksheet immediately to make sure the lesson is learned. 

2. Learning engages the entire physiology: Any type of stress can affect our brain and how we learn.  As we saw in the video of the school in Key Largo the teacher used "brain based" exercises.  This is a great way for students to let off any stress. Recess is one way in schools today students can let out their stress. Another idea for younger children is taking breaks during the lesson and playing simon says.  Making the brain is nourished with food, is important for keeping the mind awake and the child not to become moody or fatigue.  Especially for the younger children. So incorporating a snack time would be affective. 

3. The search for meaning is Innate: "this means we are naturally programmed to search for meaning". I think this is why field trips play such an important role in our learning.  The principle explains how "The brain needs and automatically registers the familiar while simultaneously searching for and responding to additional stimuli". Not only have a classroom that is full of colors and textures but linking indoor/outdoor places. If you're doing a lesson plan on animals and habitats. Not only discussing this in the classroom but taking a field trip to the zoo to really explain the meaning and see with their own eyes. 

4. The search for meaning occurs through patterning: Patterning refers to the organization and categorization of information. The brain resists having meaningless patterns imposed upon it. "Pattern making is pleasing (emotional content) for the brain. The brain takes great pleasure in taking random and chaotic information and ordering it. The implications for learning and instruction is that presenting a learner with random and unordered information provides the maximum opportunity for the brain to order this information and form meaningful patterns that will be remembered, that will be learned. Setting up a learning environment in this way mirrors real life that is often random and chaotic". 

5. Emotions are critical to patterning:Students learn and form patterns best in classrooms with a favorable emotional climate.  Having different corners in the classroom where the student feels most comfortable.  For example,setting up a cosy library in my classroom for reading time.  Providing stuffed animals and beanbag chairs for the students to sit on.

6. The brain processes parts and wholes simultaneously. Presenting bits and pieces of information outside of their context is ineffective. It's important to stimulate the left and right sides of the brain because everyone can be different learning.  Using flash cards for a vocabulary lesson would be helpful.  check out this video.

7. Learning involves both focused attention and peripheral perception: Therefore, the entire classroom environment affects student learning. I would make sure my classroom is fully decorated from the outside of the door to the inside.  Visually eye appealing bulletin boards that the children can relate to,coinciding with lessons. Stations that they can have research tools. Students can learn more effectively when their attention is deepened and multiple layers of context are used to support learning.

  

8. Learning always involves both conscious and unconscious processes: All students can learn more effectively when given time to reflect and acknowledge their own learning. I would have a "reflection journal" where each student would write in at the end of the day. This would not only practice their writing skills but also give them the chance to remember what they learned during the day and if they ever needed to go back and remember something about a lesson it is there. 

9. We have at least two types of memory -- a spatial memory system and a set of systems for rote learning: Meaning archiving isolated facts and skills or making sense of experience. Students can learn more effectively when taught through experiences that engage multiple ways to remember. Incorporating memorization into a math lesson is a great way to help them remember.  Collaborative math lesson.

10. The brain understands and remembers best when facts and skills are embedded in natural spatial memory: Learning is developmental, and teaching should engage developmental shifts and steps. I would do this by always using visuals like the Elmo tool.  Students who have vision complications really like this in the classroom.  Using real life “activity” in the classroom. Acting out a story using drama.

11. Learning is enhanced by challenge and inhibited by threat:  All students can learn more effectively in a supportive, empowering, and challenging environment. Creating a relaxing environment.  I really liked the idea of playing classical music for a minute before a lesson to get the students in the mood.

12. Each brain is unique: Students can learn more effectively when their unique individual talents, abilities, and capacities are engaged. So recognizing each child's special need and talents are key. I would do this in the beginning of the year through assessment.  Then have a wide variety of choices for each student.  I think learning is all about giving a student “choice”.  Loosing their attention span is going to create failure and interest in their minds. 

Resources:

1.     http://www.designshare.com/Research/BrainBasedLearn98.htm

2.     https://www.csbsju.edu/education/teacher-as-reflective-decision-maker/knowledge-base/kb-ii.htm

3.     http://www.ascd.org/ASCD/pdf/journals/ed_lead/el_199010_caine.pdf

http://youtu.be/Op_4u-vpRn0

Planning for English Language Learners

There are six different stages of the second language acquisition. All ELL students go through the same stages. Just some take longer than others. 

Stage 1: Pre-Production: Vocabulary and Language Development. They are grasping new words but not yet speaking them. They will repeat a lot of what they learn.  Copying and writing down what they see on the blackboard. 

Stage 2: Early Production: This can last up to six months and they can typically speak one-word/two-work phrases. Guided interaction is used and "teachers structure lessons so students work together to understand what they read—by listening, speaking, reading, and writing collaboratively about the academic concepts in the text." (reference)

.Stage 3: Speech Emergence: Their vocabulary has become larger. They have short conversations with classmates. They can write about short topics. They are no longer just memorizing.  Teachers are using metacognition and authentic assessment.

Stage 4: Intermediate Fluency:  Their vocabulary has advanced to over 6,000 words, using more complex sentences.  They can work in math & science classes, with support. Teachers use explicit instruction.

Stage 5: Advanced Fluency:"It takes students from 4-10 years to achieve cognitive academic language proficiency in a second language. Student at this stage will be near-native in their ability to perform in content area learning." (Haynes, Stages of Second 

Language Acquisition).  Teachers use meaning-based context and universal themes.

"The final strategy is the use of modeling, graphic organizers, and visuals. The use of a variety of visual aids, including pictures, diagrams, and charts, helps all students—and especially ELL students—easily recognize essential information and its relationship to supporting ideas. Visuals make both the language and the content more accessible to students." (reference)

Next semester I am likely to be teaching 2nd graders Math on place value.  I personally this modeling is one of the best tools you can use.  ELL students need to not just hear but see what the lesson is.  You want to engage the students and get them excited.  I personally think when it comes to Math, using games on the tables in groups is a great way.  This video is an example of game I could use and how I would teach place value to my students. I have used dice before in a classroom when teaching math-just a differnt game.  Notice how the teacher, models on the screen what they will be doing. Next, she makes sure to ask questions-by calling on students by name.  I would slow down my rate of speech more than her in my classroom, in consideration of my ELL students.  In addition, I would "check for understanding". Go around the room once they have begun to make sure my ELL learners have grasped the concept. 

Encouraging development in the classroom and at home is important too. So along with this game, I would provide something students can do at home as well.  Flashcard games would work best.  For example here is one you can print offline for free. 

Mindmap of Remediation Process

Special Education Referral Process

I interviewed Mrs.Reeve, the 8th Grade counselor, at Thomas Jefferson High School in Arlington, VA.  Prior to becoming a counselor, she was a pre-school teacher.  This is her 3rd year at Thomas Jefferson.  

How is a student identified for special education referral? Any teacher can refer a student. They would first have to bring the concern up to the counslers' team.  The teachers would get involved and have a parent meeting.  Then an administrator will observe the student.  It is a process on multiple meetings.  An intervention assistance team meeting would be held as well.  If that doesn't work, than another follow up meeting would be held to bring the student up to eligibility.  Teachers would need to be documenting all of these interventions and document what is working and what is not working. 

Who takes responsibility for the progress of the child before and after the referral?  Before referral the classroom teacher is responsible.  After the child is referred, then they are assigned a case manager for I.E.P. (Individualized Education Program)

What is the school administration’s directive for special education? The director of Counselors are in charge.  Special education school coordinator makes sure all meetings are scheduled and I.E.P. meetings are set as well.  The county coordinator can be involved.  One of the other administrations are authorized for LEA's.  They have a philosophy: Least Restrictive Enviorment.  Avoid that at all costs if possible. 

What provisions are made for students identified for special education? The case manager makes sure that all their accommodations are met, based on the students need.  For instance, one-on-ones.  They are most restrictive to hand off.  Testing, classroom and outside support are set up. 

What is the level of parent involvement in referral process and special education? Parents are involved in the whole process.  They do not move forward with anything if the parents aren't involved.  There is a parent resource center in every county.  The school always has a parent resource room.

  I also took the time to meet with the Director of the Counselors at Thomas Jefferson, Susan Holland.  I wanted to get some statistical information from her.  I asked her how many referrals she has received this year and she has had none so far.  She said most referrals, when they happen come from the 6th grade class.  In 7th grade maybe 2 or 3 a year.  She has seen a 19% increase in disabilities this past year.  She completely disagreed with IDEA's 13 disability categories.  She said there is also 504's accommodations and new disabilities they haven't recognized.  When we talked about what difficulties are the most difficult to work with she said, "Multiples is harder and the emotionally disturbed."  She went on to explain how ADHD kids need lots of redirection.  

  For the second half of the interviews.  I interviewed two teachers.  One from Thomas Jefferson Middle School and another from an Elementary School.  First I interviewed a 7th Grade Social Studies teacher.  

How do you identify a student for special education?  Teachers can not identify.  The committee decides; Special Education Teacher, school psychologist, special education coordinator, social worker, general education teaching.  They then have to have testing, then the results of the test determine the behavior and then they determine the need of service.  

What are the signs of a struggling student?  Reading below grade level is major sign of struggling student.  Consistent inappropriate behavior.   They disrupt learning and others from learning.  Physical conditions like not being able to write or speak.  

Are there alternate methods of instruction tried out before referring the student for special education? If yes, what are they? Yes, they always try accommodating first and don't go forward with testing.  It is not an easy process to get identified.  A team of teachers meet usually.  Figure out methods. Work with the school counselor.  IAP meeting is set and we wait for the next grading period to come out.  It's easiest to see if the child has improved or not.  We do all of this before considering testing.  

In addition, I asked how many Special Education students she has in her class.  Since this is middle school she has multiple periods and classes circulating into her room.  On average she would say 2-3 per class.  At most she has had 10 at one time.  She says its been decreasing and has been harder to identify lately. 

  I then interviewed, Mrs.Garcia at Key Elementary School.  This is a spanish immersion elementary school in Arlington County.  Arlington County only has two Spanish Immersion Elementary Schools.  Mrs.Garcia is a 2nd grade teacher.  This is her first year teaching 2nd grade.  She was a pre-school teacher prior to Key Elementary.  

How do you identify a student for special education?  First she looks at strategies the student uses.  The way he/she talks and explains things back to the teacher.  She looks at examples they use and how the child relates it to the real world.  Then will use the same example and kind of make a trick question out of it, to bring out the critical thinking.  Challenge the student at a higher level.  That is her "last straw"trick. 

What are the signs of a struggling student? Withdrawal, oppositional, behavioral mood changes.  Rejecting and excusing work, asking to use the bathroom all the time.  Asking way too many questions.  Visual or medical attention.  

Are there alternate methods of instruction tried out before referring the student for special education? If yes, what are they?  Modified homework.  Team meetings with the other teachers to discuss how that child did in their class the year prior.  Visual prompts, grouping with ideal level pacing.  Use a teacher center group such as one-on-one.  Incorporate tutors to help.  Brining in a lower curriculum, such as: Use a first grade book with the same context but a different reading level.  Try hands on activities.  Buddy teaching/buddy reading system. 

In addition, we discussed her current classroom state.  She currently has 6 identified Special Ed students.  3 are in the referral process and two are "possibilities".   I have subbed for Mrs.Garcia in the past and brought up a certain child, who I will call "Jane".   Jane withdrew herself from the class the entire time I was there.  Sat in the corner reading books.  Randomly would run around and never said a single word the entire day.  So I brought Jane to Mrs.Garcia and  I asked what her exact disability was and how she copes.  Jane is "emotionally disturbed" she does not like social settings, bites her hand while she reads and tends to disappear in the hallways.  She has been identified.  The results, she has a one-on-one with a special education teacher once a week for an hour.   What amazes me and the teacher as well is that when it comes to her academics the child is 110% proficient in English and Spanish.  Her reading level is the most advanced in the entire class.  She is reading at 3rd/4th grade level.

  Mrs.Garcia also talked highly on how ridiculous the referral process is.  She has a current student who she identified in September.  The mom strategies took place in December. The mom and the county were involved in December.  No screening or testing has yet to take place yet still.  They are saying it will be set up in April or May. At which that point the child has one month left of the 2nd Grade. Then when she goes into the 3rd grade, her teacher will come back to me, yelling at me why she isn't 

prepared.

   In summary, I found it very interesting that none of these people mentioned anything related to tomorrow's learning world.  They didn't talk about using computers or anything that was innovative for the child. I found it very interesting how the process that the 7th Grade social studies teacher, was not the exact same answer the school counselor gave me.  At the middle school everyone said how the hardest child to work with is one with emotional disabilities.  Yet, they didn't mention their academic level.  At Key School, Jane has an above average testing scores.  It's evident her social skills are what she lacking, not her academic level. Yet, she is the one who is given one-on-one attention. The student's who are really struggling aren't even given the attention they need.  
  This concerns me for my future as a teacher in this area.  It sounds like I am going to faced with a lot of challenges in the classroom managing these special ed students. Referring a student seems like it's a waste of time and the process takes so long that by the time the child is actually identified the school year is over.  The child is off to the next grade level, still below level.  From the research I concluded, it seems like there is a lack of help from the administration.  They aren't on top of their stuff.  I don't know if its they have too many cases to handle or what the root of the problem is.  Didn't seem like anyone had the answer either.
  I discovered an excellent resource for teachers and parents that is located right in Arlington,VA.  The Council for Exceptional Children, they are working to "improve the educational success of children and youth with disabilities and/or gifts and talents." 

"Education Social Networking"

  As my journey begins with Teach-Now, I was introduced to a number of education related organizations. I found the NEA website to be the page I'll be exploring the most.  They have excellent resources and tools.  Such as lesson plans and discussion boards for classroom management. Many of the other organizations have these tools as well, but I found this site the easiest one to navigate through. I really enjoyed reading this discussion on cell phone abuse.  I have had difficulty with this matter and I found this discussion helpful.  

  

  As for NEA's common core state standards, I agree with their values. However, I feel it would be very difficult to accomplish across the board through out all school systems in America. This is the first time I am hearing about this effort. If you are new to this effort as well, I found this article helpful, 10 things you should know about the Common Core".  And NEA isn't the only organization to touch on this matter. They have their own website; CCSS.  So after furthering reading and educating myself on this CCSS, I was shocked to find out;  "Forty-five states, the District of Columbia, four territories, and the Department of Defense Education Activity have adopted the Common Core State Standards".  Virginia is not one of them; which is the state I currently reside in. 

Other things I learned:

• AFT: They are a strong union of teaching professionals. The awareness about the 65% scheme that is currently being promoted. 

• AACTT: They have 5 goals encouraging higher standards in learning and are strong advocates of networking with congress officials by actively being present on the Hill. 

• CCSSO: The National Teacher of the Year program is something that was established in 1952,run by the CCSSO. To learn more about it go here.  I would love to get involved with this program.  

• ITL: Is one of the first programs to conduct a multi year global research.  Their first project was in 2009-2010.  It has had a positive impact in the classrooms; collaborating worldwide.

• ESEA: I disagree with the change to this act by the Bush administration in 2011.  It now allows "military recruiters access to 11th and 12th grade students' names, addresses, and telephone listings when requested.".  Personally meaning , let's brainwash them into joining the military, instead of furthering their education and going to college.  

• IDEA: I found this article to very intriguing about how important it is create a stress free environment in the early stages of your child life. 
• NCLB: I'll be honest I always heard about this, "No Child Left Behind" act, but I never fully understood the meaning or researched it. I found it interesting how over time, more than half of the United States have been granted waivers, so they don't have to meet the AYP's targets. 

International Organizations & Worldwide Movements:

• AAIE: Great source to connect with teachers worldwide.
• UNESCO: Headquartered in France, working with the UN, committing to a "holistic and humanistic vision of quality education worldwide." Excellent website for science teachers. 
• UNICEF: Such a positive impact on the world.  They helped with Philippine reliefs, stopping child mutilations and children violence. They believe in "educating children, everywhere". I am truly touched by the things they advocate. 
• OECD & CERI: Focused on jobs and equality. I found the statistical information on the US to be out dated.  
• EFA: They work with the other organizations I mentioned above.  They have 6 goals they want to accomplish by 2015. 
• UNGEI: This organization opened my eyes. I never thought about the inequality of girls and boys education rights in other countries. 
• GPE: I found this chart helpful. A good visual for what they do. The blog posts are my favorite!