Observation 1 Notes

Date: September 14, 2015

Management Systems

School Goals for 2015-2016:

I. Create and maintain a safe and orderly environment that is conducive to teaching and learning.
II. Engage in rigorous and relevant professional development activities that promote learning and
growth.
III. Increase student achievement.
IV. Involve community and other agencies to ensure the overall success of O-W High School.

Classroom Rules (Posted on wall in classroom)

Listen and follow directions the first time.

Have your surplus and be on time.
Keep hands, feet, objects, and negative comments to yourself.
Raise your hand, and wait for permission to speak.
Complete and submit all assignments on time with excellence.

Classroom Consequences (Posted on wall in class)

1. Verbal Warning
2. Conference with Student
3. Call Parent

Classroom Rewards (Posted on wall in class)

Verbal praise
Positive notes to parents
Positive Phone call to parents
Treats

Teacher Management

Behavior: Stern/Strict
Comments: "You're not acting like yourself." This is said when a student is talking too much and
is being a distraction.

Physical Settings (Classroom)

long white board is at the front of the room

teacher's desk is on the side of the white board
students' desks are located in the middle of the room in four rows
there is one computer by the teacher's desk
a chalk board along the side of the classroom
color coordinated posters about math topics posted all around the room
box of calculators beside the computer
cabinets for teacher are located in the back of the classroom
table with tardy notebook is located in front of the class by the door
3

Observational Notes
Date: September 17, 2015
Classroom Climates

Students work on Adding and Subtracting Radicals

Students work independently in the beginning on the class to complete "Do Now"
Students "Peer Share" answers to the "Do Now"
Teacher is rarely in her seat
Teacher helps to resolve issues between students by acting as mediator
Students participate well in class (love to go to white board to explain answers)
Students work in small groups of no more than 4 people to gain extra practice
Classroom size is reasonable no more than 20 students in each class

Lesson Planning and Implemental Processes

Class starts with "Do Now" (A lesson to review what was done the previous day)

Students help each other complete the "Do Now"

Teacher picks student at random to show "Do Now" on the white board
Teacher starts lesson on something new
Teacher gives students examples
Students complete guided practice
Students either work in groups of two or four
Students may receive graded work (depending on the understanding level)
Teacher gives students a "Ticket out the Door" to review what was learned
Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday are regular class days
Tuesday is make up day for students who have missed assignments
Friday is test days on material learned throughout the week

Materials

Calculators (supplied my teacher)

Students rarely use textbooks (they use worksheets and the white board)

Observation Notes
November 6, 2015

Modification for Mainstreaming

Orangeburg-Wilkinson has two stairwells but has an elevator available for students with
disabilities
Visual materials and equipment are available in classrooms and around the school (useful
for students with learning disabilities and visual impairments
Mrs. Richardson's classroom has open space, but not a lot of room between the desk (the
classroom would have to be rearranged if students with a disability need to enter)
There are no students in Mrs. Richardson's classroom who have a disability
Available computers and programs for students with disabilities

Support Services

Teacher spends one-on-one time with students who need more assists
Tutoring is provided every Wednesday and Thursday after school
Worksheets are printed at a reasonable size
Teacher uses white board to display the worksheet

Student Diversity

Majority of the school is African-American

Majority of the school belongs to the lower class
Mrs. Richardson's class consists of more girls than boys
She tends to call on the boys more than the girls
When working in groups she allows them to mix it up (boy and girl groups)