ASSIGNMENT 4 (Culture): Using the information provided below, carefully observe and evaluate the

culture of the school where you are assigned to observe. Remember you are evaluating the school for its
educational culture, place of learning, sense of safety, invitation for learning, promotion of self-
actualization, development of values and socialization.

Physical Characteristics: Look at the physical areas of the school to determine atmosphere, comfort,
and feelings the school creates for students in the educational setting.

1. Consider the school property: building, grounds, fencing, equipment, landscaping, trees,
parking lot, crosswalks, gates, signs and symbols. >>>

A simple blue and grey building with a tan entrance exterior. The school has 2 big playground
areas for the children visible from the entrance as you walk through the parking lot. The
teachers have nice secondary break area garden that also includes bird feeders that really
lights up the younger children when they see a bird pop up to eat.

2. Next, study the interior of the school: halls, floor coverings, lighting, doors, windows, hall
colors and decorations and entrance security. >>>

The inside of the school is very nice with a nice knight renaissance theme all over the building.
There is even a cool silver knight at the entrance close to the office as you walk through the
door. Most of the walls are white covered in various artistic paintings. There are castles,
flowers, and butterflies used to decorate the entrance walls. The floor has a very nice scroll
design with the school’s name inside of it that caught my eyes quickly with a nice trophy case
right in front of it. The school halls are filled with various student material from every grade
including the STAR program.

Culture of the School: Read, listen and observe to determine the climate, values, and atmosphere
within the school.

1. Identify the school’s mission statement, motto, and mascot. >>>

The school motto is “We will do it”

The schools mission statement is “We are here to improve our academic, fine arts, and social
skills in a safe,
inclusive school where we respect ourselves and each other.
Together Everyone Succeeds”
The school mascot is a Knight.

2. Analyze staff and visitor interactions in the main office. Note student and faculty interactions in
other areas of the school. >>>

The staff is incredibly friendly as I have learned from my field observation teachers the area is
low poverty. This has brought the teachers and admin to work together as a family and really
 look out for one another. There is a lot of sharing of ideas and picking up the slack to get
everyone through the day in a positive manner. Students are visibly polite everyone greeted me
with a good morning and some of the younger children offer to hold the door open for the
adults.

3. Look at the formal practices: School bell schedule, and the grouping of students. (ie. grades,
block scheduling, periods) Does the school use inclusion, or a pull-out program for special
education students? >>>

Special education students are really handled based on their IEP as well as how they are
advancing in their learning. The school focuses on doing everything possible to get special ed
students incorporated into general ed classrooms in the best way possible for their education.
Several individuals succeed however continue to get assistance with their resource class to
make sure they continue receiving the best help possible.

4. Observe student-to-student interactions, inside and outside of the building. Observe where
students gather to socialize – lunchroom, halls, playground, etc. >>>

Most of the gatherings happen inside of the cafeteria here or the playgrounds themselves.
Hallway time is often used for simply lining up with minimal chatter from the students some
teachers even use this time for students to practice their math skills.

5. Examine school traditions, achievements and awards; community recognition or community

partners; extracurricular activities/clubs and athletics. Look for and document sources of
community pride and sense of identity through ceremonies, assemblies, trophies, and artifacts.
>>>

The school has an interesting history with the NFL team which was very surprising and was
recently brought back for the holiday season. The Raiders would be holding an interactive day
with students to hang out with the real football players on the team for those who have shown
excellent work and behavior throughout the year.

6. Compare and contrast the current school environment and culture with schools in the historical
past. >>>

So far this is the only school I have observed inside of so that one is a little tricky for the time
being.

Culture of the Classroom: Each classroom has its own culture and way of life.

1. Look for teacher(s) expectations for learning and success, interactions with students, and
his/her personality. >>>

Simply trying and asking for help were the most important things for her classroom. There is a
lot of group activities so the students can learn from one another in small groups that seemed
 to really benefit the classroom work especially the math portion. The assisted learning table
was fascinating to view as her students all had the opportunity for more personal guidance from
Mrs. Perez. There was no timetable for how long a student could stay, but simply allowing them
the opportunity to leave once they felt they truly understood the lesson at hand.

2. Evaluate the level of student participation in the class. Who participates? Who does not? What
modifications, accommodations, and/or inclusion techniques were observed? >>>

Several of the same students were always eager to volunteer during participation moments in
the classroom. Mrs. Perez made sure everyone was involved one way or another by noticing
the students who never tried to speak up during the lesson. As we moved to different parts of
the reading, she volunteered them herself so that they could continue to be involved like some
of their more vocal peers.

3. Evaluate the interactions between teachers and students, rapport, cohesiveness, distribution of
power, tone, frequency and reinforcements. >>>

Mrs. Perez had a great relationship with her students. They really focus in on her as I did
myself while she was speaking. You can genuinely tell she is passionate about not only
teaching, but making sure her students are learning to the best of their abilities.