Name: Nathan Herrman and Rebecca Brewer

INTASC STANDARD OBSERVATION WORKSHEET

These standards are one way to formally examine classrooms. Do you see some of these things taking place in the classroom? If you are in doubt, talk with your partner outside of the classroom time and ask the cooperating teacher, if appropriate.

INTASC Standard Guiding questions focused on teaching

Jot down notes during or after your observation. Use the back of this paper or additional paper if necessary.

How does the teacher design and implement developmentally appropriate and challenging learning experiences for all students? Do they make modifications to lessons? Adaptations? Cultural Considerations?

Mr. Nower is very aware of his students differences and abilities. His classroom is very modern and therefore adaptable to new ideas. The classroom demographic is very diverse so there are some cultural considerations, but they are limited.

What classroom management strategies does the teacher use to achieve a meaningful first and last five minutes of class? How does the teacher manage meaningful transitions?

Can you tell if the teacher is adapting their teaching for individual students by creating an environment that supports individual and cooperative learning? How does it encourage positive social interaction and active engagement/selfmotivation?

He uses sponge time well, delivering classroom announcements, talking about fun pieces of information and just makes the kids feel at home in his class. He manages transitions by keeping everyone on task and quiet, but also realizes there is some need for some freedom. He just controls it so the kids can enjoy themselves, but also get the most from the class. Yes, Mr. Nower makes sure all the kids are comfortable with the material and technology. He comes around and works one on one with any students that are struggling to keep them caught up with the rest of the class. No one seems to feel lost or left behind in his class. The assignments given are relevant to current events and modern experiences. The students learn to use iPads which is transferable skill to outside the classroom.

Create learning experiences that make the subject more accessible and meaningful to all students?

C&T 100 form created by Nicole Singleton Horn (nshorn@ku.edu) January 2008

What strategies does the teacher use to encourage the students to practice critical thinking, collaborative problem solving, and issues that are relevant to their lives?

Mr. Nower shows a current events video every week that makes the students think about real world situations and why things are the way they are. He then asks them to create a critical response along with questions over the material.

What evidence is there of the following assessment types: Formative? Summative? Self-Assessment Peer-Assessment Alternative Assessments (Portfolios, response journals, etc.) Dont be afraid to ask the teacher how they do these explicitly!

Self Assessment as the students evaluate their own work before turning it in. Summative as well as alternative (he has them respond to prompts via google docs to check understanding)

How does the teacher plan their instruction? Does the teacher have clear learning objectives for their lesson? In what ways is it clear that students understand and meet the objectives?

Mr. Nower gives clear instruction on the objectives he wants completed for assignments and gives the students an appropriate amount of time to handle it in. The students know how to complete the assignments and if there are any questions feel comfortable asking for clarification. Mr. Nower uses a weekly plan board, a projection screen with that days activities projected on it, and tells the class several times at the beginning and throughout the class period what is expected for that day and week.

In what ways does the teacher use a variety of instructional strategies to help develop student understanding? What kinds of opportunities are available for students to demonstrate/apply their learning?

How does the teacher pursue on-going professional learning opportunities? How does the teacher evaluate their own teaching practices? (Explicitly ask the teacher this question)

He is currently teaching online college classes as well as heading up the PDCs at Turner. He believes that while these are leadership roles they allow him to continue learning; to learn from others.

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What other leadership roles does your teacher have outside the classroom? In what ways does the teacher participate in collaborative learning/instruction?

Hes the Professional Development Coordinator, meaning that he is responsible from recording all time that the staff spends working on PDCs.

C&T 100 form created by Nicole Singleton Horn (nshorn@ku.edu) January 2008

Name(s): Nathan Herrman and Rebecca Brewer

CLASSROOM DIAGRAM & ATMOSPHERE WORKSHEET

Cooperating Teacher's name Describe the students and classroom in general and specific terms including but not limited to: Class size , Gender, Student behavior, Student dynamics, Student/Teacher dynamics, anything unique to the classroom, additional Curtis Nower teacher support (volunteers, Paras, etc.), and anything else you think is relevant.

The dynamics are generally pretty even. The students are very, very obedient probably due to the teachers good control of the class. The students attempt to get off track every now and then, but due to the setup of the room it is easy to get back under control. The classroom is a smart classroom, meaning ipads and smart boards. When discipline becomes an issue the school will often utilize the resource officer. Time observing 7:30 AM to 2:30 PM April 4th Subject/Grade Level

Mass Media Tuner Junior High Class size Variable around 20

Diagram the classroom, label features, point out how layout helps/hinders learning

iPad I[ Storage

Projection Screen

Teachers Desk

Student DesksAll students are facing the projection screen. Mr. Nower walks around the class interacting with the students as he teaches. This creates an interactive environment where the students feel included and dont feel lectured at.

What is being displayed on the walls of the classroom? Think of the walls as billboards and identify some of the messages that are being conveyed and how those messages effect what is being learned?

The walls have quotes from inspirational people, the plan of the week, movie puzzles and students artwork. These objects create a sense of motivation and direction for the class.

C&T 100 form created by Nicole Singleton Horn (nshorn@ku.edu) January 2008

Teacher Appreciation Letter Mr. Nower, I just wanted to say thank you very much for letting us observe your class this past Thursday! Let me say that I had an awesome time. Even though we did the same things every period I learned a little more each time. I think one of the biggest things I took from observing your class was how you can effect so many kids in a positive way. The kids may have been giving you a hard time, but you could clearly tell they loved your class. It gives me something to strive for. Honestly, the work you do for your students and fellow faculty members deserves more praise. I had an amazing time, and I really think teaching in a school like Turner is something I might just want to do down the road. The technology was impressive and something I would love to be able to use in my future endeavor of teaching Spanish, but that's not what I took from this whole experience. I learned quite a bit from you in 7 brief hours, and I thank you for that! Signed, Nathan Herrman

C&T 100 form created by Nicole Singleton Horn (nshorn@ku.edu) January 2008