CSN Education Department, Field Observation Activities

Packet

Greetings Future Educator,

One of the most rewarding
aspects of EDU 201, EDU 202
and EDU 203 is the
opportunity you will have to
actually observe students at the grade level you are interested in eventually teaching. These
CSN courses require all students to complete a 10 hour "Field Observation" in one of the 13
Performance Zones of the Clark County School District. Once your placement is processed,
you will receive details regarding your specific assigned school from your CSN instructor. You
will then contact the school and meet with your cooperating teacher. Both you and your
cooperating teacher will design a mutually agreeable schedule to complete your required
contact hours. Within this packet, you will find the required experience assignments and field
documents that you must complete in order to pass this class.
Name:

__Rachel Swenson_________

Professor: Patrick A. Leytham, PhD

CSN Course: EDU 203 Into Special Education

Professors email:

_____________________

CCSD School: Lee Antonello ES

Cooperating Teacher: Colette Parr, Elizabeth Judkins,

Cozette Marshall
Save this completed packet for your Education Capstone Course, (EDU 299) and pay
particular attention to items marked with an (* asterisk) as these will be especially helpful in
completing your Classroom Management, Diversity, and Differentiated Instruction presentation
in EDU 299. Your CSN instructor will let you know whether you will be handwriting directly in
this packet, in a separate reflective log, or word processing responses to the following
requirements and assignments.

CSN Education Department, Las Vegas, Nevada 2013

CSN Education Department, Field Observation Activities

Packet

BEFORE ARRIVING ON THE FIRST DAY...

1. Contact your assigned school by telephone and ask the office manager, or other
contact person, for the best day/time to come and meet your assigned cooperating teacher. School
phone numbers, locations and other information can be found on the CCSD web site at
http://ccsd.net/schools/
2. Preplan an on-time arrival, and make sure that all interaction with CCSD employees and students is
respectful, courteous, and professional. You are a guest in their school, and a representative of this
CSN class and institution. The school is allowing you to visit to further your understanding of the
profession. It is imperative that your actions reflect a willingness to learn, and are reflective of a future
professional educator.
3. The first half of your field observation/experience will be centered around learning about the school
you were assigned, and focusing on the general and unique characteristics of its culture. You will be
looking at, and reflecting upon things that are going on in the classroom at the grade level or subject
that you were assigned. You are simply observing during this time. Your cooperating teacher will give
you guidance on how, and if, your experience can be expanded beyond these observations when
he/she feels comfortable with your professionalism and skills.

UPON ARRIVAL THE FIRST DAY

Introduce yourself. Since this is your first visit, ask the teacher where he/she would like you to sit
while you complete your observation hours for this CSN Introduction to Education class. Show the
teacher this Field Observation Activities Packet, your Field Observation Time Log and
Cooperating Teachers Field Observation Student Evaluation pages. Let the teacher know
that you will be asking him/her to verify your hours of attendance each time you visit, and grading
you after the observation hours are complete.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ASSIGNMENT ONE (Observations): After arrival, take a seat in a nonintrusive location to

begin your classroom observations. Complete the questions below:
Observation 1: What are your first impressions of the classroom/school environment? Warm?
Friendly? Organized etc? Describe the physical environment in detail. The first day at Lee
Antonello ES, the staff/teachers were so inviting, warm and friendly. The students were is
CSN Education Department, Las Vegas, Nevada 2013

CSN Education Department, Field Observation Activities

Packet
curious about me. The classroom was big and full of books shelves for reading time and many
different centers to explore for the kids.

*Observation 2: Please describe the student make-up of the class, including gender, ethnicity,
ELL, students with physical challenges, and any other apparent attributes that are important to
note. There were students from any different grades put into one classroom, it was a resource
room setting. The classroom was made up of kids from 3 rd to 5th grade.

*Observation 3: What are the posted class rules in the room? (exactly as written)
Be kind, Say Excuse me, Please and thank you. Per Mrs Parr.

*Observation 4: Does the teacher enforce the rules? Are rewards or consequences being

used for compliance or noncompliance? Yes, the teachers do enforce the rules. Some rewards
that were being used are getting a sticker at the end of the day for being good.

ASSIGNMENT TWO (Classroom Layout): Use graph paper or drawing software to create an
accurate overhead view, labeled drawing, of your assigned classroom before answering the
questions below.

CSN Education Department, Las Vegas, Nevada 2013

CSN Education Department, Field Observation Activities

Packet

Classroom Layout Question 1: Describe the workflow of the room. Is the space used
efficiently? I feel that this space has good workflow. This room has many centers stations for
learning. The teacher has their space for doing paperwork. Offers many book shelves for
reading.
Classroom Layout Question 2: In your opinion, how can the physical arrangement of the
room be improved? I like the lay out/set up of this room. I dont see any changes that needs to
be made.
Classroom Layout Question 3: In your opinion, are there any concerns regarding safety
during a normal school day or during the possibility of fire, shelter in place, or lock-down?
I did not see any concerns regarding safety hazards. Lock down the teachers do in the
classrooms and there are many places to hide to keep out of sight.
CSN Education Department, Las Vegas, Nevada 2013

CSN Education Department, Field Observation Activities

Packet
ASSIGNMENT THREE (Instruction): Observe any instructional time in your assigned
classroom, and record your observations when presented with the questions below:
Instruction Question 1: What is the posted daily schedule for different subjects or periods?
Math, reading, writing, centers-individual time, science.
Instruction Question 2: Is instruction done in small groups, centers, whole groups, individual?
Small groups- reading, science, some centers done as small groups. Whole groups- math and
writing work. Individuals- AP reading tests computer, centers- some of them.
Instruction Question 3: How would you describe your cooperating teachers teaching style?
The teaching style is based on age groups and grade level. Teaching more in groups since
room is made up of different ages and grades. This is what I saw.

*Instruction Question 4: Does the teacher incorporate the sensory modalities (learning

styles)? If so, give examples. If someone did not understand something, then the teacher
would re-explain it in the way the student would understand it better.

*Instruction Question 5: Do the students seem engaged in the lesson(s) that are being
presented? Please explain. Yes, Learning letters and words and then putting them into
sentence form.

*Instruction Question 6: Are there any students isolated from the rest of the class for any

reason? Why? No, They are together in resource room together 3 rd-5th grade. They do centers
in many groups by grade and age.
Instruction Question 7: Is instructional time managed efficiently? Please explain Yes, by the
set schedule of the teacher in the resource room.
Instruction Question 8: How does the cooperating teacher handle transitions from one
subject or period to another, and are these transitions effective? On a schedule. Now we are
moving onto math, so put your English books away in your desk.

CSN Education Department, Las Vegas, Nevada 2013

CSN Education Department, Field Observation Activities

Packet

*Instruction Question 9: List ways that the teacher attempts any attention getting

commands? (Ex: Countdown, Light flicker, Heads on Desk) How effective are they? Timer,
countdown, give me five-putting their hands up in the air.

*Instruction Question 10: What specific behavior issues does the teacher have to deal with?

How does the teacher deal with these behavior issues? Be specific. Students that off task, not
listening. The teacher asks that students to focus and listen. They may have to help the student
get back on track. Showing the student where they are on the page/in the book.

*Instruction Question 11: Are there any policies or procedures in place that help or hinder
instructional time? If so, explain them and how they help or hinder use of instructional time.
Rules set into place by the teacher/school.

ASSIGNMENT FOUR (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. This school is 20 years old. It has mature
trees. The school is fenced in along the whole school- playground.
2. Next, study the interior of the school: halls, floor coverings, lighting, doors, windows, hall
colors and decorations and entrance security. The color of the is blue and gray. This school is
20 years old. The classrooms are big and the room numbers seems to be put in a weird order.
The hallways have creative art work on the walls and the floors have carpets though out the
school.
Culture of the School: Read, listen and observe to determine the climate, values, and
atmosphere within the school.

CSN Education Department, Las Vegas, Nevada 2013

CSN Education Department, Field Observation Activities

Packet
1. Identify the schools mission statement, motto, and mascot. We are the explores (Explore
your future).
2. Analyze staff and visitor interactions in the main office. Note student and faculty interactions
in other areas of the school. The staff in the front office are nice. They are very helpful.
3. Look at the formal practices: school day schedule; ages of students; calendar of events; size
of school; grouping of students. School day starts at 7:50 am though 2:11 pm. The schools
different grade levels are Pr K through 5th grade. 3 year olds to 10 years.
4. Observe student to student interactions, inside and outside the building. Observe where
students gather to socialize lunchroom, halls, playground, etc. The kids gather at the
playground then the bell rings, they then go to lunch-lunchroom. I did not see any one hanging
around the outside of the school. The bell rings, they go to school or go home.
5. Explain how the school is organized - by grades, departments or not. Are
hallways/classroom labeled? The hallways are not labeled very well. The classroom numbers
seem out of order. That school is set up weird, could need some improvements.
6. 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.
I asked the front office staff about actives they do with the students, they dont seem to plan
anything for them. I did not see any trophies here hear about any clubs. They need to offer
their students more. I thought that as sad..
C. 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. The teacher wants everyone to learn, so they do lesions from the projector
on the big screen- everyone can see.

*2. Evaluate the level of student participation in the class. Who participates? Who does not?

Everyone gets to participate in the classroom. What I have seen, Everyone interacts and takes
part.

CSN Education Department, Las Vegas, Nevada 2013

CSN Education Department, Field Observation Activities

Packet

*3. Evaluate the interactions between teachers and students, rapport, cohesiveness,

distribution of power, tone, frequency and reinforcements. Sometimes it is hard to keep

everyone on task, sometimes the teacher will stop and use a different tone of voice to reinforce
the students to listen and stay on task.

ASSIGNMENT FIVE (Cooperating Teacher Interview): Complete the questions below by

interviewing your cooperating teacher during a convenient time. Include any school documents
that your cooperating teacher will allow you to photocopy for your packet.
Interview Question 1: What was the primary reason you became a teacher?
I have always loved teaching and helping others.
Interview Question 2: What is the main challenge(s) you face as a teacher?
There is never enough time and the paperwork is overwhelming.
Interview Question 3: What is the best part(s) of being a teacher?
When the students finally understand a concept.
Interview Question 4: How do you determine where students sit in class?
Resource- small group.
Interview Question 5: How do you determine the members of any flexible groups?
Data and observation determine flexible groups.
Interview Question 6: Beyond standardized testing, what assessments do you use regularly?
AIMSweb, CORE Phonics Survey, observation, student work samples.
Interview Question 7: What requirements are placed on you for reporting progress to
parents? Two progress reports per year and an annual IEP.
Interview Question 8: How often do you interact with a students parents in person?
Usually once a year during the IEP, but more if necessary.
Interview Question 9: What type of discussions do you typically have with parents?
IEP discussions typically revolve around present levels of performance, accommodations
needed to succeed in the classroom, and goals to work on for the upcoming year.
Interview Question 10: How much grading do you complete on a daily/weekly basis?
Once a week for AIMSweb progress monitoring and the rest is generally formative
assessment during instruction.
Interview Question 11: How long does it take to prepare lessons for the day/week?
It typically takes a few hours each week to prepare lessons for the following week.
CSN Education Department, Las Vegas, Nevada 2013

CSN Education Department, Field Observation Activities

Packet

*Interview Question 12: What procedures or strategies do you use to maximize instructional
time? Do now activities for the students, having materials prepared and organized, having a
plan for what need to do when they finish work.

*Interview Question 13: What positive reinforcement programs have you had success with?
BUG Bucks

*Interview Question 14: What behavioral consequences seem most effective with this age
group? Not getting a BUG Buck and talking about future choices.

Interview Question 15: How are specialist teachers involved in the instructional planning
process? Our music teacher is part of our Response to Instruction team.
Interview Question 16: How often are you evaluated, and what measurement tool(s) is used
by the administration for determining your own performance? 3 times a year for a formal
observation, but they occasionally stop by more frequently just to see how things are going.
Interview Question 17: What consequences are there if your evaluation is not favorable?
I dont know- Ive never had an unsatisfactory observation.
Interview Question 18: What types of support do you receive instructionally, financially or
professionally from the school, parent organization or school district to enhance instruction?
Professional development days, weekly staff are used more for professional development
now too. The PTA give us $75 a year to use on instructional supplies. Special education gets a
budget per teacher, I think it is $500 per year.
Interview Question 19: What surprised you most about teaching as a profession? Every
year something changes. Usually there are multiple changes as far as instructions goes.

ASSIGNMENT SIX (Classroom Interactions):

Teacher Exchange Directed to Boys vs. Teacher Exchange Directed to Girls.
Record tally marks for a 20 minute period when direct instruction is taking place. When
interaction is between the teacher and any male student, add a tally mark. Do the same when
teacher interaction is between the teacher and any female student. Record your tally marks in
chart form, and then summarize your findings in one paragraph.

CSN Education Department, Las Vegas, Nevada 2013

CSN Education Department, Field Observation Activities

Packet

*Summarize your Classroom Interactions data from above:

___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________

ASSIGNMENT SEVEN (Administrator Interview): The prewritten student created

questions are mandatory for credit, and the Principal/Assistant Principal/Dean interview
is optional but strongly encouraged ONLY IF IT CAN BE ARRANGED. After composing
your own five open-ended questions, do your best to arrange a 15 minute interview with the
CSN Education Department, Las Vegas, Nevada 2013

10

CSN Education Department, Field Observation Activities

Packet
Principal/Assistant Principal/Dean or other administrative personnel so you can get answers to
the five prewritten questions you came up with. This could be the most valuable part of your
experience if you can shed light upon what administrators are looking for, from their future
applicants. (example Open Ended question: What are the most important qualities you look for
in a newly hired teacher?)
Could not be arranged..
CSN Student Created Open Ended Question # 1 for Administrator:
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
CSN Student Created Open Ended Question # 2 for Administrator:
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
CSN Student Created Open Ended Question # 3 for Administrator:
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
CSN Student Created Open Ended Question # 4 for Administrator:
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
CSN Student Created Open Ended Question # 5 for Administrator:
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________

CSN Education Department, Las Vegas, Nevada 2013

11

CSN Education Department, Field Observation Activities

Packet
_______________________________________________
Interviewed school administrators name/title:

ASSIGNMENT EIGHT (Specialist Classroom Observations): Remember some schools do not

have these programs, so this assignment will be optional for some. Specialist classroom visits are strongly
encouraged ONLY IF THEY CAN BE ARRANGED. Make sure you get permission from your cooperating
teacher, as well as the lead teacher in the specialist, GATE/AP, or special education room.

A) Ask permission from your cooperating teacher to accompany the students and
observe one or more of the specialist classes (Art, Music, Library, Humanities, PE) they
attend, or a different middle/high school subject the same students attend within your
cooperating teachers grade level team.
Was not there during this time.
1. Do the students participate or behave differently in these classes in comparison to
their regular academic/cooperating teachers class?
2. Does any student seem to have a particular talent? Describe.
3. What is the curriculum like in comparison to the regular education(cooperating
teachers) class?
4. Describe the specialist teachers instructional style.
5. What different strategies do you notice this teacher using that are successful?
6. What are the challenges the specialist teacher has to deal with?
7. How are student needs being met?
B) Ask your cooperating teacher if you may observe part of the time in the GATE (Gifted
and Talented classroom, or another classroom that is considered Advanced Placement)
Remember some schools do not have these programs, so this assignment for some will be optional. Specialist classroom
visits are strongly encouraged IF THEY CAN BE ARRANGED.

Does not have one.

1. Do you notice any social and academic differences between the kids in this class and
in the regular education classes?
2. What is the curriculum like in comparison to the regular education class?
3. Describe the GATE/AP teachers instructional style.
4. Would you rather be in this class or the regular education class? Why?
5. How are student needs being met?
C) Ask your teacher for permission to visit the rooms of any specialized programs at the
school: Special Education, SEC (Severely Emotionally Challenged), Autism room,
CSN Education Department, Las Vegas, Nevada 2013

12

CSN Education Department, Field Observation Activities

Packet
Deaf/Hard of Hearing rooms, etc.

Remember some schools do not have these programs, so this assignment

for some will be optional. Specialist classroom visits are strongly encouraged IF THEY CAN BE ARRANGED. Maintain

your professionalism at all times. Do not write a students name down when you are writing observation notes.
Maintain the students right to privacy by referring to a student as Student #1, Student #2 etc.

1. Do you notice any social and academic differences between the kids in this class and
in the regular education classes? The students need more one on one time from the
teacher. The teachers in general classroom to work as a whole group, not separate like
SE.
2. What is the curriculum like in comparison to the regular education class? The
curriculum is less and done in smaller groups by age and grade level.
3. Describe the SPED teachers instructional style. It is more hand on, one on one
working style.
4. What are the challenges these students possess? The challenges they face are, what
can the student do, write, read.. and so on.
5. How are student needs being met? The teacher has a student aid to help the
students also.

ASSIGNMENT NINE (Observing a student): Discretely observe one student in your

assigned regular classroom during an extended period of direct instruction. Summarize what
the student did during the observation, making sure to document ALL behavior. Detail what
was going on in the environment, and what you observed the student doing while the lesson
was being given.
1. Please summarize the setting, the lesson that was given, if the student was on task and
engaged in the lesson, and what you uncovered about putting yourself in a lesson from the
students point of view.
___________________________________________________________________________
_____The setting was in a special education setting (resource room). The student was on task
but being silly at times. The student was doing vocabulary words with the special education
teacher. She has to spell out the word out loud and write it in her packet. The students also
could sing the words, which help more I think. In the end of the lesion the student did a good
job practicing her words. The teacher give her a BUG Buck for doing a good job focusing.
Then the student put their name on it and puts it into a jar for a weekly drawing to win prizes. At
the end of the week the teacher will draw a name from the jar and that student will pick their
prize of their choose.
_______________________________________________________________
CSN Education Department, Las Vegas, Nevada 2013

13

CSN Education Department, Field Observation Activities

Packet
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________

ASSIGNMENT TEN (Summary):

Thoroughly summarize and reflect upon your entire 10 hour Field Observation Placement.
CSN Education Department, Las Vegas, Nevada 2013

14

CSN Education Department, Field Observation Activities

Packet
__My service learning experience started out in Mrs. Parrs class. The day starts out at the
reading carpet to talk about the book of the day. She reads the book to her students and then
she asks her students questions about the book, to find out who was listening. From there the
students go to centers for creatively activities. Mrs. Parrs class has 3 teacher aids to help the
students learn one on one. During centers the aids and the teacher will pull a few students a
side to test their skills at different levels and so on.
Moving on to Mrs. Judkins, she is an Special Education teacher that works from an resource
room. During my visit with Mrs. Judkins, She showed me was her day is like. We first went to a
general classroom to help with a couple of students there. The general education teacher was
telling a story to her students. The special education teacher Mrs. Judkins would make sure
the students were listening to the story. She was there to help. Then we went back to her
resource room to work with a student one on one reading and working on math skills. I have a
better understanding on what a Special Education teacher does during the day.

___________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
CSN Education Department, Las Vegas, Nevada 2013

15

CSN Education Department, Field Observation Activities

Packet
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Before final grading for EDU 201, EDU 202, EDU 203 courses can occur, the CSN student
must submit their completed Field Observation Activities Packet to their CSN Instructor for
grading, AND turn in their validated Field Observation Time Log and Field Observation
Student Evaluation sheets. The CCSD cooperating teacher must also email the students
CSN Instructor before the final exam date. The instructors email can be found on the first
page of this packet. (pass/fail for the student)
Remember to save this completed packet in digital form, or as a hard copy for your
Education Capstone Course, (EDU 299)

CSN Education Department, Las Vegas, Nevada 2013

16