Guided Observation #1 Contextual Factors

Name: Kaitlyn Harrison

Date: 4/22/2017
Course: EDUC 2300 Introduction to Education
School: Hancock Elementary

Interview your mentoring teacher to obtain the demographics about the school. Write a
response for each question in a paragraph format.

1. Record the number of males, females, and ratio of ethnicity within the
classroom.
Mrs. Sherry had two classes during the day teaching math and science to both classes.
Both classes had a different ratio of males to females. There were slightly more females
than males in both classes. Both classes were predominately Caucasian students. In the
first class, there were solely Caucasian students; however, in her second class, there were
two African American students.

2. What are the development levels of the students within the classroom you
are observing?
The two classes that Mrs. Sherry had both contained diverse levels of development. There
was not a particular advanced or low group; therefore, she had a variety of students in
both classes. However, she considered her second class to be slightly more advanced than
her first.

3. How is the instruction modified to meet the diverse needs of the students?
Students who perform at a significantly higher level than most other students are
encouraged to read or play a math-based computer game to occupy themselves while
other students are finishing assignments. Other students are encouraged to ask questions,
and Mrs. Sherry works with those who struggle in small groups. Those who have an IEP
or 504 Plan are able to use accommodations (multiplication charts or calculators) to assist
them with assignments. Some students are also pulled out to go to the Special Education
classroom during the second part of class. Mrs. Sherry uses various instruction methods
including group work, stations, allowing students to work problems on the board, and dry
erase boards to keep her instruction applicable to diverse students.

4. Research the school and the Tennessee State Government web site to
obtain information about the school community, school report card, and
school population.
Based off of the TN State Report Card, Hancock Elementary is a K-5 school with 473
students enrolled and 98% identifying as Caucasian. Hancock Elementary is a Title I
school with 54% being considered economically disadvantaged. The school is far below
the state average in all subjects with the percentage of passing scores being 28.8%. ELA
scores show the greatest need for improvement.
5. What are the specialized programs/activities found within the school that
would assist special needs children, those who need enrichment activities,
or remediation? List the specific programs that are available.
The school offers an after-school program for all students. According to my mentor
teacher, it has proven to be especially helpful for students who are struggling or have a
learning disability due to more one-on-one instruction.