Management Observation

Batson- English III and IV

attendance and class dismissal: When I take attendance, I have a silly question of the day. This builds relationships and makes reluctant students speak to me at least once. For example, if you could drive any car for a year, what would it be? or who would you want with you if you were on a deserted island?

Homework procedures: I don’t believe in homework. The students I teach have many obligations outside of school. They only have homework if work in class has not been completed in a timely manner.

early finishers: early finishers can complete projects for bonus credit, AND they are also tasked with peer tutoring students who are struggling with the assignment.

work submissions: most work is done in google classroom. the templates are already set up for the students, so that they can put their names in the correct place. Unfinished work should not be turned in until it is completed. All paper copies of work go into the labeled drawers by the teacher’s desk.

classroom environment: students are in groups of four. The classroom is colorful with LED lights, dimmed overhead lights, and motivational and funny posters. The students should feel comfortable and cozy.

notes and forms: I don’t take up many notes and forms, but if I do, I pick them up around the classroom.

transitions: I am in the hallway during class changes, but I always say goodbye to the first class and try to greet most of the students coming in. If they need to go to the bathroom, they take the pass and only one person is allowed out of the room at a time. At lunch, my alarm goes off and we all walk down to the cafeteria. They go through the lunch line and we walk back. Since the students are in high school, they are not made to walk in a straight line or be quiet.

student engagement: I try to keep lectures and instruction short and interactive. Students must participate and be involved in the conversations and learning. I sometimes use a randomized wheel to call on students. (wheelofnames.com). During working time, I will walk around the classroom to check and make sure the students are on task and completing assignments. But I don’t check on them too much because high school students need to find self-motivation to do well.

special needs/ accommodations: All students receive accommodations, not just those who need them. If any student wants more time on a classroom test or to sit closer to the board, then it happens.

classroom management plan: My basic classroom management plan is to give respect to the students and get respect in return. These students are almost adults, so they know how to behave in the classroom. Usually, just asking them to sit or be quiet works well. Students know that if they are disrespectful or out of the area or not doing what they are supposed to be doing, it will be a write up or a phone call home. But most of the time, it does not go that far. Sometimes I will pull a student into the hallway to discuss their behavior quietly and that will also get their attention.

parent and guardian communication and collaboration: Parents can always check the school wires website to see what the class is working on each week. When students start falling behind, parents are contacted using school status. My goal is to make students responsible for their own actions.