CSN Education Department - Field Observation Activities Packet

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 ll have to observe in a school classroom where students are actively engaged in learning. Each of these three CSN courses require all students to complete a 10 hour "Field Observation" in a Clark County public school. Once your placement is processed, you will receive details regarding your assigned school from your CSN professor. Only then, will you contact the school and meet with your CCSD cooperating teacher. Both you and your cooperating teacher will design a mutually agreeable schedule to complete your required contact hours once you meet for the first time. Within this packet, you will find the required field experience assignments and other documents that you must complete in order to pass this class. Your Name: CSN Course: Professor: Professor s email: CCSD School: Cooperating Teacher: Save this completed packet for this class, and your Education Capstone Course, (EDU 299). Your CSN instructor will let you know their required format for submitting the observation assignments within this packet. CSN Field Observation Packet CSN Education Department 2017 Page 1

BEFORE ARRIVING ON THE FIRST DAY... 1. Locate your assigned school on a map, or via the CCSD website, and arrive during the Initial Visitation Week dates provided to you by your CSN instructor. This initial visit will be your chance to gather information about your assigned cooperating CCSD teacher. School locations and other information can be found on the CCSD web site at http://ccsd.net/schools/contact-information/ 2. Pre-plan for 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 class and the college. CCSD is allowing you to visit their school to further your understanding of the teaching 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 school level that you were assigned. You are simply observing during this time. Your cooperating teacher will give you guidance on how your experience can be expanded beyond simple observations, when he/she feels comfortable with your professionalism and skills. UPON ARRIVAL THE FIRST DAY Check in at the school office and let the Office Manager know that you are a CSN Education student who has been placed with a cooperating teacher at their school for Field Observation. Be patient while the information you ll need is located by the Office Manager. The request for placement came through Interact from our Field Observation Coordinator, and has been pre-approved by the school s administrator. During this initial visit, some of you may be sent directly to the classroom to meet your cooperating teacher, some of you may be given contact information for the cooperating teacher, and then will return on a different day for your first classroom visit. UPON ARRIVAL TO THE CLASSROOM Introduce yourself to your assigned Cooperating Teacher. 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, as well as the last 3 pages which contain the Cooperating Teacher Information, the Time Log and Field Observation Student Evaluation pages. Let the teacher know that you will be taking notes during the observation for your packet assignments, and that you will be asking him/her to verify your hours of attendance, and evaluate your participation once the total observation hours are complete. DEPARTMENT OF TEACHER EDUCATION FIELD EXPERIENCE GUIDELINES Standards of Conduct You are student representatives of the CSN Education Department and the teaching profession. Candidates are expected to maintain high standards of personal and professional ethics. Attendance and Punctuality Regular attendance and punctuality are mandatory. Once you plan a schedule with the cooperating teacher, this becomes an agreement in which you are expected to adhere to. You are expected to sign in and out at the school (as required by the school office and/or program). In case of illness or emergency, you must contact the assigned school and let them know you will not be in attendance on that day so they can notify your cooperating teacher. Relationships You should exercise respectful discretion when voicing your personal views. It is important that your demeanor and opinions remain confidential. Under no circumstances can information about any students CSN Field Observation Packet CSN Education Department 2017 Page 2

be released to, or discussed with, any unauthorized person. It is forbidden to have any contact with students outside of the classroom you are assigned. This restriction also includes CSN students contacting CCSD students using any electronic means or through the use of social media. Dress Code CSN Department of Education wants you to be a success. Therefore we have established a dress code for students fulfilling their observation requirement in the assigned school district. Appearance creates credibility; make a good first impression by dressing professionally. Required Acceptable Attire: Males: Shirts with collars Ties (optional) with button down shirts Khakis, trousers, slacks; belts if pants have loops, (no sagging, rips or tears) Simple jewelry Shoes and socks that cover the toes and heels Females: Shirts or blouses that cover the shoulders & waist; no see-through or mesh Sweaters worn over shirt Pants, pantsuits, khakis, trousers, slacks (no sagging, rips or tears) Jumpers, dresses, skirts (in length from 2" above the knee to the ankle) Shoes and socks that cover the toes and heels Leggings worn under dresses/skirts/jumpers Simple jewelry or none Little (daytime) make-up Not Acceptable Attire: jeans, shorts, tank tops, halter tops, muscle T-shirts, tight fitting clothing, warmups, sandals, flip flops, stilettos; no cleavage showing, no sagging or frayed hems; no head covering except for religious reasons, such as a yarmulke or turban-like. No nontraditional hair colors/styles. Undergarments and tattoos should be covered. Remove facial jewelry. No perfume. *School principal/ supervisor has the sole discretion on questionable clothing or appearance that distracts from student learning. Classroom Conduct: At all times, the cooperating teacher maintains legal responsibility for pupils in his or her classroom. You should never assume that responsibility and be left unsupervised with children. You should not discipline students. You are an observer, who should take notes to discuss during your next education class meeting, or to record in your Field Observation packet. Professional Conduct: Never speak to staff or students in an abusive manner. Never touch or be alone with a student for any reason. Never give a student food, drink, or other items without the teacher s permission. Never take photos/video of students or staff without written permission from the principal. Never make or accept calls/text using any communication device. REVIEW THE TERMS of the CCSD Waiver Forms you agreed to: Student Statement of Responsibility (Exhibit B) Student Confidentiality Statement (Exhibit C) These 2 waiver documents MUST be agreed to during the Field Observation registration process in order to secure your placement. Completion of the Field Observation is a PASS/FAIL component of the course. CSN Field Observation Packet CSN Education Department 2017 Page 3

ASSIGNMENT 1 (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 environment? Warm?... Friendly?... Organized?... etc Describe the physical environment in detail. 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. Observation 3: What are the posted class rules in the room? (exactly as written) Observation 4: Does the teacher enforce these posted rules? Are rewards or consequences being used for compliance or noncompliance? ASSIGNMENT 2 (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. Classroom Layout Question 1: Describe the workflow of the room. Is the space used efficiently? Classroom Layout Question 2: In your opinion, how can the physical arrangement of the room be improved? CSN Field Observation Packet CSN Education Department 2017 Page 4

ASSIGNMENT 3 (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? Instruction Question 2: Is instruction done in small groups, centers, whole groups, individual? Instruction Question 3: How would you describe your cooperating teacher s teaching style? Instruction Question 4: Does the teacher incorporate the sensory modalities (learning styles)? If so, give examples. Instruction Question 5: Do the students seem engaged in the lesson(s) that are being presented? Please explain. Instruction Question 6: Are there any students isolated from the rest of the class for any reason? Why? Instruction Question 7: Is instructional time managed efficiently? Please explain Instruction Question 8: How does the cooperating teacher handle transitions from one subject or period to another, and are these transitions efficient? Instruction Question 9: List ways that the teacher attempts any attention getting commands? (Ex: Countdown, Light flicker, Heads on Desk) How effective are they? 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. 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. CSN Field Observation Packet CSN Education Department 2017 Page 5

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 selfactualization, 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. 2. Next, study the interior of the school: halls, floor coverings, lighting, doors, windows, hall colors and decorations and entrance security. 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. 2. Analyze staff and visitor interactions in the main office. Note student and faculty interactions in other areas of the school. 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? 4. Observe student-to-student interactions, inside and outside of the building. Observe where students gather to socialize lunchroom, halls, playground, etc. 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. 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. 2. Evaluate the level of student participation in the class. Who participates? Who does not? What modifications, accommodations, and/or inclusion techniques were observed? 3. Evaluate the interactions between teachers and students, rapport, cohesiveness, distribution of power, tone, frequency and reinforcements. CSN Field Observation Packet CSN Education Department 2017 Page 6

ASSIGNMENT 5 (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? Interview Question 2: What are the main challenges you face as a teacher? Interview Question 3: What is the best part of being a teacher? Interview Question 4: How do you determine where students sit in class? Interview Question 5: How do you determine the members of any flexible groups? Interview Question 6: Beyond standardized testing, what assessments do you use regularly? Interview Question 7: What requirements are placed on you for reporting progress to parents? Interview Question 8: How often do you interact with a student s parents in person, and what type of discussions do you typically have? Interview Question 9: How much grading do you complete on a daily/weekly basis? Interview Question 10: How long does it take to prepare lessons for the day/week? Interview Question 11: What procedures or strategies do you use to maximize instructional time? Interview Question 12: What positive reinforcement programs have you had success with, and what behavioral consequences seem most effective with this age group? Interview Question 13: How are specialist teachers involved in the instructional planning process? Interview Question 14: How often are you evaluated, and what measurement tool is used by the administration for determining your teaching performance? Interview Question 15: What consequences are there if your evaluation is not favorable? Interview Question 16: What types of support do you receive instructionally, financially, or professionally from the school, parent organization or school district to enhance instruction? Interview Question 17: What surprised you most about teaching as a profession? CSN Field Observation Packet CSN Education Department 2017 Page 7

ASSIGNMENT 6 (Observing a student): Discretely observe one student in your assigned classroom during an extended period of direct instruction. Detail what was going on in the environment, and what you observed the student doing while the lesson was being given. Make sure to document ALL behavior in relationship to what was being presented by the classroom teacher. Please describe 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 student s point of view. CSN Field Observation Packet CSN Education Department 2017 Page 8

ASSIGNMENT 7 (Summary): Thoroughly summarize and reflect upon your entire 10 hour Field Observation Placement. Before final grading for EDU 201, EDU 202, EDU 203 courses can occur, the CSN student must submit their completed Field Observation Activities Packet, Time Log, and Student Evaluation to their CSN instructor for grading. The student must also provide the CCSD cooperating teacher with their CSN professor s contact information, so the cooperating teacher can send a quick email validation that the student completed their 10 hours before the final exam date. The instructor s email can be found on the first page of this packet, and on the next page. Remember to save this completed packet in digital form, or as a hard copy for the Education Department s capstone course, (EDU 299) CSN Field Observation Packet CSN Education Department 2017 Page 9

COOPERATING TEACHER INFORMATION - CSN FIELD OBSERVATIONS Dear Cooperating Teacher, Thank you for assisting in the preparation of a new generation of Nevada teachers. Our education majors are required to complete 10 field observation hours in these courses: EDU 201 Introduction To Elementary Education EDU 202 Introduction To Secondary Education EDU 203 Introduction To Special Education This class is where many of our students actually make the decision whether they will continue further study of the profession. We appreciate you joining us in providing these students with a wonderful first experience in the classroom. If at all possible, please utilize the student to assist you in supervised classroom instructional activities if you deem them ready. We are hopeful that the information we have enclosed with this letter, which has been approved by the Nevada College Consortium, will help you with a clear sense of how this field experience works. When the student has completed his/her required observation hours, please complete and sign the FIELD OBSERVATION TIME LOG and FIELD OBSERVATION STUDENT EVALUATION (along with the student). Then, return these two pages to the student who will submit them to his/her professor. For your convenience, the student has provided you with CSN contact information below. Please contact the CSN instructor if there are any questions or concerns. Also, before a final grade for EDU 201, EDU 202, or EDU 203 courses can be assigned, the CSN professor MUST receive your official email verification that the student successfully completed his/her 10 hours. Please also cc the student on this email as soon as the student has completed the 10 contact hours. The student WILL NOT receive a final grade in the course until the email is received from you. CSN Course # & name: CSN Professor: CSN Professor s phone: CSN Professor s email: Student s name: Student s email: Should you have any concerns or questions about this process, please feel free to contact the instructor directly, or the CSN Education Department at: (702) 651-4400. CSN Field Observation Packet CSN Education Department 2017 Page 10

TIME LOG - CSN Field Observations CSN Student: CSN Instructor: CCSD School Assigned: CCSD Cooperating Teacher: CCSD Grade/Department: CCSD School Principal: CCSD School Phone & Fax: (702) (702) Record accurate data for all school visitations in the table below DATE START TIME END TIME HOURS TEACHER INITIALS TOTAL HOURS: Cooperating Teacher Signature: Date: CSN Field Observation Packet CSN Education Department 2017 Page 11

FIELD OBSERVATION STUDENT EVALUATION - completed by Cooperating CCSD teacher Please complete the following evaluation using the Performance Indicator Scores below (with the student) once the total observation hours are met. Your constructive comments are extremely valuable to the student. This page should be returned to the student along with their Time Log. If you prefer to fax or mail the completed documents, you may do so by sending it to the CSN Professor s attention via Fax: (702) 651-4908 or through regular US mail to: CSN North Las Vegas Campus - Education Dept. 3200 E. Cheyenne Ave. Las Vegas, NV 89030-4228 SORT CODE CYS-222 Enter the appropriate Performance Indicator Score in the spaces below (4)=exemplary (3)=consistent level (2)=not consistent (1)=lacking Professional appearance, adherence to CCSD dress code Reliability, punctuality Communicates effectively with teachers and staff Demonstrates manners, graciousness Reflects upon observations using critical thinking Demonstrates enthusiasm and curiosity toward the profession Models respectful behavior with students Uses appropriate language Exhibits pre-service educator success indicators Comments: Cooperating Teacher s Signature: Date: CSN Field Observation Packet CSN Education Department 2017 Page 12