FIELD EXPERIENCES

1. FIELD EXPERIENCES GUIDELINES FOR OBSERVATIONS IN SCHOOLS

2. You are entering the classroom for the first time not as a student and not yet as a teacher.

3. What to Bring • A notebook and a pen or pencil • Leave bulky items such as backpacks and large purses in the car • Bring only the necessities with you into the classroom, such as a small purse

4. PARKING • Park only in designated areas • Obey all specific traffic rules and regulations • Drive slowly and with caution on school grounds

5. YOU ARE A PROFESSIONAL GUEST

6. APPEARANCE • DRESS PROFESSIONALLY • LOOK NEAT AND CLEAN • NO HATS OR LOGOS • NO SHORT SKIRTS/SHORTS OR SHEER CLOTHING

7. Yes or No?

8. Yes or No?

9. Yes or No?

10. Yes or No?

11. Uh Oh !

12. OMG ! Please, No!

13. OK ….so what’s typical?

14. Some say it’s best…to dress for success

15. Even the guys

16. UPON ARRIVAL • Always check in at the school’s office • Wear an identification tag • Ask for directions to classroom • Introduce yourself to the teacher and students

17. BEHAVIOR IN THE CLASSROOM • Refer to yourself with the title Ms. Mrs. or Mr. • Do not bring gum, food or drinks into the classroom • Attend to classroom observations • Personal work should be left at home

18. Watch your language

19. Confidentiality • It’s great to have the inside scoop on things… • BUT, federal regulations are written to protect the children. • Do not discuss anything that is “personally identifiable” that you may observe – it’s illegal • A kid gets “in trouble” • Gets “free lunch” • “Special class” • Small school/small town/many connections means it could come back to haunt you

20. Be the adult you are

21. YOUR ROLE • Your task is to observe the classroom • Be willing to participate upon teacher’s request • Sit where the teacher designates • Do not call attention to yourself • Be friendly and courteous, but don’t approach students during instructional time

22. PURPOSE OF YOUR VISIT • OBSERVE INTERACTIONS BETWEEN TEACHERS AND STUDENTS • OBSERVE INTERACTIONS BETWEEN STUDENTS AND STUDENTS • OBSERVE TEACHING STYLES • OBSERVE CLASSROOM OPERATIONS To see if it’s a good fit for you

23. Reflection After observing/participating at this level, review your notes and reflect upon your observations and participation by thinking about the following questions. 1. What is it like teaching/learning at this level? Did anything surprise you regarding the characteristics of learners or teachers? 2. What situations did you observe that will be challenging to you as a prospective educator? 3. Based upon your experiences at this level, at this point, would you consider teaching at this level? Explain your answer, using examples from your observations/ participation where possible.

24. Kentucky’s New Teacher Standards • An Introduction

25. Standard 1: The Teacher Demonstrates Applied Content Knowledge • Did you know the lesson’s information well or would you have had to review the content prior to teaching the lesson to students? • Did the teacher guide the students toward understanding the content?

26. Standard 2: The Teacher Designs and Plans Instruction • Was the objective of the lesson significant? • What evidence do you see of advanced planning? • Comment about some of the techniques and/or methods that the teacher used in order to convey information to his or her students.

27. Standard 3: The Teacher Creates and Maintains Learning Climate • Assess the teacher’s “ratio of interactions.” Did the teacher give at least three times more positive feedback to students than negative feedback? • Did the teacher communicate high expectations to the students? • Was this classroom a “safe place” to learn? • Did the teacher treat all students fairly?

28. Standard 4: The Teacher Implements and Manages Instruction • Did the lesson move at a good pace? • Were materials prepared and ready to use? • Did the teacher use a variety of instructional strategies? • Was instructional time used well, or was time wasted?

29. Standard 5: The Teacher Assesses and Communicates Learning Results • What type of assessments were used to measure student understanding of the lesson, i.e., verbal questions, handouts, assignments, etc.? • Did you see evidence of • Student self-assessment? • Communication of learning results to students and parents?

30. Standard 6: The Teacher Demonstrates the Implementation of Technology • What use(s) of technology did you observe in the lesson? • What evidence of technology was present in the classroom?

31. Standard 7: The Teacher Reflects on and Evaluates Teaching and Learning • Was there evidence that the teacher used data to evaluate student learning and instructional practice? • How did today’s observation help you to develop as a future teacher?

32. Standard 8: The Teacher Collaborates with Colleagues/Parents/Others • Did you see students working together in groups? • Were any parents helping in the classroom? • Was the class team-taught? • Describe any evidence that the lesson was created or taught through collaboration with fellow colleagues/parents/others.

33. Standard 9: The Teacher Evaluates Teaching and Implements Professional Development • Was there any evidence that this teacher was planning his or her own professional development? • Can you think of a better way to teach today’s lesson? • Based upon your observation of today’s lesson, would you consider teaching at this grade level?

34. Standard 10: The Teacher Provides Leadership within School/Community/ Profession • Did you observe anything that led you to believe this teacher was a leader within the school? • the district? • the state? • Did other teachers ask this teacher for guidance or advice?

35. LEAVING THE SCHOOL • Thank the classroom teacher and students • Check-out at the school’s office • Locate your observation groups • Try not to be loud or disruptive

36. ENJOY YOUR VISITS AND HAVE FUN!