In comparison to many classes at Rocky Mountain High School, the culture and context

of Ron Clark’s videography class is quite unique. This is a project based class, so students
complete six major assignments throughout the term. As stated in the class syllabus expectations
sheet, it is up to the students to take responsibility for their learning. Mr. Clark provides the
students with brief demonstrations of techniques needed in order to complete their assignments,
as well as EdPuzzle video demonstrations they can access throughout the semester on Google
Classroom. During class, Mr. Clark begins with some reminders and a check-in to gauge how
students are doing with their projects. If any information or assistance is needed by any of the
students, Mr. Clark will address the whole group and explain techniques or aspects of the
assignment. Students generally get straight to work on their projects, mostly working
independently throughout the class period. Mr. Clark makes himself available for individual
questions or assistance, but does not spend a lot of time going up to students and asking them if
they need help. Although I feel like the way Mr. Clark does this can sometimes cause a
disconnect between teachers and students, I think it also fosters independence within the
students.
At the beginning of every term, Mr. Clark assigns “Profile,” an assignment in which
students answer questions about who they are, their likes and dislikes, and anything else
necessary for Mr. Clark to know. Most students do seem interested in learning about film,
animation, and photography, but there are quite a few students taking this class just because they
have to. Interest levels definitely vary from student to student. The class takes place in the
computer lab. Students are seated at computer tables facing the walls of 3 sides of the
classroom, with Mr. Clark’s desk and projector on the fourth side of the classroom. This supplies
lots of room to move around and access each student and computer, but some students are facing
away from the front of the classroom which makes lecture and demonstration a bit complicated.
There are about 6-8 students in the class with IEPs or 504s. Mr. Clark showed me how
the school notifies teachers of students with accommodations and how to go about adapting to
those accommodations. With a class like videography, tasks and assignments tend to be easily
accessible to most already, but Mr. Clark showed me how to use technology tools like Google
Classroom, headphones, and more to ensure each student is set up for success. I found it is most
important for students with a range of abilities and needs to provide them with multiple methods
of instruction, such as verbal and written, access to people and tools to help them, and most
importantly to be clear, understanding, and honest with all students.
I have found that this is highly valued at Rocky Mountain High School. The mission
statement at Rocky is “Self, Purpose, Place.” Which reminds all members of the Rocky
community to be compassionate and respectful. It is clear that RMHS cares greatly about their
students, with Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion supervisors, deans and school resource officers,
and many others to ensure the safety and success of all students.
This mission shows a great deal of care for everyone in the community, just like the
school district. Poudre School District’s Mission statement is “Educate every child, every day.”
Serving over 30,000 students over 50 schools in Northern Colorado, this district aims to support
students, teach them to learn, think, and care, and help them to be successful in a changing
world. The district also ensures that students gain skills in literacy and math throughout each
class they take.