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 self-
actualization, 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. >>>

The school property is located in the middle of a neighborhood. There is fencing around the
entire building, with grass and some trees inside the fence for students to enjoy. There is a
parking lot in front of the building for staff and visitors, and crosswalks for all intersections
surrounding the campus.

2. Next, study the interior of the school: halls, floor coverings, lighting, doors, windows, hall
colors and decorations and entrance security. >>>

The floors throughout the halls are carpeted, with the walls covered in student art projects. The
classroom doors are red and you can see a courtyard through some windows in the middle of
the building. To enter the building, you have to go through the front office and sign in on the
iPad provided at the front desk.

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. >>>

There are two school mottos being “We Put Learning First” and “The Eagle Way” which refers to Empathy,
Academic Success, Good Choices, Leadership, and Engagement. The school’s mascot is an Eagle.

2. Analyze staff and visitor interactions in the main office. Note student and faculty interactions in
other areas of the school. >>>

Everyone is very welcoming and says hi to each other and all visitors that come into the office
and walk the halls. The office manager would greet me every morning with a smile and a “good
morning” as I signed into the visitors log and the overall feeling of the school was very inviting.

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? >>>

Grades have different schedules. For example, the kindergarteners and Special Education
 classrooms go to lunch first, with the higher grades following. Yes, one of the students gets
pulled out of the classroom in the beginning of the day for an hour session of speech, then
comes back to class.

4. Observe student-to-student interactions, inside and outside of the building. Observe where
students gather to socialize – lunchroom, halls, playground, etc. >>>

The students say hello to each other in the hallways and the overall environment is very social
and respectful. The students have their friends that they gather around and play with during
recess and tend to sit with the same classmates for lunch time.

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.
>>>

While just my short time at Eileen Conners, there were multiple school activities for the
students. There was McDonalds night where the students, teachers, and faculty were
welcomed to join for dinner, and there was a neon party during school hours for all grade
levels. The school also conducts Law Enforcement Appreciation Day, coding club, Conner’s
Garden, and basketball.

6. Compare and contrast the current school environment and culture with schools in the historical
past. >>>

The current school environment is very friendly and encouraging, and offers before/after
programs for all the students. I feel that schools are now putting more of a focus on creating a
healthy, positive environment for students to ensure that they feel comfortable and confident in
their abilities.

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. >>>

Mrs. Williams has made it known, it seems from day one with how smooth the classroom runs,
what her expectations are and what is required from the students. Her interactions with the
students is very kind and sweet, just like her personality. All of the students and staff seem very
comfortable around Mrs. Williams and the students love to share their successes.

2. Evaluate the level of student participation in the class. Who participates? Who does not? What
modifications, accommodations, and/or inclusion techniques were observed? >>>

Mostly all of the students participate, with a few that are either shy or get easily distracted. To
encourage full class participation, Mrs. Williams chooses a student to be her helper for the day
 and assist in lessons throughout the day. The lesson plans involve a lot of hands on
participation, which gets the students excited when they are called on.

3. Evaluate the interactions between teachers and students, rapport, cohesiveness, distribution of
power, tone, frequency and reinforcements. >>>

All of the students seem to truly adore their teacher and love showing their progress to Mrs.
Williams. They also come in every morning sharing with Mrs. Williams what they did over the
weekend or after school. The tone in the classroom is fun and encouraging, with all students
interacting with each other and following directions given by Mrs. Williams.