https://padlet.com/robertafrench2383/5dupeuywir8y en-us 2019-11-21 18:59:15 UTC 2019-11-21 21:15:50 UTC hello@padlet.com https://padlet.net/icons/png/1f3eb.png robertafrench2383 https://padlet.com/robertafrench2383/5dupeuywir8y/wish/414908631 I completed my High School Observation hours at North High, Wichita, KS. I observed multiple science classes including AP Biology (seniors & juniors), Mainline Biology (freshmen/sophomores), and Mainline Ecology (freshmen).  The teaching environments were very similar as they were in the same part of the North High building that was new or remodeled. The classroom had science benches around the perimeter of the room with a traditional classroom in the middle. This made for very crowded classrooms.]]> 2019-11-21 19:30:16 UTC https://padlet.com/robertafrench2383/5dupeuywir8y/wish/414908631 robertafrench2383 https://padlet.com/robertafrench2383/5dupeuywir8y/wish/414941396    I was very impressed with both the Student-teacher and student-student interactions.  
   Student-teacher interactions I saw respect on both sides.  The students listened to the teachers and the teachers were clear with the students.  An example is the students in the AP classes were excellent.  They were prepared and asked topical questions.  I thought the teaching was excellent using multiple teaching strategies.  In three hours of class, the interruptions were almost negligible!
   Student-student interactions were good.  All of the students worked well and kindly together.  In the Mainline Ecology class, a student forgot her book.  The teacher requested that she share with the student sitting in front of her.  These two students were very different, and it was clear that they didn't spend time together.  They worked together well and were kind to each other.]]> 2019-11-21 20:16:39 UTC https://padlet.com/robertafrench2383/5dupeuywir8y/wish/414941396 robertafrench2383 https://padlet.com/robertafrench2383/5dupeuywir8y/wish/414951798    I thought the school atmosphere was great.  The office was very helpful.  The school is huge, and the guides were kind as they guided me through the hallways to the Science Dept.  The school had a pep rally one morning with the marching band, cheerleaders, and sports teams parading down each hallway.  Teachers were available in the hallways.  The teachers in the Science Dept. were supportive and genuinely seemed to like each other.  Principal Doyle was very generous with her time and her thoughts.  This is a place that I would like to work.
   North High has its share of troubles.  The day after my last observation, the school made the news as a student brought a gun to school.  The drop-out rate is always in the news.  The truth of the school is most likely found in between my rose-colored glasses and the student with the gun in school.  The extremes are just the easiest to find.]]> 2019-11-21 20:35:24 UTC https://padlet.com/robertafrench2383/5dupeuywir8y/wish/414951798 robertafrench2383 https://padlet.com/robertafrench2383/5dupeuywir8y/wish/414968793 The school observation before North High was the Special Education observation at Stucky Middle School.  Contrasting Special Education classes with AP Science classes was dramatic.  I think I learned a bit more about Special Education in that first hour at North.  I could see that behavior issues are used by students as a cover-up for their difficulties in learning.  I was also grateful to see a full classroom to bright students who will be great additions to whatever they choose to do in the future.]]> 2019-11-21 21:08:47 UTC https://padlet.com/robertafrench2383/5dupeuywir8y/wish/414968793