Setting and Context: Bauder Elementary |
|
-Culture and Community Context-
–Bauder Elementary is a public school located in Fort Collins, Colorado and is part of Poudre School District. Bauder is one of the most diverse elementary schools in Fort Collins and boasts and extremely strong academic and arts program. The school focuses on celebrating the vast diversity of the school and works to not only affirm but promote and share the many identities that Bauder students hold. Bauder serves a K-5 student population of about 580 students and is a part of the Rocky Mountain Feeder System. Bauder builds its strong and diverse community upon the motto of, “ADD MOTTO” which guides the actions and mission of the students, staff, and community members that make up the Bauder family.
-Demographic Characteristics-
|
|
-Classroom Environment and Art Classes Taught-
The art classroom at Bauder Elementary is a wonderful combination of choice and procedure that provides students with authentic opportunities to create. The classroom is arranged with six tables for students, each table usually seats four students unless a fifth seat is needed to accommodate larger class sizes. Each table is clearly labeled with a color and number. These numbers are used to call students by table to get materials, assist as table helpers, and clean. The front of the room provides a space for students to sit on an art carpet and observe demonstrations and presentations on the smart board. An additional projection screen is used when students are sitting at their tables and need to see demonstrations or share their work via a document camera. A long counter on the west side of the room serves as a staging area for projects and supplies and allows students to easily access and clean up supplies. The clear and consistent routine and set up of the room allows students to be primarily concerned with the process of making art and exploring new creative ideas.
During my time as a student teacher at Bauder I had the opportunity to utilize the processes and procedures already in place and focus on strengthening my skills as a teacher. I had the opportunity to independently teach every grade from K-5 and was able to use my own lessons when teaching 1st, 2nd, and 4th. Each classes consisted of a 45-minute instruction period typically divided into instruction and demonstration, worktime, and clean up.
During my time as a student teacher at Bauder I had the opportunity to utilize the processes and procedures already in place and focus on strengthening my skills as a teacher. I had the opportunity to independently teach every grade from K-5 and was able to use my own lessons when teaching 1st, 2nd, and 4th. Each classes consisted of a 45-minute instruction period typically divided into instruction and demonstration, worktime, and clean up.
|
|
|
-School-wide Policies for Management, Safe Schools, Conflict Resolution and Student with Special Needs-
-Bauder operates on a choice based system of behavior in which students are clearly presented with opportunities to make positive choices and redirected when they choose not to. Three redirects result in students completing a reflection sheet taking time to reflect on their actions and how they will change their behavior, an office contact and call to home accompanies the reflection sheet. Bauder students also participate in peace keepers training in which they learn valuable skills and language tracks to navigate interpersonal conflicts. Students with IEP’s or 504’s are paired with a dedicated and caring para-professional that assists them in all of their academic and encore classes. Additionally, students that are identified as gifted and talented are given the opportunity to work with smaller classes and in depth inquiry projects.
