EP101 Classroom Management Unit 4: Professional Standards and the Learning Environment

Agenda Announcements/Reminders Writing Center Unit 3 Review Unit 4 Assignments Paraprofessional Standards/Certifications Classroom Organization A Student Centered Classroom Field Trips Seminar Questions Conclusion

KU Writing Center Access from "My Studies" tab Academic Support Center rtCenter/WritingCenter/Index.aspx rtCenter/WritingCenter/Index.aspx

Unit 3 Review~ Para Duties & Effective Work Habits Preparation is Key! Take the initiative, ask questions about your role Organization, Class Procedures, Environment, Time Management Individualizing Instruction Effective Paras Have: –Clear definition of roles/responsibilities –Job Qualifications & Demonstrate competencies –Professional Development –Support from the Teacher –Career Ladders Available From: 1997 US Dept. of Ed Task Force Report on “Roles for Ed. Paras in Effective Schools”

Unit 4 Assignments Readings "Paraprofessionals in the Classroom" Chapter 4. Video on “Classroom Arrangement” (you do not need to responses to the questions in the video) Web article on "Classroom Organization" Learning Activities Presentation "Classroom Arrangement and Organization“ Game-Snake Unit Summary Discussion Question on the physical classroom environment Graded Review (just one) Seminar Option 1: Attend seminar Option 2: Seminar Essay submit through dropbox, review seminar archive NO PROJECT!

Unit 4 Overview Paraprofessional Roles (Ch. 4) What are the standards/certifications required for Paraprofessionals? No Child Left Behind Act/IDEIA Paraprofessional Assessments ETS Parapro WorkKeys Proficiency Cert. for TA’s Paraprofessional Requirements by state at NRCP State Resources CEC Standards State Dept. of Ed Websites in Doc Sharing

Organizing the Classroom Room Arrangement-type of instruction Traffic Areas Accessibility/Visibility Materials Decorations (student work, diversity, equality) Security Addressing Academic, Social, Emotional Needs Avoiding distractions

Field Trip at TeacherTube! How to Create a Student-Centered Classroom at 42&title=Student_Centered_Classroom&vpkey=8b What is a “student-centered” classroom? How does this differ from what we think of as a “traditional” (teacher-centered) classroom? What ideas do you have for creating a student-centered classroom?

Seminar Questions How do teachers’ instructional goals and activities define the physical environment of the classroom? What considerations would classroom teachers make regarding the specific needs of their students in arranging the physical environment of the classroom? How would you and the classroom teachers want to make the best use of wall space?

Field Trip! Explore your own Classroom Arrangement Visit the “Classroom Architect Tool” site at Scroll down and plan your own ideal classroom environment

Case Study-Miss Sunshine The desks in Miss Sunshine’s classroom are arranged in a “U” shape with room to move around in the center. The outer edges of the classroom have small workstations and centers set up such as a writing center, math exploration with manipulatives, weather/calendar center, science table and listening center. There is a carpeted area in the back of the room with shelves full of books, bean bags and fuzzy stuffed animals. There is a sign-in sheet for each center and for the library area. In addition, the walls are decorated with all sorts of hands-on projects the children have created along with the weekly job chart

Case Study- Miss Krabapl The desks in Miss Krabapl’s room are arranged neatly in 6 rows of 4 desks each. Miss Krabapl’s desk is in the front of the room and next to her desk is an “in bin” for student to hand in their completed papers. All her teaching manuals and materials are at the front of the room on her desk and there is a line taped to the floor next to her desk where the students stand behind as they wait their turn to approach her. The walls have commercially made teaching charts, etiquette reminders and the class rules. The students workbooks that don’t fit in their desks are neatly arranged ontop of a bookcase along the back wall.

A Look Ahead-Unit 5 Preview The Classroom Culture Classroom culture is based on relationships, attitudes, values of teacher, para and students Building “group cohesiveness” and a sense of belonging Appreciation of diversity and respect for all Genuine caring and support Positive behavior management Addressing individual needs/learning styles Organization & management of the learning environment No project, 1 graded review

Final thoughts—”You Might Be a Paraprofessional If…..” When out in public you feel the urge to talk to strange children and correct their behavior. You refer to adults as "boys and girls." You encourage your spouse by telling them they are a "good helper." You've ever had your profession slammed by someone who would never dream of doing your job.job Meeting a child's parents instantly answers the question, "Why is this kid like this?". You know hundred good reasons for being late. You don't want children of your own because there isn't a name you can hear that wouldn't elevate your blood pressure. Adapted from “Teacher Jokes” at