Monday, I begin 15 hours of classroom observation.  Now, 30 years ago, I student taught for a semester in a second grade.  I enjoyed myself, but decided it was more inclined toward older students.  Time passed, as it always does, and now I am assigned to a 9th grade class.  I will be with two different teachers in a large "city" school.  I received this information yesterday from the school principal.  He was quick to remind me that this is not a rich suburban school, and that I may encounter "varient" behavior.  I chuckled silently.  "Does he realize where I deliver pizzas?  Of course he doesn't!" 

As an observing student, there are several points upon which I am specifically asked to observe and write "reflections":

1. the physical condition ~ Are there computers for every student? every classroom?  Is there toilet paper?  Is it warm enough? too warm?  Are textbooks handed out daily, or handed out to be returned at the end of the semester?  What equipment is used in the classroom, in the library, or in general? 


2. reading ~ How is reading handled in the classroom?  Do the students read aloud, silently in class, or asked to read at home?  Are they held accontable for their assignments?  If so, how?  What types of readings are used in class?  Are the readings multicultural?  How do the students respond to the reading?  What are some of the theoretical aspects of reading in the classroom for 9th grade students/teachers?  Are there strategies involved in dealing with the readings located in theory?  How might my classroom observations affect the way I plan to teach?


3. writing ~ How is writing dealt with in the classroom?  In class or out of class writing assignments?  Are assignments within a specific genre or across genres?  How is grammar handled?  How are multicultural students accorded a space in the classroom?  What role, if any, do dialect writers have in the classroom?  What is emphasized - what is omitted?


4. discipline ~ How is discipline handled in the classroom and the school?  What strategies does the teacher employ to maintain "control"?  Are these strategies effective? Why/whynot?  Give some expamples of how discipline is used.  What, if anything, did you see on display in the classroom? 


5. demographics ~ Gather pertinent information about assigned school via the computer.  What are the numbers for income, race, number on school lunch program, PSSA scores overall?  Is there more specific info regarding racial or socio-economic performance on PSSA's?

I am looking forward to this experience.  It will be Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, then Mon and Tues of the following week.  Should be an education!