CLASSROOM CONTEXT DESCRIPTION

Jessica McCrea Claflin University Dr. Bettie Hicks EDUC 323: Instructional Strategies September 20, 2012

SCHOOL OVERVIEW

School: Whittaker Elementary, Public, PreK-5 District: Orangeburg Consolidated School District 5 Principal: Casandra Jenkins Total number of classroom teachers: 32 Total number of students: 594 Teacher/Student ratio: 1:19 Gender Demographics: 51% male, 49% female

Students by grade:
120 100 80 60 40 20 0

Racial/Ethnic Demographics:

Race

AMERICAN INDIAN ASIAN HISPANIC BLACK WHITE

SCHOOL INFORMATION SACS Accredited- YES Character Development Program- EXCELLENT School Ratings over the last 3 years: YEAR 2011 2010 2009 ABSOLUTE RATING Good Average Average GROWTH RATING Good Good Average

Definition of School Rating Terms: Good- School performance exceeds the standards for progress toward the 2020 SC Performance Vision. Average- School performance meets the standards for progress toward the 2020 SC Performance Vision.

This school met 13 out of 13 objectives. The objectives included student performance, graduation rate, or student attendance, and participation in the state testing program. Definition: As required by the United States Department of Education, Adequate Yearly Progress specifies that the statewide target is met for "All Students" and for the following subgroups: Racial/Ethnic, Subsidized Meals, Disability, and Limited English Proficiency in the areas of English/Language Arts and Mathematics, as well as meeting the statewide target for "All Students" for attendance or graduation rate.

Whittaker Elementary School has earned the Palmetto Silver Award from the SC Department of Education for student academic performance and growth. Whittaker was also recognized for its gains in closing the achievement gap. Thanks to the administration, faculty, parents, and especially to the outstanding students of Whittaker Elementary School.

CLASSROOM OVERVIEW

Teacher: Amanda Dinkins Teachers Assistant: Mrs. Hillard Grade: Pre-K Location: 2nd Wing Room 21 Total number of students: 20

Student Gender Demographics:

Student Racial/Ethnic Demographics:

Gender

RACE
AFRICAN AMERICAN CAUCASIAN

MALE FEMALE

Condition of the Classroom: Fair (blinds missing in some windows; white board has permanent marks) Appearance of the Classroom: Somewhat colorful and vibrant Work Area: Teachers area is organized; students tables and chairs are orderly Storage Area: Cluttered and over packed; teacher uses containers to maximize the limited amount of space. Displays: Students work is posted in various areas around the classroom; standards, the classroom schedule and important classroom information is posted on the white board. Bulletin Boards: Students pictures and names are displayed.

APPENDICES

Appendix 1: Overview of the Classroom

Appendix 2: Display of students work.

Appendix 3: Storage containers & shelves.

Appendix 4: Teachers desk and work station.

Appendix 5: Daily Display of Class Schedule

Appendix 6: Outline of the Classroom