Learning Environment
Performance*Area*D:*Learning*Environment Standard'D1'9'Mutual'Respect'is'evident'through' interac=ons'between'students'and'teacher
Benchmarks!that!a!teacher!has!successfully!met!this!standard: 1. Teacher!models!and!encourages!appropriate!language 2. Teacher!encourages!and!supports!the!strengths!of!all!students 3. Teacher!models!and!promotes!fairness,!equity!and!respect 4. Teacher!establishes!a!classroom!environment!that!empowers!students!to!take!intellectual!risks 5. Teacher!embraces!the!cultural!diversity!and!individuality!of!students
Defined Class Norms to Promote Mutual Respect I ask my students to write their own norms for behavior and conduct. I also ask them to define what role I will have in their education as their teacher. These norms promote a climate of mutual respect.
Standard'D2'9'Teacher'and'students'demonstrate'a' posi=ve'disposi=on'toward'learning
Benchmarks!that!a!teacher!has!successfully!met!this!standard: 1. Teacher!models!and!encourages!suppor?ve!and!posi?ve!language 2. Students!are!engaged 3. Teacher!fosters!student!enthusiasm!for!and!curiosity!about!the!discipline 4. Teacher!establishes!a!collabora?ve!environment
Unit of Study Culminating Celebrations These events cultivate and promote a positive culture around learning. They enable students to share their work and celebrate success. Parents and the school community can also support student learning through these events.
Standard'D4'9'Teacher'establishes'an'eec=ve'physical' environment
Benchmarks!that!a!teacher!has!successfully!met!this!standard: 1. Teacher!creates!a!learning!environment!that!is!safe,!func?onal,!and!invi?ng 2. Teacher!ensures!materials!are!accessible 3. Teacher!creates!an!environment!that!promotes!student!learning!and!ac?ve!student!engagement
A clutter free and stimulating classroom environment is essential for learning. Upon arriving at SAS, I reorganized the classroom I was given and eliminated 35% of the unneeded furniture in the room. This opened up the space for collaboration and other activities. A space can often define how productive and positive kids can be. Having a physically organized space helps students to focus on learning objectives.