Domain+2++Classroom+Environment

Domain 2- Classroom Environment

Creating an environment of respect and rapport:
 * Classroom mission statement has been created by the class and it is posted.
 * Teacher consistently values effort, growth and pride in one's work rather than test scores and ability levels. This belief or culture is reflected in student actions.
 * Student talk is respectful and kind directed towards the teacher and other students.
 * Students are passionate, urgent and joyful when learning.
 * Students feel comfortable communicating their thoughts and questions through various techniques i.e., whiteboards, wiki pages, and open dialogue.
 * Teacher consistently addresses breaches to classroom culture (i.e. racial comments, etc).

Establishing a culture of learning:
 * Students can articulate the connection between the lesson's content and the greater subject as a whole.
 * Students can articulate the connection between the lesson's content and real-life use.
 * Students are passionate and joyful about class content.
 * Students are provided with the opportunity to set academic and behavior goals.
 * Students are provided with the opportunity to reflect on their learning.
 * Student achievement charts are displayed and updated periodically.
 * Teacher sets up data tracking folders for individual students. Students work together with the teacher to setup personal learning goals.
 * Displays student work in the classroom

Managing Classroom Procedures:


 * Teachers groups the students in a timely manner
 * Transitions are seamless, students know the procedures and follow them with little to no guidance
 * There is a written policy that is displayed for students to see about rules, supplies and or procedures
 * Clearly and explicitly communicates procedures and connects them to students achievement.
 * Empowers students to critique and create procedures.

Managing Student Behavior:


 * Rules and expectations are made by the class and are displayed in the classroom
 * The purpose behind rules and expectations are clearly communicated to students, with an emphasis on their connection to student achievement
 * Concrete expectations are set and FOLLOWED THROUGH
 * Consistently implements rules and consequences (both positive and negative)
 * Management system addresses both whole-class and individual behaviors
 * Consequences are scaffolded according to severity of the offense (or recurrences)
 * Proactively addresses misbehaviors and breaches of classroom culture (rather than reactively) by setting behavioral and academic expectations prior to activities, etc.
 * Maintains the dignity of students when managing behaviors or redirecting a child by addressing the actions taken by the child, not the child himself

Organizing Physical Space


 * Desks are positioned in a manner that supports student engagement for all students
 * The walkways are free of backpacks or other objects that could hinder student’s safety
 * Furniture is arranged in such a way that allows for cooperative learning opportunities and grouping transitions