Topic of Inquiry Question

Topic of Inquiry Project:

As a future teacher what types of strategies can I implement to address students at various learning levels?

As a future physical education and health teacher, I would like to reach all students at different learning levels within my classroom. I feel that with the increasing number of ESL, ELL, and special education students, many are now mainstreamed to regular classrooms like gym and health. Keeping this in mind, I would like to meet the needs of all students in the classroom. I feel that helping students become efficient learners will encourage them to reach their goals and feel good about themselves. As a physical education and health teacher I will explain the lesson to the class and then demonstrate the lesson. For example: Dribbling the ball down the court. I expect that some modifications will be made to the students who are physically challenged.

I will use the classroom data and internet sites to gather information on my topic. During my observation, field experience, and community service I will take notes and ask questions. I feel that The No Child Left Behind Act will aide towards helping me understanding the expectations of these students.

While planning my lesson plans I will refer to the Portrait of a Teacher as an additional resource for my project. Since students learn in different ways, I will incorporate in my inquiry project the three basic learning styles which are as follows:
∙ Visual – a learner who benefits from observing a teacher, video, chart, graphs, etc.
∙ Kinesthetic – a learner who likes to move around while learning, for my gym classes this

applies. They usual like hands on activities.
∙ Auditory – are learners who use their sense of hearing to process information.

Here are a few interview questions that I will gather from my field experience, which will help me answer my topic inquiry question. How many students are mainstreamed into your classroom? Do you feel that these students need extra attention? Does your lesson plan address their learning needs and individualized education program (IEP) if applicable? What kind of modifications do you bring to these students? Do you use a peer buddy system while working with students who are challenged? How does the class interact with these students?

Below is a draft of a data chart which, I plan on using during my field experience visits:

Inquiry Question:

As a future teacher what types of strategies can I implement to address students at various learning levels?

Question: Observation: Response:

Number of students in class?


As PE/H teacher how many classes to you have and at what grades levels?


Are there any physically challenges students? Special education, ESL, ELL, etc.


What kinds of modification due these students receive?


Do you feel that these students need extra attention?


Does your lesson plan address their learning needs? If so, what kinds of modification are implemented?


Do you use peer buddies to work with them?


How does the class interact with these students?


How do you foster acceptance and teamwork to your students?


Do you grade these students differently than your mainstreamed students?


Are you expectations different from other students?


Do these students have personal aides to help them during their transition?


What PE equipment do you feel is off limits to students who have deficient motor skills?

Citizenship and Public Education Recommendations

Citizenship and Public Education Recommendations

If I were an education policy wonk and asked about the connection between citizenship and public education I would recommend the following:Since public education is provided and is funded by the government, public schools are expected to deliver more, compared to private schools which are funded by parents.

Since we live in a democratic society public schools promote citizenship, values, and social skills. In addition, special attention is given towards human rights. As a tax paying citizen I expect the best in our schools.

As a "wonk" on public education I would put more emphasis on, The No Child Left Behind Act. The growth of public education has been advanced and it is for the common good of students to receive the free education. Furthermore, it ensures that all students be taught by highly qualified teachers and that students achieve their goals to their highest level. This guarantees equal rights to all students. Special education students should have all the resources available to them in schools. This includes students who have language barriers, fine motor skills, physical disabilities, learning disabilities, and other impairments. I would ensure that all schools implement this policy.

I further would like to stress that students whose families come from low incomes receive the same education compared to students who come from middle class families. The education system is geared to prepared young adults to become productive citizens and obtain good jobs.

Technology is the growth to the future. All public schools should provide students with the highest level of computers and technical equipment. Teachers should be highly qualified in their field of study and should be compensated for their achievements. Government funded workshops are available to educators. These workshops educate teachers by keeping up modern technology. Public education promotes citizenship, values, and social skills. Our nation's economic growth depends on the future generation of our young children.

NCLB - Model of Citizenship

NCLB - Model of Citizenship No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB)

I feel the the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 model for citizenship is having a "Democratic Citizenship", in which the people have the right to freedom of speech. I have focused on this topic for I strongly believe that the public citizens should have a say and right to their state public schools. After all, parents should be mindful of their children's education and be active participates in their district schools. Teachers and other educators also should communicate with the schools and parents. After all we can all learn from each other and our children are our future.

I would like to also mention that schools and improve their success rates and scores by working with the parents input. The teachers are at school for only a short part of the student's day, and then the parents role is to advocate and reinforce what the students are studying. A parents role in a vital part of their child's edcational foundation. So for this reason, I feel that the NCLB act should educate parents on their rights and services for their children.

The NCLB is provides federal funding to assist schools to meet their educational needs. As a democratic society parents whose children have educational disabilities should be active participates in their school district. Communication is most important between teachers, principals, administrator, and parents. Citizens need to draw the line and make sure that their children are receiving all the education that is available to them. The NCLB protects the children and provides public schools with the necessary funding they need in this growing world.

In the article, "Teaching Against Idiocy," the author, Parker speaks of people who are "idoits", for they don't speak their mind or take part in public life. Since we are all taxpayers, citizens, and live in a democracy society people have the right to stop being "idoits" and voice their opinions. As quoted in the article, "It is the right to do whatever I choose, goes the argument with the added and suppposedly selfless rationalization of protecting "my" family from dangers real and imagined" (4). The democratic way of living together is to work together to create better schools and create better learning techniques.

If I was an education policy wonk and was asked about the connection between citizenship and public education this would be my reply. I would recommend more communication with parents, teachers, administrators, and students. The citizens have rights to know and learn more about their public educational system.

No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 - Personal View

No Child Left Behind Act of 2001

- Personal View -

The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (NCLB) was signed into law by President Bush in January 2002. The main purpose of this document is to challenge state and school districts that they are meeting the requirements and academic achievements to the public school students. The schools that are at risk for failure are focused upon more. I feel that the NCLB's new assessments are needed especially for under performing schools where students are below achievement levels.

Most of these students are identified as having specific learning disabilities. These students receive special educational services in their district and they are outlined in their personal I.E.P.s. These services are designed to help the student's performance. The NCLB funds programs like this. Their main objective is to make sure that the state public schools are meeting the educational needs in their district.

Further I feel that the NCLB is a good program for it is designed to help parents, educators, and administrators of education that make the policies help improve the performance and educational opportunities to young people.

Some of the assessments for students with disabilities under the NCLB include: - New assessment guidelines and testing for students to be eligible for

special educational services.

- Options for students with disabilities (programs, OT, PT, Speech).

- Teaching parents and teachers about the specific learning disabilities.

- Parent's role in the No Child Left Behind Act

- The program is designed for early grades under the Reading First Program

and in preschool.

Under the No Child Left Behind Act, states and school districts will have more flexibility in how they use their federal education funds. It now will allow schools to use funds where they feel their is a need. For example, hiring of more teachers, purchasing of computers, or professional workshops. It is my personal opinion that early school intervention is the best educational way of learning. The primary school years are a foundation of a child's educational learning years.

Students that are classified with special needs are also entitled to transportation to and from school if necessary. Students who are from families from low incomes are entitled to free school lunches and other services.

I feel that the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 is a good program. It gives the states and schools more freedom of choice. Greater educational programs will results in stronger academic achievements.

State of New Jersey - Department of Education

State of New Jersey Deparment of Education

Arts School High School2006-07 Report Card

County: Essex

District: Newark

James Caldwell High School2006-07 Report Card

County: Essex

District: Caldwell-West Caldwell

Malcolm X Shabazz High School2006-07

County: Essex

District: Newark

I. What does the data tell us?

AYP based on each school, not by district (2006-07)

-Shabazz: No, did not meet the requirements

-Arts: Yes, did make the requirements and does not need improvement

-Caldwell-West Caldwell: N/A

Total Graduation Rate (2006-07)

-Shabazz: 88.2%

-Arts: 98.7%

-Caldwell: 100%

Total Drop Out Rate (2006-07)

-Shabazz: 2.7 %

-Arts: 0.6%

-Caldwell: 0.1%

Total Population of Schools:

-Shabazz: N/A

-Arts: 600 students

-Caldwell: 800 students

2006-07 HSPA Testing, Language (Percentages: Partial, Proficient, Advanced):

-Shabazz: 55.2%BA 20.7% MA 24.1% PhD.

-Arts: 4.0% 82.0% 14.0%

-Caldwell: 3.7% 59.95% 36.8%

2006-07 HSPA Testing, Math (Percentages: Partial, Proficient, Advanced):

-Shabazz: 86% 13.2% 0.8%

-Arts: 25.7% 63.8% 10.5%

-Caldwell: 12.1% 63.7% 24.2%

Teacher’s level of degree:

-Shabazz: 55.2% BA, 20.7% MA, 24.1% PhD.

-Arts: 61.5% BA, 11.5% MA, 26.9% PhD.

-Caldwell: 42.0% BA, 55.6% MA, 2.5% PhD.

Conclusion: Based on the information from the three different schools in Essex County, The Arts High School and James Caldwell High School showed a better Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) status than the Shabazz High School, basically stating that Shabazz needed educational improvements over the other two schools. Although all of these schools are in the same county of Essex, Shabazz specifically shows significant decreases in HSPA scores, graduation rate, and AYP status when compared to the Arts High School and James Caldwell High School. This basically implicates that Shabazz is behind its fellow schools in Essex County in regards to these areas of study and testing.II. What are the implications of classroom resources, salaries, and test scores?In regards to classroom resources, the findings from the statistics above imply that resources would be better and more accessible to students in the Arts High School, which is mainly seen through the resulting high graduation rates. Better resources allow students to learn more efficiently, score better on test, and ultimately graduate. Since the graduation rates are high, students apparently are finding the school beneficial to their learning process, thus the schools resources must be readily available to them, which is what must be helping so many students to graduate.The salaries for each school can be easily compared by the level of degree that the teachers hold. However, it is difficult to compare and contrast these salaries collectively when looking at all three high schools at once. When individually assessing each school’s level of teaching degrees, it is easy to assume the Arts High School will have the highest teaching salaries because they have the most teachers with PhD’s. However, we do not know the actual amount of money available for each school to pay their teachers. Therefore, the salaries of schools cannot be assumed just by looking at the teaching degrees.Testing scores are lower in the schools that lack an abundance of resources. Without the resources to them, the school’s negative testing status can be seen in the drop out rates. For example, student’s aren’t doing well on HSPA scores in Shabazz as they are in the Arts High School, based on the test scores, and then again in the graduation/drop out rate. Because Shabazz’s lack of resources, in comparison to the Arts High School, the test scores, graduation rates, and AYP status are drastically lower. This data is depicted in the statistics of drop out rates, graduates, and AYP. Therefore, test scores and assessments are negatively affected by lacking resources.

Current Issues and Trends in Education

Current Issues and Trends In Education

Authors, Jerry Aldridge & Renitta Goldman

Chapter 2 – Changing Demographics and Diversity

Due to the changing increase in high school drop outs, poverty, special needs, and language deficiencies children are eligible for more services in the school districts. For example, free and reduced lunch programs are available in schools. An increase in school programs is needed due to the changing diversity among families and students.

To ensure the success for all students educational needs, teachers should increase their awareness on the student's needs. For example they should:

- Know the learner

- Strengthen their relationships with culturally diverse students

- Educators should continue to attend new professional development workshops on new technology strategies.

The future of our society depends on our ability to talk effectively with one another. There needs to be a mutual understanding among teachers and students. New curriculum standards and goals are needed to improve students learning abilities.

There is also a need of keeping valuable teachers in their current jobs. Teachers leave their present positions due to retirement or seeks job for increase in pay. Private schools pay scale is usually less than public schools. Stability among students and teachers also is very important.

The increase of diversity among students due to language or learning deficiencies needs to be addressed. Open communication with teachers and students promotes better learning, for the teacher can have a better understanding of their students.

I feel that special education teachers need to make the classroom teachers more aware of students with special needs. The reason for this is becauase more students are main streamed into the regular classroom setting. Also, students should learn to accept their peers strengths and weaknesses. Working together in the classroom should promote better learning and open communication.

Experience at The Arts High School

Experience at The Arts High School
Newark, New Jersey
Performing Arts School

Last week our CURR-210 class at Montclair State University visited The Arts High School, which is located in Newark, New Jersey. Our teacher, Professor Goldstein met with her class in the school’s library. During our visit several people spoke to us, the principal, vice principal, head of the English and math department. The principal spoke about Newark and how they were in the University Heights section of Newark. The University Heights section is named because of the four neighboring schools, Rutgers University, New Jersey Institute of Technology, University of Medicine and Dentistry of NJ, and Essex County College. We also met with two students who graduated from The Arts High School. One past student is now an actor in the show “The Wire”, and the other person is a motivational speaker and author of a four part series book.

The Arts High School is a magnet school which offers special curricula courses from the grades 9th to 12th. This school is designed to attract students who have a high level of talent in visual, performing and music arts. Students have to apply to this school, although it is a public school. Eight grade students living in Newark are eligible to apply. The school’s has a population of over 600 students. The school’s goal is to provide all students with their academic skills and artistic talents to develop into creative artists. “The Scope”, which I found very interesting and informative

The Art School has block scheduling, which is divided into four blocks. Each block has a schedule to follow. Also, since this is a performing arts school the student’s main classes are Art, Music, Dance, Drama, and Television Communications, which meet everyday. Each students performing art of choice is different. The core curriculum classes, English, Math, Science, and History are held very other day.

During our tour of the school a student showed us all around the building. I noticed art displays all throughout the hallways as we toured the building. The student explained that the art work was produced by the students. The work was very impressive and I could see that the students were very talented. I noticed that the students were very friendly and they had a good relationship with their teachers. Their school newspaper is called, “The Scope”, which I found very interesting and informative I found my visit to the Arts High School very informative and was very impressed with what the school had to offer. The school is designed for students who have a love for the arts and want to further their education. I feel the school has a lot to offer students who have an interest in performing arts.