Contextual Contextual FactorsFactorsEduc 3100Educ 3100

Contextual FactorsContextual Factors• Everything but the teaching process

that influences the teaching process.– Student characteristics– Materials and supplies– Physical environment– Teacher and Classroom– Collegiality– Administration– Political mandates

Student CharacteristicsStudent Characteristics• Physical, emotional, and social

development• Exceptionality• Language barriers• Home effects

– Income– Parent availability– Family turmoil

• Relationships

Materials and SuppliesMaterials and Supplies

• Textbooks• Maps• Paper• Technology• Art supplies• Manipulatives• What else?

Physical EnvironmentPhysical Environment• Space• Air quality• Temperature• Noise level• Location• Distracting materials• . . . . .?

Teacher and ClassroomTeacher and Classroom• Helpful• Willing to work with students and

parents• Likes kids• Invigorated about subject matter • Inspiring• Interesting but organized classroom

CollegialityCollegiality

• Community of learners?• Competition• School goals• Common purpose• Kindness and helpful• . . . . ?

AdministrationAdministration

• Collaborative or authoritarian• Hidden administration• Formative• Common goals • Fair• Focused on students

School Level InformationSchool Level Information• Most districts have school

information posted at their web site• Generally, web sites follow a

standard:– www.<district>.k12.ut.us

• Examples:– www.davis.k12.ut.us

Political MandatesPolitical Mandates• U-PASS

– Utah Performance Assessment System for Students

– Requires LOTS of testing• CRTs at each grade and subject• NRTs at 3, 5, 8, 11• Direct Writing at 6 & 9• BSCT beginning at 10

– Requires LOTS of reporting

Political MandatesPolitical Mandates• NCLB

– Not new: Reauthorization of Elementary And Secondary Education Act of 1965

– All children will• Be proficient in language arts and

mathematics• Be proficient in the English language• Be taught by highly qualified teachers• Learn in a safe and drug free school• Graduate from high school

– Uses existing tests for students– New demands of teachers

Political MandatesPolitical Mandates• And if not . . .

– Failure to make AYP – Annual Yearly Progress (Title 1 School)

– 1st year – warning– 2nd year in a row (same subject)

• In need of improvement, offer school choice

– 3rd year • Supplemental services

– 6th failing year – alternative governance

For next classFor next class• Look at the websites listed on the

website under Objectives

• Print out the three Bloom’s handouts from the website.