Part One: There is a range of school models that exist within our school communities, all of which have the goal of helping students achieve their potential. You will need to interview two teachers, principals, or teaching support staff members from two different schools to complete this assignment. Although it is not necessary, you should try to visit each site. Each school must be a different school model as discussed in the readings. Compare and contrast the two schools based on what you learn from your visits and/or interviews. The goal is to analyze the two different school models, compare the type of teaching and learning that occurs within each, understand what each school has identified as a priority, and understand what each school or classroom has determined is the top issue(s). In addition to identifying key statistics, such as the type of school, demographics, and student-to-teacher ratio, use the following questions as a guide for your observation/interview:
Part Two: Place the information you glean from your interviews in a chart similar to the one below. This project is designed to give you insights into the real-life issues, topics, and complexities that practitioners address daily while also providing a forum for you to reflect on your beliefs and practices. Once the chart is complete, you should include a two- to three-page summary, identifying the implications of what you gleaned from your research on your own practice. Questions to consider in your summary are: