The socioeconomic standing of Silverton has a direct correlation to Mark Twain’s Title 1 status and the demographics that are represented within the school walls. Of the 13 schools in the Silver Falls District, Mark Twain is the only middle school and has a student population of 272 students. The racial diversity is primarily Caucasian, Hispanics are the majority of the minority population, however, unlike the 10% Hispanics population within the city, there is a 15% Hispanic student populace and the remaining minority groups only represent 3% of the remaining population. There is a low amount of special needs children, such as IEP, 504 plans, and ESOL, however, there is a larger than normal population of homeless students based on the schools size. Due to the socioeconomic level of the community, this is not abnormal, however, as a teacher, I need to keep this in mind when I am making lesson plans or assigning work that may involve materials or technology that may not be accessible to everyone student. There are 38 staff members at the middle school: 2 administrators, 9 support staff, 7 instructional assistants, and 20 teachers; also, of the staff members, 71% are females. A surprising statistic of the staff members is there is only 1 member that is not Caucasian and he is a Hispanic man that is one of the custodians. Although, a small minority of Hispanics attends this school, having such a staff that is all from the same race narrows the view and experiences the students will receive and different perspectives they could have learned. However, everyone at the school is very kind and welcoming. They feel very genuine and care for the students and the school. The students are a little squirrely, but that is because they are 13 year olds, however, they are well behaved and in general well mannered. I have come to enjoy the small town feel inside the school because you have more leeway in what you can do in your classroom and you have a lot of support from your administration and peers.
Although, the school was built in the 1970’s, because of Title 1 funds, each classroom has docucams, projectors, a few computers with internet access, and newer textbooks, it presents the opportunity to get more creative with lesson plans and assignments. Also, Mark Twain chooses to use some of their budget to have unlimited copying which is nice to know that if you want to make a worksheet or copy a passage out of a book, you will not have a problem.
Tony,
ReplyDeleteI'm curious to visit schools like Mark Twain outside the Salem-Keizer School District. However, it is disturbing it has such as high homeless population. That can make it difficult for both teachers and students during the course of the school year. That is crazy that the school employs only 38 staff members, 71% of which are females. Do you think this is a positive or could more male teachers provide a better balance educationally and for students? I've found that working in title I school are often better then non-title I given the large amount of resources at your disposal. Nice job.
Tony-
ReplyDeleteIt is interesting to me that of all staff members, there is only one that is not white. What effect do you think this has on the students at Mark Twain? While there is not a high percentage of minorities, there is still over 15%, do you think those students notice that they are surrounded by white teachers? I think it would be interesting to try and get their opinions on that. Also, it is very exciting that you have so many resources and current text books. You say that you have more freedom with what you teach, but how will you use that to your advantage? What kinds of activities will you have your students do that utilizes the resources available? Nicely done.