Classroom Classroom EnvironmentEnvironment

Building a positiveBuilding a positive learning climate learning climate

School Level IssuesSchool Level Issues

School district policies and initiativesSchool district policies and initiatives School policies and goalsSchool policies and goals School calendarSchool calendar Department organizationDepartment organization Use of school areas for teachingUse of school areas for teaching

Classroom Level IssuesClassroom Level Issues

Physical spacePhysical space Furniture and equipmentFurniture and equipment Instructional materialsInstructional materials Teaching assistanceTeaching assistance Classroom management/Student BehaviorClassroom management/Student Behavior

RulesRules ProceduresProcedures RoutinesRoutines

Personal LevelPersonal Level Personal attributes/attitudesPersonal attributes/attitudes HealthHealth Professional habitsProfessional habits Time allocationTime allocation

Classroom Environment—Classroom Environment—from the NC Teaching from the NC Teaching StandardsStandards

Teachers provide an environment in which each child has a Teachers provide an environment in which each child has a positive,positive,

nurturing relationship with caring adults.nurturing relationship with caring adults.• • Encourage an environment that is inviting, respectful, supportive,Encourage an environment that is inviting, respectful, supportive,inclusive, and flexibleinclusive, and flexible

Teachers embrace diversity in the school community and in the Teachers embrace diversity in the school community and in the world.world.

• • Demonstrate knowledge of diverse culturesDemonstrate knowledge of diverse cultures• • Select materials and develop lessons that counteract stereotypesSelect materials and develop lessons that counteract stereotypesand incorporate contributions.and incorporate contributions.• • Recognize the influences on a child’s development, personality,Recognize the influences on a child’s development, personality,and performanceand performance• • Consider and incorporate different points of viewConsider and incorporate different points of view

Teachers treat students as individuals.Teachers treat students as individuals.• • Maintain high expectations for all studentsMaintain high expectations for all students• • Appreciate differences and value contributions by building positive,Appreciate differences and value contributions by building positive,appropriate relationshipsappropriate relationships

Teachers adapt their teaching for the benefit of students withTeachers adapt their teaching for the benefit of students withspecial needs.special needs.• • Collaborate with specialistsCollaborate with specialists• • Engage students and ensure they meet the needs of their studentsEngage students and ensure they meet the needs of their studentsthrough inclusion and other models of effective practicethrough inclusion and other models of effective practice

Teachers work collaboratively with the families and Teachers work collaboratively with the families and significant adults in the lives of their students.significant adults in the lives of their students.

• • Improve communication and collaboration between the Improve communication and collaboration between the school and the home and communityschool and the home and community

• • Promote trust and understanding and build partnerships Promote trust and understanding and build partnerships with school communitywith school community

• • Seek solutions to overcome obstacles that prevent Seek solutions to overcome obstacles that prevent family and community involvementfamily and community involvement