Community InvestigationHistory & Demographics of "The School"Community- The area is a small town, made up of numerous subdivisions with highway and interstate access. The area includes many neighborhoods, schools and churches, making it a welcoming place for families and a suburban area outside of a main city. There is no results for “Things To Do” in the area for sports or recreation. In my investigation we saw many live oak trees, strawberry farms and lakes. Also, we were surprised to see new upscale communities dotting the mostly rural landscape. 88% of the population have attained a high school degree or higher, implying much of the population values education, but there is a lack of dedication in the community. 96.8% of 5-9 year olds are enrolled in school, 94.5% of 10 to 14 year olds are also enrolled in school. However, only 44.5% of 3 and 4 year olds are enrolled. This lack of preschool education could be setting students at a disadvantage when they begin Elementary school. 15.5% of the total population are individuals below the poverty level. 54.1% of those in the labor force are below the poverty level as of 2014. 20.1% of the population speaks a language other than English at home and 22.7% of those speak Spanish at home and speak English “less than very well.” [Sources: The Chamber of Commerce, Photos taken of the area The United States Census (2010) and Community Profile (2014)] . The School- The Elementary School was built in 1992 and named after an educational philanthropist, who is also an educator with Hillsborough County Public Schools who went on to become a Hillsborough County Commissioner. The school has educated two generations of students. The PTA of the school supports teachers, Relay for Life, reading enrichment and school improvements. They are currently raising money to get a cover for the courts outside. There are 662 students enrolled: 18.88% African American, 30.51% Hispanic, 43.35% white. The school is a Title I school, 69% free and reduced lunch and a 54% minority rate. The school grades have been decreasing: 2013-14: C, 2012-13: C, 2011-12: B, 2010-11: B. [Sources: School District of Hillsborough County: School website, Demographic Report & School Improvement Plan] Interview with a Community Member:“There’s a lot of room for growth and improvement. I’m really hoping the students in school today will get involved in their community and make a difference.” - A Community Member Wonderings:How can we incorporate the natural surrounding environment into the classroom? Lessons on natural resources, habitats, life cycles and locally-grown food. How can we inspire students to take responsibility for their community? Impact on Instructional Planning: Through this investigation, I have discovered the community as a rich source of resources to encourage student involvement. The natural environment offers opportunities to investigate rural landscapes, local habitats and life cycles, as well as locally-grown food. With a large English as a second language population, there is a strong call to differentiate instruction for language learners. Adequate school-parent-community interaction contributes to the formation of bicultural individuals who can flourish in the new culture as well as in their own ethnic community (Kleinfeld, 1979). Therefore, there should be a focus on including families and the student’s community improvement opportunities in their educations.
1 Comment
|
Categories
All
Archives
March 2017
|