Lisa Andresen

EDUW 694
Classroom Environment Reflection
May 23, 2014

Last fall, my classroom initially was the traditional overhead florescent lights, desks with hard
chairs, white walled environment many teachers find themselves presented with. Danielsons Domain
1, 1b addresses Demonstrating Knowledge of Students with Special Needs. As a special education
teacher I knew most, if not all, of my students would have sensory issues which would have a negative
impact on their learning if left unaddressed. I brought in alternative seating, replaced most of the desks
with tables and turned off the overhead lights. Several large maps and a few math posters joined the
alphabet strip on the walls; not a great deal of clutter on the walls, yet useful tools for daily work. Floor
and table lamps with LED and incandescent bulbs have replaced the use of the overhead lights, except
on the cloudiest days.
Danielson addresses the supervision of paraprofessional in Domain 2, 2e. My para, who does
not understand sensory consideration, struggled significantly with the lighting change. She would enter
the room and would flip the switch because she needed them. After several conversations with her, she
has improved her understanding of sensory needs. Danielsons Domain 3, 3a relates to communicating
expectations for learning and directions and procedures. I write a daily agenda on the board so students
know what to do. This helps gets the class going in the correct direction first thing in the morning.
After several weeks of school, students completed their first STAR Math and Reading
assessments. By this point, I was getting to know my students, realized several had anxiety issues and
anticipated they may need gum or mints for testing. Talking out, not being able to sit still, lack of focus,
and noise distractions all play a role in being able to test to their best abilities. By presenting my
students with the physical environmental tools they need, within an organized, safe, and accessible
space (Danielson Domain 2, 2e) I have begun to address their sensory needs. Dylan, a sixth grade

student, selected headphones, a cushioned chair and gum to take his STAR Reading test. His previous
testing had been completed with traditional seating and tolerating whatever quiet noise occurred. His
score on September 17, 2013 was 169, with a test length of none minutes and 13 seconds. His score
today was 569, with a test length of 25 minutes and 57 seconds. He increased his reading score 400
points, over three grade level equivalencies. I partially attribute his increased score to being able to
relax and take his test in an atmosphere he is both physically and psychologically comfortable.
When a person walks into my room now they hear streaming music via Pandora, see a mint jar
on the counter, and observe students utilizing a variety of seating options. On the cupboard is posted a
general daily schedule, individual student schedules, and the paras schedule. Natural light and other
non-fluorescent lighting illuminate the work areas. Table carrels may be in use as well as sound
deadening earmuffs to aid in student focus. When the weather is nice the windows are open to being in
fresh air. The room is organized, inviting, and color coordinated.
Danielsons Domain 2, 2a relates to creating an environment of respect and rapport. For this
reason, the walls have few items on them, so as not to be distracting. As much as I would like to have
more visual stimulation in the form of posters in my room, I realize that my students do not need the
extra. Several of my students are on the autism spectrum and need minimal visual stimuli. It is also out
of respect for my students that any reprimand conversations are held in the hallway, where other
students cannot overhear what is discussed.
At a garage sale this weekend I saw a wooden, hexagon, stand pub table. I knew immediately
what I would do with it, purchased it, and took it to my father for a remake. It is large enough for 3-6
students to work at while standing and has a storage area as well as a foot rest. The new table will be
the ideal addition to my classroom for the students who like to stand while they work. I will decide
which piece of furniture will need to be removed from the room to make space for the new desk as well

as decide if I should provide a couple stools to use at the new table, once I have it repaired and placed in
the room.