Setting and Context

As a teacher it is important to take into consideration the context

and setting surrounding the circumstance of ones teaching.
Understanding the geographic region, the town, the portion of town,
department of education, the county, the school district, the school
itself, and the socioeconomic, racial, and gender demographic of ones
school is integral to the approach one will take as a teacher. All these
factors play a role in the development of a culture of a school. As a
teacher complimenting and supporting this culture is an important and
exciting aspect to the job.
The setting and context for my practicum and student teaching
falls in Northern Colorados city of Fort Collins in Poudre School District
at Fossil Ridge High School and Rocky Mountain High School,
respectively. I will deliver setting and context figures beginning at the
state level then progressing down to the local level and that of the
High Schools themselves.
Colorado became the 38th state in the United States in 1876, it is
known as the Centennial State. Colorado was originally an agricultural
and mining state. Denver is the capital of Colorado and has a
population of 600,158 according to the 2010 census. Fort Collins is the
fourth largest city in Colorado and has a population of 151,330
according to the official website of the city.

Fort Collins is part of Larimer County and sits at an elevation of

about 5000 feet above sea level. The average age of Fort Collins
residents is 29.1 years old with an average annual income of $51,446
per household. 51.5% of the population has completed four or more
years of college. According to the 2010 Census, Fort Collins racial
demographics are as follows...
White- 89%
African American (Black)- 1.2%
American Indian- 0.6%
Asian- 2.9%
Two or more Races-3.1%
Hispanic (Latino)- 10.1%
In looking at Fossil Ridge High School, we can note that Fossil is
located in southern Fort Collins. This area is newer and middle to
upper middle socioeconomic class. The school is the newest high
school in Fort Collins, built in 2004. In accord with the Poudre School
district mission of educate every child everyday Fossils goal is
Excellence, everywhere. Fossil Ridge serves grades 9-12 with a
student population of 1,960. Of these 1,960 students 89% are white,
6% are Hispanic, 2% are Asian, leaving a remaining 3% to encompass
all other minority populations in the school. 9% of the student
population are eligible for free or reduced lunch.
In comparison with my practicum experience, my student
teaching experience at Rocky Mountain High School offers a more
diverse and differentiated involvement. Rocky Mountain is centrally
located in Fort Collins, sitting directly below Horsetooth Mountain, the

cities main geographic focal point. This school mainly serves a lower
middle to middle class population and offers a mission of Excellence
for all. Offering a bit more diversity than Fossil Ridge, Rocky Mountain
has a student population of 1,996. Of these students, 78% are white,
14% are Hispanic, 3% are two or more races, 2% Asian, 2% African
American, with the remaining 1% being Native American. 28% of this
student population receives support via the free or reduced lunch
initiative.
In looking at the two classes that I am teaching at Rocky
Mountain High School, the overall demographics of the school are
mirrored. Of the two classes I serve, one has 31 students while the
other has 22 students. Of these 54 students, 79% are white, 13% are
Hispanic, 6% are Asian, 2% are African American. 26 of 54 are female,
while 28 are male. While I am unsure of the percentage of my
students that are on free or reduced lunch it appears safe to say that it
would be comparable to the 28% of the entire school.
In understanding the setting and context surrounding Colorado,
Fort Collins, Fossil Ridge High School, Rocky Mountain High School, and
my specific classrooms, I am better prepared to meet the needs of the
students I serve.