A week later, you walk into the school to meet the principal and learn more about your new appointment. In observing your surroundings, speaking with the principal, and reviewing an annual report, you learn about the context of your new appointment.
There are about 200 students in grades 6-12 who attend this school. Approximately half of these students are white and half are Hispanic. Both populations live and work in this rural setting; it is critical to note, though, that most white students work on their family farms and most Latino students work on these same farms with their families, many who are migrant workers. Socioeconomically, the majority of white students are of the middle class; the majority of Latino students are of the working class. All white students speak English as their first language, whereas all Latino students speak Spanish as their first language. Many Latino students struggle to use English fluently. Furthermore, many Latino students experience extended periods of absence--sometimes up to a month or two at a time--due to the fact that their families move often for work. Due to the striking cultural differences between these two groups of students, there is a lot of self-segregation at this school.
You believe that the challenge before you is great, but that you are in a position to affect change in this school. You also learn that you are coming in with two other new hires who will be teaching English with you and developing the new curriculum.
Head into the conference room to discuss plans with your new colleagues.
Links:
The Conference Room
Teaching to Exceed Virtual School