A Visit to Seneca High School

Yesterday I was able to observe a very engaging lesson in a resource classroom at Seneca High School. I arrived just before the bell initiating third period. It was evident non-instructional routines had been established as students knew where to find their notebooks. Before beginning instruction, the teacher explained what the class would do over the course of the next 90 minutes. The first item on the agenda included journal writing in response to real-world debatable issues. The teacher reviewed the questions students were expected to answer after watching CNN video clips. One video clip surrounded the controversy of whether or not suspected 9-11 terrorists should be tried in New York just blocks away from where the twin towers used to stand. The other video clip spotlighted a story where a student from another state was suspended for coming to school with his favorite football team's logo shaved into head. The teacher showed each clip separately reviewing the questions before, between and after watching the videos. The teacher then led an engaging discussion surrounding each debate asking students to share their views or interpretation. The teacher made sure every student participated and had an understanding of each controversial isssue. Unfortunately, I needed to leave before a review of y=mx + b, but I was so glad I was able to visit this teacher's class and strongly believe the students enjoyed the lesson as much as I did.