Teachers establish a safe, inclusive and respectful learning environment for a diverse population of students.

Element A: Predictable learning environment
Teachers foster a predictable learning environment characterized by acceptable student behavior and efficient use of time in which each student has a positive, nurturing relationship with caring adults and peers.

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Class Standards
Written on the board, all semester, are our class standards. Instead of creating a whole list of them myself and reciting them to the class. We, as a whole, decided what we wanted and needed in order for the class to run as smooth as possible and be a safe place for everyone to learn and express themselves. I enjoy this process because the students are holding themselves and each other accountable for the rules that they created.

Element B: Commitment and respect for diversity
Teachers demonstrate an awareness of, a commitment to, and a respect for multiple aspects of diversity, while working toward common goals as a community of learners.

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Personal Note Cards
When I first met my new class, I ask them to fill out these note cards. They serve many purposes. I tell the students to write their names on one side. On the other side, I asked them to write one thing they would like me to know about them and/or something that they would like to share with me that will help me teach them better and help their learning. Some students will give a fun fact and others will say things like, " I need to sit in the front of the class" or "I have bad handwriting and prefer to type my work." All the things that the students write really help me to connect with them and learn about their individuality. These cards also help with learning names quicker and calling on students for discussion.

Element C: Engages students
Teachers engage students as individuals, including those with diverse needs and interests, across a range of ability levels by adapting their teaching for the benefit of all students.

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Antibiotics and Bacterial Growth Activity
​This the original and modified version of the data in a lesson about antibiotics. For all students, there is some added support in the "helpful math doc." There are examples on how to do the math and step by step solutions to the ones already completed. In the modified version, about half of the answers are there for them to use so they can stay on track. They don't miss out on any of the actual content, simply a less overwhelming amount of work.

Element D: Works and communicates with families
Teachers work collaboratively with the families and/or significant adults for the benefit of students.

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Email Home
At the end of each six week grading period, I have sent home an email updating parents of their student's grade. The email is sent out for students who currently have a D or F in my class. The email states that this is the current situation that their student is in. The email also contains information, like when all late and missing work is due. This also lets the parents know that I am free to talk with any of them if they would like more information.