One of my intended placements was at the Barton School, located in South Minneapolis. I came in for the day to observe in Alison Rubin's classroom, where she teaches Algebra and Geometry to 7th and 8th graders. In both classes, it was the day before a test, review day. I got to see students working through problems they needed help with, as well as work together to problem solve. Alison had great control over her class, and had an excellent balance of fun and business. Something I noticed is that she has no tolerance for excuses and refuses to let her students be helpless, which I think is a wonderful attribute, especially for middle school math!
As it turns out, I am not much of a mathematician and won't be spending my 40 hour residency at Barton - my position will be filled by a fellow teaching artist student who has a flare for arts integration, as well as algebra and geometry. I will be moving onto work with Dan Dimond and his Art students at Academy of Holy Angels High School.