Classroom Walk-Through Academic Council November 13, 2007

Benefit of Frequent Classroom Observations Drives a cycle of continuous improvement Better awareness of instructional strategies and school climate More collegial (less hierarchal) More collaborative Frequent visits lower teacher apprehension over time

Challenges to Classroom Observations Time consuming Great deal of paperwork Focuses on only 1 teacher Does not provide for school-wide data collection Does not provide for a school-wide snapshot

Classroom Walk-through Model 3-5 minute classroom visits Chart/Rubric to check-off observable evidence in the classroom Created by teachers, for teachers, for school-wide improvement School-wide snapshot, not focused on individual teachers Data collection is quick to provide immediate feedback for instructional growth

Why use Classroom Walkthroughs. . . Generates conversations about instruction and curriculum Is a springboard for professional development based on data Focuses attention on implementation of best practices

Process for Developing Schoolwide Walk-Throughs Rubric is created by teachers Department Chairs participate in walk-through with administrators Conducted over a short (1 week) time period Data is synthesized Data is disseminated to all staff in a short time following the walkthrough Discussions within Academic Council, Departments, Faculty Meetings about Instruction and Student Learning

During the Walk-Through Team observes a classroom for 5 minutes During the observation they are noticing evidence that corresponds to their chart They check-off what they see After the observation they quickly confer about the observation and align their chart data

Sample Chart Categories Instructional Behaviors Checking for Understanding Cognitive Strategies Higher Order Thinking Tasks Questioning Techniques Collaborative Learning Classroom Environment

Sample Rubric 1 x 2 3 Classroom Small Group Teaching Higher Order Thinking Q’s Informal Assess-ment Formal Assess-ment Reading Strategy Tech Integration Quick , Smooth Transition Clear Rubric 1 x 2 3

Implementation Timeline 11/13 Academic Council-Create Rubric 11/19 Department - Review/Edit Rubric 11/21 Submit Revisions to LL 11/27 Faculty Meeting - Review Rubric 11/28-11/30 Classroom Walkthrough 12/5 Academic Council - Review Data 12/11 Department Mtg- Review Data

Small Group Work (1) What observable evidence of best practices and teaching methodologies to ensure student learning, should we see in any classroom? (2) How do these connect with 21st Century Learning Skills? (3) How do they connect to UbD & DI?