Assessment of Instruction Columbia High School Assessment of Instruction

Overview The instructional staff of core content areas were observed over a two week period. Mr. Jernigan - Science. Mr. Hayden – Social Science Mrs. Driggers – English Mr. Porter - Math The observations were unannounced. The purpose of the observations was to gain a baseline on instruction by department. Findings were divided into Successes and Areas of Focus Successes – Department demonstrated proficiency in the area Areas of Focus – Areas the department needs some improvement One observation per teacher was conduced. Observations lasted approximately 10-20 minutes. Observations were only conducted at various times during the school day.

Social Science Department Assessment of Instruction Columbia High School Social Science Department Assessment of Instruction

Successes 6/8 classrooms demonstrated good classroom management Reinforcement of class and school expectations- 8/8 classrooms Effective proximity in 4/8 classrooms Positive classroom environments Proficiency was demonstrated in these areas.

Areas of Focus Focus on curriculum Learner outcomes and statement of inquiry are required to be posted in all classrooms daily Focus on instruction Ensure that students reach higher levels of Bloom’s daily (analyzing text, creating, making inferences, application/ use Cornell note taking- evident in 1 out of 8 classrooms/ use of DBQ’s to also incorporate points of view) Focus on and use content vocabulary. Ensure that classroom environment is student- centered (incorporate small groups) Utilize higher order questioning (3 levels- what questions, how and why- requires students to read between the text, level 3-requires students to make a connection such as “How does fear influence decisions that we make both big and small?”) Increase the use of Web 2.0 tools to create a student-centered environment Increase writing and intentionally teach these skills but gradually. Eventually, we want them able to write essays confidently.

Science Department Assessment of Instruction Columbia High School Science Department Assessment of Instruction

Successes Student Engagement Students were eager to learn Engaging Lessons Student participation Cornell note-taking Classroom Management Classes had good classroom management. Positive Classroom Climate Positive teacher interaction with students 6 out of 8 classes had small groups set up. Students working together. High Level Questioning Teachers were asking high level questions Good visual presentations Proficiency was demonstrated in these areas.

Areas of Focus Student Centered Classrooms needed Lots of teacher led instruction. Allow yourselves to feel comfortable with allowing more small group work but only when you feel it will work with behavior levels. Recap Make sure students have an opportunity to recap what has been presented that day. An exit slip is a good idea. Try not to over use Kahoot. Daily or weekly objectives Need to be posted. 3 out of 7 classes had objectives posted. – Students need to be able to talk about what the daily and weekly goals are. Student work displayed Student work needs to be displayed if possible. Areas for improvement.

English Department Assessment of Instruction Columbia High School English Department Assessment of Instruction

Successes Classroom Management 5/7 classes had good classroom management. Reinforcement of Expectations Cell phone policy & the use of earbuds Teacher use of proximity Student Engagement Positive Reinforcement Engaging Lessons Student participation Positive Classroom Climate Positive teacher interaction with students Students working in small groups Proficiency was demonstrated in these areas.

Areas of Focus Areas for improvement. Student Centered Classrooms Too much teacher led instruction – Students need to be talking more than teachers Collaborative learning Cornell Note-taking Teacher Questioning Low level questioning. Few teachers 2 out of 7 asked students to justify their answers Call on a variety of students Lack of Proximity Teachers are sitting or standing in the front Dyno used to monitor students’ computer use Learning Outcomes Need to posted Student Engagement Students need to be actively engaged at all times. Only 2 out of 7 – English Areas for improvement.

Math Department Assessment of Instruction Columbia High School Math Department Assessment of Instruction

Successes Student Engagement Allowing students to work problems on board. Students talk through problems. 5 out of 7 had learning outcomes posted. Proficiency was demonstrated in these areas.

Areas of Focus Student Centered Classrooms Too much teacher led instruction. Allow students to try the problems first before instruction. Collaborative learning. Summarizing the lesson. Cornell Note-taking. Highlight multiple ways of solving problems. Teacher Questioning Low level questions. Few teachers, 2 out of 7, asked students to justify their answers. Call on a variety of students (Question Equity) Allow and ask students to explain their thinking. Areas for improvement.