Focused Observation Form Updated February 15, 2011

Look-Fors for Student Friendly, Standards-Based Objectives Student friendly language Written on board, power point slide, on assignment sheet, written in students notebook/journal Written out and linked to standard(s) Not a bulleted list of “Things to Do this Lesson” nor a list of pages to read or worksheets to complete. Objective is stated and revisited/restated during the lesson Developmentally appropriate for the students to easily understand the objective Simple Vocabulary, Pictures for Primary Grades Separate objectives for each class/subject In the Classroom

Look-Fors for Student Friendly, Standards-Based Objectives Student Actions Students can articulate what they are learning and why Questioning and discussions between students Evident in student work Teacher Actions Teacher feedback to students or groups Making connections between past and present objectives Teacher states/restates/rephrases objective and links objective to activities Activities/written work reflect the posted objective

Look-Fors for Student Friendly, Standards-Based Objective Room to add more “look- fors”

Differentiated Instruction Differentiation is the adjustment of content, process, or product in order to meet the needs of students and promote learning (Tomlinson & McTighe, 2006). Research also indicates that differentiation may be the achieved through the establishment of a positive classroom climate (Tomlinson, 2003).contentprocessproduct classroom climate

Look-Fors for Differentiated InstructionDifferentiated Instruction Scaffolding – content, process interaction of product groups Scaffolding – content, process interaction of product groups Leveled questioning Guided reading Interest Centers Targeted games, projects and technology Tiered assignments Graphic organizers Foldables Study Guides Varied homework assignments Pre-assessment Chunking Assignment/Project Instructions and Products Chunking Assignment/Project Instructions and Products Fluid/Flexible grouping practices Leveled readers Multi-modality: say it, write it, draw it, do it Multi-modality Use of ManipulativesManipulatives Book circles D.I. Wiki – In-HouseIn-House D.I. Wiki – Out-of-DistrictOut-of-District

Look-Fors for Differentiated Instruction See Additional D.I. Support Document on Professional Development Intranet Site Room to add more “look- fors”

Formative Assessment Assessment is formative where it is part of an on-going instructional process where teachers measure pupils’ knowledge and progress in order to inform teaching. It is often referred to as “assessment FOR learning.” Examples of formative assessment may include concept maps, questioning, journals, and monitoring students’ performance on homework, diagnostic tests and quizzes.

Look-Fors for Formative Assessment Quick checks target – key concept of lesson Exit tickets/slips Thumbs up-Thumbs down Multiple Choice ABCD Cards White Boards Electronic clickers T-charts Agree/disagree charts Sparkle Specific feedback Technology

Look-Fors for Formative Assessment Five Fingers Stop light cards Pre-test KWL Whip Around Misconception Check Student learning log Student questioning Think/Pair/Share Conferences Written reflection Skill cards Self assessment Video taping Vocabulary Pictures

Look-Fors for Formative Assessment Room to add more “look- fors”

Focused Observation Look-Fors The Look-For list will be an evolving list that shares potential “Look-Fors” during all Focused Observations Current list was created and edited by teachers at various buildings, building and district administrators and teachers on the CPE Committee. The list will be updated at periodic times during the school year and will be a standing item on the CPE Committee meeting The “Look-For” list is not a finite list and is designed to grow and adjust as the year progress Next steps include providing exemplars and greater depth