1. Classroom Walk-Through
Academic Council
November 13, 2007

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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?