1. Assessment of Instruction
Columbia High School
Assessment of Instruction

2. 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 minutes.
Observations were only conducted at various times during the school day.

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

4. 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.

5. 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.

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

7. 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.

8. 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.

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

10. 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.

11. 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.

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

13. 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.

14. 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.