Classroom observations often have a negative connotation as teachers dread the designated day when the principal comes in to evaluate their effectiveness. The students are often nervous and rigid, the teacher is wearing his or her best outfit and has planned an extra special lesson. The atmosphere in the classroom is somewhat tense and is usually far from a normal day. So how can an administrator get a better idea of what’s going on in the classroom? The answer: Be visible!

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This month’s resources are designed to help administrators transition from only utilizing formal yearly evaluations, to implementing weekly or monthly mini-walkthroughs and check-ins. Explore the 3 tips below to implement effective walkthroughs at your school!

1. Convey the right message

• • Teachers need to know you are changing the way you approach evaluations.
  • Focus on support & collaboration. Ask teachers what would be most helpful for them as part of the classroom visit process and ask for their feedback on the process.
  • Cultivate a team culture focused on improving student achievement and communicate the norm of continuous learning for students and adults.
  • For inspiration on setting the right foundation for classroom walkthroughs explore this printable sample!
  • For help making visits a part of your schedule download this FREE printable class visit log to track your visits and set goals!

2. Set a school-wide goal or focus for the year & keep the visit simple

• • State the purpose and plan for classroom visits, share the observation tools you will use, and talk about the process so teachers know what to expect!
  • Clearly separate evaluations from walkthrough observations. Walkthroughs are informal, collaborative, formative, not evaluative.
  • For help finding the right observation tool, examine the printable examples below:
    • Comprehensive walkthrough template based on Marzano’s research
    • Reading walkthrough from FCRR.org
    • 3 Minute Classroom Walkthrough from ASCD 

3. FOLLOW UP

• • Try a Three Minute Debrief:
    • One positive comment
    • One prompt, suggestion, or question
    • One follow-up piece
  • Communicate your debrief face to face, in a handwritten note, or via email. If you leave a note or an email, be sure to follow-up face to face.
  • Plan a formal sit down with the teacher after 10-12 sessions. Watch how one administrator handled their formal discussion here.

 

We’ve also partnered with two educational companies that are offering discounts to our schools through September 30th. Check out the offers from Reading A-Z and Edmentum here!

To view all previous School Leadership Resources postings, click here.