1. Seattle College District Fall 2015 Peer Observer Training

2. Background & Purpose Peer Observation Guidelines created by District Administration and Seattle AFT to Develop mutual understanding of the observation process Guide conversations between the teacher and observer Practice observation and open discussion of teaching and learning between colleagues Provide opportunity for both teacher and observer to learn from the experience Protect privacy of information between teacher and observer – this is a confidential observation Create an observation system with no administrative evaluation

3. Brief outline of process Step 1: Peer observer and Teacher exchange information Step 2: Teacher identifies goals for observation and the Observer and Teacher discuss them Step 3: Observation takes place Step 4: Dialogue about what happened during the observation Step 5: Paperwork submitted

4. Step 1 – Initiating Observations Deans are supportive of the process, but do not assign observations Observer reaches out to colleagues Peer Observer Leads can help with the matchmaking efforts Observer gives the guideline paperwork to teacher Establish a spirit of confidentiality and trust - this is important! This is not an administrative evaluation, it’s a learning experience.

5. Step 2 – Establishing Goals Teacher completes Step 2 form. This document communicates to the observer: Goals of the class as a whole Learning Objectives for the session Teaching strategies for the learning objectives What the teacher wants to have observed Teacher & observer come to agreement about how the observation will take place Observer listens to teacher’s goals for the session and what is to be observed

6. Step 3 – Observation Observer attends the teacher’s class and observes based on the goals that the teacher has set forth Observer does their best to notice what the teacher has asked them to notice and to make detailed notes on what they observe

7. What is observable? Physical Reality – objective report of what actually happens – a description Socially constructed meaning – can be developed by consensus between teacher and observer in final meeting Personal reality – try to avoid subjective opinion and interpretation but instead stick to observing what the teacher has asked you to observe

8. What is observation? Practice observation Describe what you observe in this video clip – 1. What do you see? 2. What to you hear?

9. Step 4 - Dialogue Observer shares notes Teacher is invited to reflect on what the observations mean Observer and Teacher discuss the observation Conversation is confidential between observer & teacher Observer hands all notes to teacher Only the teacher may communicate contents of the observation to others

10. A note on the Dialogue... Should the Teacher specifically solicit critique or want the Peer Observer to provide details of areas for improvement (from his/her subjective perspective) and/or advice and suggestion, the Teacher may request this type of discussion and the Observer may choose to comply; however, unless the Teacher asks for this line of discussion, the feedback shall remain objective and focused on observation only.

11. Step 5: Submit paperwork Give a copy of your certificate of training completion to your dean. Do your observations Submit your observation documentation (signature) paperwork after each observation All notes are given to the teacher!

12. 2 nd Half of Session – Welcome Experienced Observers Introductions Large group dialogue: What has worked well for you? What challenges have you experienced? Other things to consider?

13. What are Peer Observer Leads? They are your resource for questions & concerns, they: Provide training Field questions from observers & deans Communicate with deans about the process of Matching observers with teachers Recruiting Peer Observers for the following year Paying stipends to observers

14. Who Are Your POL’s for 2015-2016 North: Betty Williams Phone: 206.934.4571 Betty.Williams@seattlecolleges.edu South: Analea Brauburger Phone: 206.934.6843 Analea.Brauburger@seattlecolleges.edu Central: Jaime Cardenas, Jr. Phone: 206.934.4348 Jaime.cardenas@seattlecolleges.edu You can also contact JC Clapp (district faculty coordinator if you have questions). FD@seattlecolleges.edu