Fall 2011 Peer Observation Training

Agenda Process for Peer Observations What am I looking for during the Peer Observation and how do I rate it? How do I complete the McRel observation form online? What are the expectations of the post-conference? Please make sure that you have the following resources available to you CMS Indicators document McRel Login

Process of Peer Observations 1. Contact your peer to determine a date for the observation and a date for the post-conference 2. Observe your peer for at least 30 minutes 3. During the observation take notes and rate your peer on the Observation Form 4. Review notes, finalize ratings in McRel, and write comments in McRel 5. Conduct post-conference with peer, reviewing ratings and comments 6. Complete McRel by ensuring you sign and the teacher signs by Friday, December 16 th

What am I looking for during the Peer Observation and how do I rate it?

Focus of Peer Observations Standard II: Teachers establish a respectful environment for a diverse population of students Standard III: Teachers know the content they teach Standard IV: Teachers facilitate learning for their students The next 3 slides outlines the details of standards 2-4. Each slide provides an overarching essential question to help guide the comments and a “snapshot” of the elements within the standard.

Standard II: Teachers establish a respectful environment for a diverse population of students Essential Question: How does the teacher create an environment and classroom culture that supports all students having an equal opportunity to learn? 2.01: Relationships 2.02: Diversity 2.03: Belief/ Expectations 2.04: IEP/ 504/ LEP Accommodations 2.05: Home-School Relationships/ Parent Involvement 6

Standard III: Teachers know the content they teach Essential Question How does the teacher utilize content area standards, literacy, and 21 st century skills to deliver a cohesive lesson? 3.01: Align instruction to NCSCOS/ CCSS and Literacy Across Curriculum 3.02: Deep Content Knowledge 3.03: Vertical Articulation/ Global Awareness 3.04: Relevance 7

Standard V: Teachers facilitate learning for their students Essential Question: How does a teacher utilize strategies and techniques to execute a lesson that maximizes a student’s learning? 4.01: Differentiation 4.02: Data-driven instruction 4.03: Instructional Strategies 4.04: Technology Integration & Utilization 4.05: Higher-Level Thinking/ Rigor 4.06: Collaborative/ Cooperative Learning 4.07: Discussion-based Classroom 4.08: Variety of methods to assess 8

Ratings Ratings should be completed from left to right For instance, if the teacher receives an accomplished on an element, developing and proficient must also be checked for that element Ratings should be consistent with the CMS Indicators If it is not evident that an element is being executed, provide comments in the “not demonstrated” column

How should I collect information during the classroom observation?

Collecting Data during the Observation During the observation, you should “script tape”. The act of “script taping” is recording all the actions (verbal and non-verbal) that are occurring in the classroom during the observation. To assist with this, you may want to use a graphic organizer with each of the standards to organize your thoughts. StandardsEvidence II- Classroom Culture III- Content Knowledge IV- Facilitating Instruction

What types of comments should I write on the observation form?

Comments FactOpinion Observerable and specificDraws conclusions Not influenced by the observer’s perspectiveInfluenced by the observer’s perspective ObjectiveSubjective UnambiguousMay be subject to debate

Writing Effective Comments Original 1.During your lesson, some students had difficulty staying on task. 2. The lesson introduction was not sufficient. 3. The teacher lectured from the front of the classroom for the majority of the class. 4. Students were highly engaged. Rewritten 1. During the lesson, 12/18 students were actively on task. 2. At the start of the lesson, students were instructed to read silently for 5 minutes and then answer questions, thus, limiting the opportunities to check for understanding. 3. Throughout the lesson, the teacher provided direct instruction through a lecture, which limited the level of student engagement. 4. During the lesson, students completed a graphic organizer in groups and then a representative from each group shared their answers for the class.

(See Post Observation Instructions ) How do I complete the McRel observation form online? What are the expectations of the post-conference?

Suggested Timeline: - By 12/2, contact teacher and schedule date for observation - By 12/9, observe your peer teacher(s) - By 12/15, conduct post-conference with peer teacher(s) - By 5 pm on 12/16, sign McRel observation Questions? Comments? Concerns? All peer observations and post-conferences must be completed by 5 pm on Friday, December 16 th !