MASSP Conference Traverse City, MI October 1, 2007

with Pat Wilson O-Leary Vicksburg Community Schools Welcome to Walk – Through Observations That Work

Principals often drop into classrooms. This awareness session will focus on the practical decisions and strategies that make the drop-in a more valuable walk- through observation. What to do in preparation, observation, and follow-up will be included. Purposes of this session:

The Walk-Through Observation What A walk-through observation is an unannounced, yet focused, visit made by an administrator (possibly with a teacher) to a classroom for only minutes. The expectation is that you will visit every teacher in your building consistently, during this school year.

The Walk-Through Observation Why: School Improvement Plan

Why: Open Door Culture; fun!

Why: Know and See Practice Michigan Curriculum Frameworks

The Walk-Through Observation Why: Visibility

William Sommers, The Reflective School Why: Encourage Teacher Growth

William Sommers, The Reflective School Why: Analyze Instruction

Suggestions for Walk-Throughs Goal: Every Classroom Every Classroom Every week/month Every week/month Different times of day Different times of day Different times of week Different times of week

Suggestions for Walk-Throughs Schedule informal walk-through observations as you would any other important item on your calendar. John Skretta

Suggestions for Walk-Throughs With your staff, establish clear and consistent expectations for the administrator’s presence in classrooms. Communicate these procedures to all stakeholders.

Suggestions for Walk-Throughs Use walk-throughs to promote dialogue with teachers.

Suggestions for Walk-Throughs Share anecdotal feedback from walk-throughs with your faculty. John Skretta

Suggestions for Walk-Throughs Learn and practice coaching skills for: Reflection Feedback

Data Collection Method Index Card No Notes

How

Feedback Choices After Walk-Through

Walk Through Observations – Decisions to Make  Commitment – yours By district/central office By district/central office To each other and self To each other and self To staff To staff  Communicate before and after WT with Union leadership Union leadership Teaching staff Teaching staff Students Students

 Content Focus SIP Goals SIP Goals Program Implementation Program Implementation Curriculum/Instruction/Assessment Curriculum/Instruction/Assessment  Consistency Plan and schedule a manageable number Plan and schedule a manageable number Increase as comfort grows Increase as comfort grows Keep track Keep track  Continually reflect and grow your knowledge! Walk Through Observations – Decisions to Make

Have fun in classrooms! Pat Wilson O’Leary Vicksburg Community Schools (269)

Want a bibliography? See Pat!