Teacher Reflection and Growth through Classroom Observations

High Schools That Work (HSTW) Staff Development Conference

Atlanta, GAJuly 17, 2015

Tysza GandhaSenior Research Associate

Focus Groups with educators

“Teachers can see their strengths and weak areas…and have a roadmap for how to reach higher.”

“I like reflecting on where I am and where I want to be.”

“My admin asked a lot of tough but good questions.”

“It takes so much time…I don’t know how to do it all.”

“Sometimes I feel I don’t know what feedback to give.”

“My admin met with me for less than five minutes, just asked me to sign and asked if I am happy with my score.”

Participant introductions

- Your school or district or state- Your role- Your goal(s) for classroom

observations- Your biggest challenge(s) with

classroom observations

Strategies for maximizing classroom observation impact

1) Communicate the goal for improving instruction

2) Focus on conversations as much as observations

3) Connect evaluation with professional learning and school improvement

Strategies for maximizing classroom observation impact

1) Communicate the goal for improving instruction

2) Focus on conversations as much as observations

3) Connect evaluation with professional learning and school improvement

What’s your observation system called?

“I keep telling my teachers they are going to be alright…This process is to help you be more effective.”

“We are told ‘we don’t live in Exemplary and only visit there,’ but why can’t we be exemplary?”

Participant discussion

Thinking about your communication about classroom observations,- What’s going well? - What could you do differently?

Strategies for maximizing classroom observation impact

1) Communicate the goal for improving instruction

2) Focus on conversations as much as observations

3) Connect evaluation with professional learning and school improvement

Go to todaysmeet.com/growya

What have YOU found challenging about observation-related conversations?

Tips for creating more time

- A school schedule and team structure that “make the most of existing resources”

- “Focusing is deciding what NOT to do.”

Tips for improving instructional conversations

- Get feedback on your feedback

- Get better with practice

From NC Dept of Public Instruction

Strategies for maximizing classroom observation impact

1) Communicate the goal for improving instruction

2) Focus on conversations as much as observations

3) Connect evaluation with professional learning and school improvement

ALF 5/1/15 Baxter & Gandha 21

Tips for supporting teacher learning

- What we know about adult learning: problem-based, situated, social

- Increase opportunities for teachers to learn from one another

- How are observation data being used for- Teacher professional growth plans- Team/department/PLC plans- Schoolwide improvement plans

Tips for aligning teacher and school improvement

For more information:

Tysza GandhaSenior Research AssociateTysza.Gandha@sreb.org(704) 559-9917

www.sreb.org/ee

Thank you!