A Reader Writes... (We are Our Own Worst Enemy - Part 1)

In response to the 3/9/2011 post, “We are Our Own Worst Enemy,” a reader writes:

Coaching, support and monitoring are the key points to helping teachers improve and build capacity. I agree that limiting the amount of time for observations only perpetuates the status quo.

SC Response

I just read an article that pointed out the correlation between the classroom observations and student performance. It continues to surprise people that as walk-thru’s increase, student performance increases. Unfortunately, most walk-thru systems are set up to mimic the “cop in the rearview mirror” effect or the collected information becomes a stick in which to beat teachers. This means that at most schools there is an artificial terminal limit to the performance increase. Now this artificial limit can be obliterated with the right walk-thru tool and the correct walk-thru program protocols. Unfortunately, 95% of the non-LYS campuses that I initially work with, that are doing walk-thru’s not only have the wrong tool but they are also implementing it incorrectly. These mistakes are compounded when the district is trying to implement a bootleg version of a research-based, field-tested system. Just like “Slony” isn’t “Sony”, the same can be said of most homemade versions of walk-thru systems. The point being that frequent classroom observations are a powerful tool, when implemented correctly. But (and this is huge) when this is not the case, it is HR equivalent of giving a monkey a machine gun. Even if your intentions are sound, someone is going to get hurt.

Think. Work. Achieve.

Your turn...

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June 11 (TASB) - The Fundamental Five; Improve Now!

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