PowerWalks 101

PowerWalks are different than typical classroom observation practice. PowerWalks are about providing teachers with game film, incremental improvement and leveraging professional insight. So how is this done? Using the right tool (if you are not using PowerWalks, sorry), frequency and reflection. If you are a campus administrator, keep the following numbers in mind when considering your classroom observation volume.

1. It takes about 100 walk-thru's to really get a feel for what you are looking for and what you are actually observing.

2. After the first 100 walk-thru's, the typical observer learns something new or figures something out with every 300 additional walk-thru's.

This assumes that you are conducting your walk-thru's with purpose and reflection, and not just going thru the motions. Fake it, and all bets are off.

Where should you be now? I’m glad you asked. At this point, I'm happy with any year to date observation number over 375. If your year to date number is currently below 275, I’m concerned. And yes, I walk the walk. For the past three years, I have averaged 1,200 documented walk-thru’s a year. I used to do even more. My current year to date number is 602, and I’m not on a campus every day.

Just keep this in mind; to be an expert in instruction, there are two absolutes. First, you had to have taught. Second, you have to fanatically and purposefully observe a lot of instruction. In our profession, the first is commonplace, the second is exceedingly rare.

Think. Work. Achieve.

Your turn...

• Call Jo at (832) 477-LEAD to order your campus set of “The Fundamental 5: The Formula for Quality Instruction.” Individual copies available on Amazon.com! http://tinyurl.com/4ydqd4t
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