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A LYS campus leader asks the following:
SC,
I have
a question about walk-thru’s. We are doing a focused instructional practice
every six weeks. So, if "Lesson Frames" are our focus, when I visit
the classroom, I expect to see the Lesson Frame. My question is about writing
critically. If I walk in at some point and the teacher has already completed
the writing assignment, what should I do?
SC Response
Good question. I have a point of clarification / direction
and then an answer.
1. Six weeks is too
long for focusing on a single practice. Two to three weeks is a more effective
improvement window. Think of improving instructional practice like
improving your golf game. It should be a constant cycle of getting better
at chasing your tail. Focusing intently on one component, then moving to
the next component. Knowing that the first component isn’t perfect, but it is now better, and you’ll be getting back to it soon. Focusing on one thing for
too long leads to boredom and skill atrophy on the ignored components. The
shorter cycle creates both a sense of urgency and a continuous process of skill
elevation.
2. Each component of
the Fundamental 5 has “obvious” look-for’s and “context” look-for’s.
Critical writing, relies more on “context" look-for’s and system-wide
expectations (this is where LYS training, support tools, and PowerWalks are
really useful). But I’ll share one tip. During the critical writing
window, focus on all contents embedding “quick writes” and note-making in every
lesson. The Fundamental 5 Note Making Template Developer is useful for
this (Click Here). Just know if the focus and planning during the Critical
Writing window isn’t centered on writing more, more often, every day, in every
class… you probably won’t observe anyone actually writing.
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/Fundamental5
- Upcoming Conference Presentations: TASSP Assistant Principal Workshop (Keynote)
- Follow Sean Cain and LYS on www.Twitter.com/LYSNation and like Lead Your School on Facebook
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