A Reader Asks... An Aligned Classroom Observation Tool

A Principal asks the following:

SC,

Here’s my question, “What would a T-TESS walk-thru instrument look like if it was aligned with The Fundamental 5?”

I would rather work smarter than longer!

SC Response

It would look like actually be PowerWalks.  The caveat is that PowerWalks is a formative observation tool... that is based on observable components of best instructional practice.  Used correctly, PowerWalks facilitates teachers getting better at better practice.

T-TESS is a summative evaluation framework... that is aligned to components of best instructional practice. 

Here is the problem (and some uncomfortable truth).  Too many school leaders are looking for a short cut to the formative / summative process.  There isn’t a short cut.  If you are going to embrace instructional leadership, you must create an environment of high volume formative observation and support, with announced summative observation windows.  This provides teachers with the opportunity to get better and the stage to prove it.

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 Aspiring Principal Workshop (Multiple Presentations), Learning for a Change Spring Summit (Keynote and Multiple Presentations) 
• Now at the Apple App Store: Fun 5 Timer (Fundamental 5 Delivery Tool); PowerWalks CLC (Networked Formative Observation Tool) 
• Follow Sean Cain and LYS on www.Twitter.com/LYSNation  and like Lead Your School on Facebook

A Reader Asks... The Close

A LYS Principal asks the following:

SC,

I need some help explaining the purpose of the "I Will" statement (The Close in a Lesson Frame) to my teachers. I am not getting the information across effectively. Basically, they are simply listing the daily assignment as the Close. What can I tell them that will help?

SC Response

The "I will..." (The Close, or Closing Question, in a Lesson Frame) is the proof of learning from doing the lesson activities.  It is not a lesson activity. 

A Wrong Example: I will complete an exit ticket. 

A Correct Example: (on my exit ticket) I will give an example of The Close and explain its purpose.

It sometimes takes a while for this distinction to click for teachers.  Teachers look at lessons through the lens of stuff and things (activities).  A good and effective Close makes them look at a lesson through the lens of student understanding.  We do have a training module on this, which a lot of campuses have found to be helpful.

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 Aspiring Principal Workshop (Multiple Presentations), Learning for a Change Spring Summit (Keynote and Multiple Presentations) 
• Now at the Apple App Store: Fun 5 Timer (Fundamental 5 Delivery Tool); PowerWalks CLC (Networked Formative Observation Tool) 
• Follow Sean Cain and LYS on www.Twitter.com/LYSNation  and like Lead Your School on Facebook

I Taught Better, Now What (B)

A lot of educators share the following common concern with me, “I know I’m teaching better, how come my results aren’t better.”

There are three basic answers.   Here is the second and most common reason.  If the right thing is being taught (see the 1/12/17 post), then it takes time. Constant exposure to better teaching is the leading indicator. The improvement in student performance is the lagging indicator.  And the longer students were taught by average to below average teachers, the longer it takes to notice the improvement in student learning.

The analogy is relationship between taking medicine (better instruction) and getting better (improved student performance).  There is always a lag between receiving the medicine and improved health.  And the sicker the patient, the greater the lag time. 

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 Aspiring Principal Workshop (Multiple Presentations), Learning for a Change Spring Summit (Keynote and Multiple Presentations) 
• Now at the Apple App Store: Fun 5 Timer (Fundamental 5 Delivery Tool); PowerWalks CLC (Networked Formative Observation Tool) 
• Follow Sean Cain and LYS on www.Twitter.com/LYSNation  and like Lead Your School on Facebook