A Reader Asks... Observing Better Practice

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

Top LYS Tweets from the Week of September 17, 2017

If you are not following @LYSNation on Twitter, then you missed the Top 10 LYS Tweets from the week of September 17, 2017 when they were first posted.  And if you are on Twitter, you might want to check out the Tweeters who made this week’s list.

1. NO research shows that giving a low score is motivating. In fact the opposite. It makes students give up. (By @alicekeeler)

2. In school, students cheat because the system values high grades more than students value learning. (By @neiltyson)

3. Frequent walkthroughs are an essential component of a formative observation system to ensure continuous instructional improvement. (By @AsstSuptAAA2)

4. If you aren’t feeling some discomfort, you aren’t improving. (By @Leadershipfreak)  

5. A goal without a plan is just a wish... (By @traci_tousant)

6. Teaching reading to kids is an absolute moral imperative. (By @FountasPinnell)

7. School leaders need to chase learning, not technology, or the latest quick fix, trendy idea, or popular innovation. (By @DrKing_BBJH)

8. Victory requires payment in advance. (By @SportsMotto)

9. Teachers, hold the Texas State Senate Republicans accountable in town halls for their unrelenting attack on Texas Public Schools this session. You deserve better. (By @pastors4txkids)

10. No one is bigger than the team. If you can't do things our way, you're not getting time here and we don't care who you are! –Gregg Popovich (By @CoachMotto)

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: The Fundamental 5 National Summit (Keynote) 
• 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

Top LYS Tweets from the Week of June 28, 2017

If you are not following @LYSNation on Twitter, then you missed the Top 10 LYS Tweets from the week of June 18, 2017 when they were first posted.  And if you are on Twitter, you might want to check out the Tweeters who made this week’s list.

1. Stay focused on student need. As student performance improves most adult problems begin to evaporate. (By @LYSNation)

2. Our state leaders have no shame. They demean teachers, defraud constituents, and neglect children without consequence. (By @pastors4txkids)

3. When adults are not adequately serving children, a slow phase in of better practice sacrifices student need for adult convenience. (By @LYSNation)

4. When performance is below expectations, the challenge is to Get Better Now, not tomorrow. (By @LYSNation)

5. I know it sounds crazy, but evidently, when teachers use better practice more often, students do better. Go figure. (By @LYSNation)

6. You can't tell someone they're incompetent or unworthy and expect them to step up! You can't put someone down and expect them to step up. (By @Leadershipfreak)

7. Allowing teachers to NOT work on implementing best practice hurts both students and TEACHERS. (By @LYSNation)

8. We need to elect more people who are about representing all citizens rather than about putting their own party in power. So destructive. (By @woscholar)

9. The Definition of Culture and Climate: A) Culture is the adult practices and procedures on a campus. B) Climate is the effect culture has on students. (By @LYSNation)

10. The parent equation for ranking schools: A) Students are Successful = A Good School. B) My Child is Successful = A GREAT School. (By @LYSNation)

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: Virginia Middle and High School Principals Conference; The National Principals Conference; The Fundamental 5 National Summit (Keynote) 
• 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