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

PowerWalks Alignment to T-TESS Domain 4

This is the final post of a four post series addressing each T-TESS domain and its relationship and correlations to PowerWalks.

Link to T-TESS Domain 1 Post

Link to T-TESS Domain 2 Post

Link to T-TESS Domain 3 Post

T-TESS Domain 4: Professional Practices and Responsibilities

The elements in this domain occur outside of the delivery of instruction in the classroom. Hence, they are outside the scope of a formative classroom observation tool. See the chart below. The areas highlighted with the color YELLOW represent areas of potential and conditional correlation.

PowerWalks Alignment and Correlation to Domain 4 

The elements of Domain 4 are generally outside the scope of a 3-5 minute formative classroom observation.  However there are three exceptions. 

1. The teacher has set goals based on improving pedagogy.  As a teacher gets better at the best practice addressed in the six PowerWalks modules, the appraiser is provided subjective evidence of improved pedagogy.

2. The teacher has set goals based on improving student performance.  The change in teacher practice is a leading indicator of improved student performance. As a teacher gets better at the best practice addressed in the six PowerWalks modules, the appraiser is provided subjective evidence that improved student performance is forthcoming.

3. The campus has provided training on instructional practices and programs. As a teacher gets better at the best practice addressed in the six PowerWalks modules, the appraiser is provided subjective evidence that the teacher is attempting to implement the elements of provided professional development.

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) 
• 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

PowerWalks Alignment to T-TESS Domain 3

This is post three of a four post series addressing each T-TESS domain and its relationship and correlations to PowerWalks.

Link to T-TESS Domain 1 Post

Link to T-TESS Domain 2 Post 

Link to T-TESS Domain 4 Post

T-TESS Domain 3: Learning Environment

The research is clear that the environment can have either a positive or negative impact on student performance. Additionally, the components of an effective (leveraged) classroom environment can be observed.  When addressing classroom environment, the sole lens should be the effect of environmental factors on student performance.  The uncomfortable truth is this is not the lens used in the vast majority of schools and classrooms.  Instead, adult comfort and convenience are the primary considerations.  There are three things to consider before attempting to improve the environment in classrooms on a campus.

1. Instruction is always the first priority.

a. Bad instruction in a good environment = bad instruction.

b. Good to great instruction in a bad environment = good to great instruction.

c. Good to great instruction in a leveraged environment = enhanced student performance.

2. What the research teaches us about effective classroom environments is that the least we can do... is the most we can do.

3. It is the rare leader who possesses both the stomach and fortitude to address classroom environment issues, at scale.

See the chart below. The areas highlighted with the color GREEN represent areas of correlation.

T-TESS Domain 3: Learning Environment PowerWalks Modules	Environment, Routines and Procedures 3.1	Managing Student Behavior 3.2	Classroom Culture 3.3
Instructor Location
Pupil Engagement
Lesson Framing
High Yield Practices
Instructional Rigor
Instructional Relevance
Classroom Climate

PowerWalks Alignment and Correlation to Domain 3 

As a teacher gets better at the best practice addressed in the six PowerWalks modules, the appraiser is provided subjective evidence that the elements of T-TESS Domain 3 are being addressed.

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) 
• 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

PowerWalks Alignement to T-TESS Domain 2

This is post two of a four post series addressing each T-TESS domain and its relationship and correlations to PowerWalks.

T-TESS Domain 1 Post

T-TESS Domain 3 Post

T-TESS Domain 4 Post

T-TESS Domain 2: Instruction

The use of high volume formative observations that are aligned to best practice (such as PowerWalks), support teachers in increasing both the quantity and quality of delivered best practice.  When teachers are able to execute best practices at high quantity and quality, they are better able to meet summative expectations. See the chart below. The areas highlighted with the color GREEN represent areas of correlation.

PowerWalks Alignment and Correlation to Domain 2  

As a teacher gets better at the best practice addressed in the six PowerWalks modules, the appraiser is provided subjective evidence that the elements of T-TESS Domain 2 are being addressed.

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 
• 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

PowerWalks Alignment to T-TESS Domain 1

In Texas, a lot of campus leaders are freaking out over the new teacher evaluation system, T-TESS.  Specifically, will the formative observations that they have been doing align with summative T-TESS requirements.  I can’t speak to the lesser formative observation systems that are in use, but I can speak to the best Formative Observation System, PowerWalks.  This series of four posts will address each T-TESS domain and its relationship and correlations to PowerWalks.

T-TESS Domain 2 Post

T-TESS Domain 3 Post

T-TESS Domain 4 Post

T-TESS Domain 1: Planning

The BIG question is, “Can one evaluate teacher planning with a three to five minute classroom observation.” 

The honest answer is, “No.” 

The accurate process for determining if a teacher is meeting the requirements of Domain 1 is the on-going involvement of leadership in the instructional planning process. By the way, the active involvement of leadership in the instructional planning process is a best practice.

However, there are indicators and trends that can be observed and revealed in a high-volume formative observation environment that could allow one to assume that the requisite focused planning has been occurring. See the chart below. The areas highlighted with the color GREEN represent areas of correlation.

T-TESS Domain 1: Planning PowerWalks Modules	Standards & Alignment 1.1	Data & Assessment 1.2	Knowledge of Students 1.3	Activities 1.4
Instructor Location
Pupil Engagement
Lesson Framing
High Yield Practices
Instructional Rigor
Instructional Relevance
Classroom Climate

PowerWalks Alignment and Correlation to Domain 1  

As a teacher gets better at the best practice addressed in the six PowerWalks modules, the appraiser is provided subjective evidence that the elements of T-TESS Domain 1 are being addressed.

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 
• 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