A Reader Asks... Feedback from a Single Classroom Observation

An Assistant Superintendent asks the following:

SC,

I have a question about PowerWalks. Why aren’t there recommended suggestion to choose from on the PowerWalks form?  We think it would be a good idea to give the teachers an idea to think about or work on after we visit their classrooms.

SC Response

I’m glad you asked this question because I can prevent you from making an all too common mistake...  Reading too much into a single classroom visit.

We coach observers and teachers not to expect feedback or suggestions after every observation.  Frankly, a single 3-minute observation is a random wisp of time.  Instead, we train everyone to work from observed trends and patterns.  And you need at least 15-individual classroom visits to distinguish a pattern from an anomaly.

Now there are caveats, and the PowerWalks system addresses this.

1. If the observer reports something exceptional during the observation the system will prompt the observer to send a notice to the teacher.  

2. If the observer wants to share a specific positive comment, the observer can email the message to the observer.

HOWEVER, if the observer has a question or a concern, the observer should email himself a reminder to go talk to the teacher.  Questions and concerns should NEVER be e-mailed to the teacher.

Always keep in mind that PowerWalks is designed to create “game film” for the purpose of coaching teachers.  This requires multiple visits by observers and conversations between teachers and instructional leaders.

I hope this helps.

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

A Superintendent Writes... The Foundation Trinity

A LYS Superintendent shares the following:

SC,

I was recently listening to a principal discuss The Foundation Trinity with a group of teachers during professional development.  The principal concluded that the success of the campus was due to implementation of The Foundation Trinity.

My response... “Sort of.”

Certainly, The Foundation Trinity is an excellent system, but simply going through the motions is not enough.  Just as The Fundamental 5 can have an impact on instruction.  But in isolation, that's not enough.

The Foundation Trinity is a system that if worked properly will identify the strengths and weaknesses in your school.  But so what?  Too many people stop there, but that is where the real work begins.  Because the real question is, what are you going to do to address the problems identified by The Foundation Trinity?

In too many cases, the answer is virtually nothing.

So, don't deceive yourself into thinking that doing Common Assessments, Power Walks, and The Fundamental 5 are enough.  Those are the core components of your system and will identify who is learning, who is not learning, and why.  The real question is, what are you going to do about it? 

Think. Work. Achieve.

Your turn...

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