Classroom observations can become overly focused on our unconscious bias toward traditional signs of quality teaching and learning. Observers can focus on teaching moves and the appearance of engagement but miss what matters most: are students making sense of the learning. Experienced educator, Dr. Michael McDowell shares the need to “flip” our view in observation […]

Matt Renwick recently posted a blog on MiddleWeb titled, “Observing Instruction with a Curiosity Mindset.” Matt is the author of Lead Like a C.O.A.C.H. and has previously joined me on a podcast. He identifies these keys to leading like a coach: Create confidence through trust. Organize around a priority. Affirm promising practices. Communicate feedback. Help […]

I was recently asked to facilitate a high school staff who had been working in PLCs that were department centered around curriculum and assessment. I was given a request to create an opportunity for them to focus on individual student success. The staff was regrouped for the day into teams of about six who were […]

While observing in classrooms in several schools these past few weeks, I was re-engaged in the examination of the language teachers and students use when describing the tasks in which students are engaged. It is often described as the “work” that students are to do.  I’m wondering how that concept interferes with students’ focus on […]

In recent weeks I had several opportunities to work with school leaders, teachers and administrators, who wanted to examine the current level of learning present in their schools. We created teams of two to five who observed in classrooms for 5-10 minutes and then discussed their insights. Our first goal was the learning of the […]

TEXAS Last February, I shared a blog about the Leander Independent School District in Texas where staff have focused their professional development, PLCs, and  classroom observations around seven critical student behaviors. Learning Objective: Students articulate the learning objective/target and find meaning in their learning. Assessment for Learning: Students assess their progress toward achieving the current […]