Walk-Throughs
What is a "walk-through"?
Walk-throughs are defined as informal, brief classroom observations used for generic data gathering or focused on specific teaching and learning behaviors. (Oliver, 8/09) To be effective in increasing teacher effectiveness and student learning walk-throughs should be conducted on a regular basis.
The length of a walk-through is 5-10 minutes. The walk-through is followed by feedback in the form of a short, written note (4-5 sentences). There may also be the opportunity for a brief conversation with the teacher in his/her classroom, the hallway, cafeteria, etc.
What is the purpose of a walk-through?
The purpose of instructional walk-through is to gather data about teaching and learning, share that data with teachers and administrators, and plan school improvement, professional development and coaching based on that data. Instructional walk-throughs are not part if the formal evaluation process.Who will walk-through?
Principals, assistant principals, directors, and central office staff will do walk-throughs.
How often will walk-thoughs occur?
Administrators will average 2 one-hour sessions per week. During this time they can do 6 walk-throughs and 6 feedback paragraphs. (If one is 1 one-hour session, the next week will be 3 hour session.) It has been suggested that ten walkthroughs a year in a given classrooms can provide an accurate picture of instruction and learning.
What will they be looking for in a walk-through?
"Look-fors" can be specific to a particular curriculum or general research based teaching strategies. Look-fors help us monitor and support professional development initiatives which are chosen to help us achieve our school improvement plans.
Our look-fors focus on Differentiated Instruction and Sheltered Instruction and Assessment.
What are the "look-fors" for this school year? click here