The purpose of this page is to provide clear, concise, and consistent communication regarding the classroom visit process. Please check back regularly for updates.
8/31/18
Classroom Visits will begin on Tuesday September 4, 2018. All teachers, coaches, and principals received similar content training over the summer. Implementation of that training into classroom practice is a priority during the month of September. In order to review and recalibrate, read the applicable content section below. While we will use the entire classroom visit form, the items below are points of emphasis.
Math: The 8 effective Math teaching practices (as recommended by NCTM) should be routine in the Math classroom. Special emphasis is given to practice 1 & 2 as the other practices depend on this solid foundation. For more information, see the Principles to Actions book, the Math tab on this website, or contact your curriculum coach.
Science: Instruction should routinely integrate the 3 dimensions around a congruent phenomenon. The K-12 Framework for Science Education book and the science tab on this website contain a wealth of information on this topic. The Evidence Statements (also on the science tab of this website) are particularly useful for planning and reflecting on instruction. Contact your curriculum coach if you have any questions.
ELA: The Task-Text-Talk model for ELA instruction is designed to keep the main thing, the main thing. That is reading, writing, and discussions for a clearly defined purpose. Think of TASK-TEXT-TALK as essential ingredients for all lessons. Lessons will not necessarily flow along a neat Task then Text then Talk sequence. The lines between TASK-TEXT-TALK will be blurred and often overlap. The five access points should be woven into lessons as needed to ensure all students can successfully interact with the Task, the Text, and the Talk. For more information, see the Rigorous Reading book (4-12), National Reading Panel: Practical Advice for Teachers (K-3) and the Language Arts tab on this website. Contact your curriculum coach if you have any questions.
Social Studies: Social Studies instruction should be organized around Big Ideas, Enduring Understandings, and Essential Questions. While various instructional formats can be used to facilitate student exploration of these Big Ideas, Enduring Understandings and Essential Questions, content “coverage” alone is insufficient. The Understanding by Design book and the Essential Questions book are the primary sources for further learning. The fundamental goal is to help students develop an understanding of these Big Ideas and Essential questions over time. Contact your curriculum coach if you have any questions.