This is the official Twitter account for #OklaEd, thehashtag that brings OK educators together. #OklaEd is not political & promotes constructive dialogue.
A1: My PL focus was standards based grading because I have a new content area this year (AP Lit), so I wanted to make sure I unpacked the standards in the same way I did with AP Lang. #oklaed
ED of TLI, @JoMabeeLein representing. Our org provides a comprehensive human capital strategy focusing on novice teachers. Excited to join tonight for #oklaed chat
So I'm Kim, I teach 4th for Norman Public Schools, Best district in the state, world. and I am here bc @ShariGateley is hosting and she's the best. BUT here is my gif that I think of when it comes to Eval, Observe, Accountability. #oklaed
A1: It’s not mandatory that I have a PL focus, but I think it is a good idea as a way to learn and grow. I have focused this year, and also last, on learning everything I can about Title III and EL. #oklaed
Hi #oklaed— I’m Elizabeth and I work at @utulsa where I am daily inspired by future teachers. I am an assessment geek, so I am excited about this topic.
A1: As an LMS, my PL is collaboration with teachers. I chose it because I have struggled with this in the past, and being on a flex schedule this year, I wanted this to be my central focus. #oklaed
A1) As admin, we encouraged teachers to pick an element they wanted to grow in as they reviewed the model at the beginning of the year. We gave them time to reflect and then I helped them with ideas - videos, books, observations, etc as resources. #oklaed
A2: I think I picked PD. The options are pretty basic & not super helpful. I did, however, have the opportunity to have a full day to collaborate w/AP Lit Ts from my district which has helped tremendously. #oklaed
I volunteered for the PL Focus working group, because I was so excited about #oklaed expecting Ts to find their own area to learn and grow. Would have kept me in the classroom longer...AND remember, #NBC counts for a #PLF area. Come join us!
A1: My PL Focus is student engagement. Through the National Board process, I've come to recognize that I can teach standards, but I could be more effective if Ss took more ownership of their learning. #oklaed
My observation, evaluation, and accountability gif, which I use because I received my high marks on the Marzano scale while I was a terrible teacher. #oklaed
I’m gonna be real honest- I kinda just put stuff on paper. I have implemented a few things I learned from training past, but working on trial and error. #oklaED not much real conversations or accountability has happened.
A2: $$ is always an obstacle. Search for those resources (usually people) in your school, district, or region. So many great, untapped supports at our fingertips. #oklaed
A1 -- I retired 'early' at age 69 because I saw #VAM coming down the pike & knew I could bail. #PLF is a fantastic way to tell Ts that they are trusted with their own learning. #oklaed
A1) So here is the thing on the PL focus... for novice teachers, ALL THE THINGS are the focus. So choosing one seems silly. But we have 5 priority areas on the TLE:
1 Preparation
2 Discipline
6 Student Relations
9 Involves All Learners
14 Adjusts Based on Monitoring
#oklaed
A2. With future Ts during student teaching, we ask them to set growth goals. They brainstorm resources with mentor T and university supervisor and document progress. 🥳 #oklaed
Q2: I found out when teachers were meeting so I could join their plan times. I set a goal of a certain jumber of times per month to join them and to check in weekly to see what I could do to support student learning. #oklaed
Just like everything else for those who care it matters for those who done it is one more hoop to jump through. All about making the best of the situation #oklaed
A1: Conversations with the Ts to set the PLFocus looking over evals, or areas of interest and needed growth.
A2: Support to send to workshops, or PD, opportunities for conversations, ongoing development depending on the area. #OklaEd
A2) As I talked with Ts about their PLF, I used by own personal library, as well as other resources to help them. I also encouraged them to connect with other Ts that do those things well (in the bldg and elsewhere)...connect, connect, connect. #oklaed
A2: Not a principal and have not been asked to help anyone with their PL focus. After setting my goal for learning this year, I read everything I can on the topic, attend OSDE workshops, and any inservice (webinars, etc) #oklaed
A1) Using technology. Next year, 3rd graders will start taking the CRT. Online. This year, I have my students taking tests online. The problem is I have 5 laptops for 23 students. So, I have to a group at a time.
A2. I know what areas I'm weakest in and what I need to work on most. Nobody is perfect. We all must continually improve, so I try to pick an area once a year to work on improving. That's how I pick my action plan. #OklaEd
A3: I would make it less rigid and use it to promote growth instead of feeling like a process meant to shame. There is a lot that can’t be evaluated in a checklist & it doesn’t always allow for meaningful reflection/feedback. #oklaed
Mine was peer feedback because I didn’t have to be evaluated this year. I also love observing what my colleagues are doing so it was a win/win. #oklaED
A2) My action plan was made by me after my last observation. No resources have been made, yet, but if I need them, anything I need to become more successful will be made available to me. #oklaed
A3: I think what can be missing w/o leadership is the ongoing conversations in ensuring as Admin we support Ts in the same way we expect them to support Ss in the classroom. Open dialogue is imp. Conversation, ongoing feedback , exploration/risk taking to try new strat.. #OklaEd
A2 -- one of the issues that concern me is HOW do Ts find the resources they need? I had the luxury of a hubby who made better $$ than I, so I bought all the books I wanted, and paid my way to conferences...but most Ts don't have that much leeway. #oklaed
Actual coaching. Maybe the principal could do frequent (not overly intense, paperwork driven) drop-ins to check on the evaluation goals, and then the instructional coach could constantly be assisting you? Idk the answer. 🙈 #OklaEd
A3: I think we have a pretty good evaluation system, but I would like for it to include more of an official plan to grow in addition to the PL focus. #oklaed
A2: In many of our schools our Instructional Coaches gather data on the teachers' PL focus to determine what kinds of PD should be offered at the site and district level. #oklaed Then our ICs help plan meaningful PD. It's great when it works that way!
A2) I assert that resources work for many but not all... In fact, according to sound, professional learning research, things must be practiced with strong feedback, and supported by admin. The question - do admin have a strong enough understanding of instruction to do so? #oklaed
As a veteran educator I have never thought I know it all, there is always an area that one can get better, you don’t have to be bad to get better #oklaed
#OklaED A-1 I am not evaluated on the TLE, but my Professional Focus was communication with Public. Happy to say that all of our schools have a social media presence this year, we have great working relationship with the local newspaper, news station, radio stations, &chamber
A3) The hardest part of the process comes because Ts have an innate desire to make As. If you give a score below highly effective it can be met with frustration if it doesn't come with solid evidence and conversation. The relationship between T and A is key. #oklaed
A3. To be completely unbiased, I think there should be an outside entity that would come in and be in charge of evaluations. That way people can't complain about school politics being involved. #OklaEd
A3: I would make it less rigid and use it to promote growth instead of feeling like a process meant to shame. There is a lot that can’t be evaluated in a checklist & it doesn’t always allow for meaningful reflection/feedback. #oklaed
A1 One PL focus this year was to improve my teaching of grammar because that is an area in which my current & former Ss have said they need more help. And my admin wants Ss to score better on the English section of the ACT. #oklaed
A3. It seems that admins are incentivized to give 3s due to the work required if scoring above and below. This greatly harms the validity of the scores, potentially making them meaningless. #oklaed
A2) I use our online reading curriculum. I have started with a simple multiple choice quiz. Ultimately, I want my students to take the weekly assessment. I have ran into hiccups, but me and the class are working them out together.#oklaed
Oh man you're wanting me to remember my goals? lol No really my goals were to collaborate with peers and to provide students with a snapshot of new material. I started this as a pre and post. It has gone well. #oklaed
A4: This is starting to become a bigger focus in our school (they have created a schedule), but think it should be a day 1 thing and it shouldn’t always be accompanied w/a device to score. #oklaed
A3: I always looked at the evaluation process as a way too improve, everyone can improve in some area. IMO it’s the way you look at an evaluation that is uplifting or can tear you down. #oklaed
Q4: my administrator is in my class almost every day. He’s awesome at being involved within the school. I love when he comes in because the kiddos love to show him what we are learning. #OklaEd
A2 I have researched best practices for teaching grammar and prepping for the ACT, which is basically editing. I found other Ts who are working on the same goals, and am working with one to develop a solution for our Ss -- and other Ts, as well. #OklaEd
My PL focus is developing vocabulary as a way to boost literacy. I chose it because it's the best path to understanding novels as well as test questions.
I am/was really excited about the PL focus... Ts should have buy in w/ their growth focus! As an admin I provide support to Ts who reach out to me on their PL focus... sometimes it’s an article or a PD opportunity #oklaed
A3) I assert that evaluation is used inappropriately because ongoing coaching is not 1) made a priority, or 2) understood, or 3) practiced... so evaluation is our method of instructional leadership. And evaluation is limited in its ability to improve instruction #oklaed#coaching
A4: I highly encourage evaluators to try and set their evaluation schedule at the beginning of the year Space out formal evals, mix in veteran evals with newbies. This can make the eval cycle less overwhelming and allow more time for walkthroughs. #oklaed
Hi, #oklaED —
So we’re really doing this?
#SuperBowl2019 🏈😀👍🏼
Catching up....
Ready to jump into tonight’s chat on evaluation, observations and accountability,
Joy Hofmeister, State Supt.
A4: This is an interesting question. I invite my administrators in whenever Ss are doing presentations, so they're in my room a few times a semester. For observations, though, not as often as I'd like. I'm not intimidated, I want feedback! #oklaed
A4) My principal visits one of my classes informally at least twice a week. My superintendent has come to my classroom at least twice a year. When I teach summer school, my supt even visited my classroom. #oklaed
A1. I sent out several professional articles/studies as well as tecomended peer observations. I went over each indicator in detail on the TLE to make sure Ts understood them so they could make a decision on the focus. #OklaEd
A1: Integration of more technology. There are so many programs out there that help teach kids the game of football.. Kids learn better in a digital world. We have to get out of our comfort zone of dry erase markers and a white board! #oklaed
A3: I think it’s all in the approach. It’s not a gotcha moment, communicate and set expectations and try to be better today than you were yesterday. #oklaed
A4: Also, one of the stellar admins I worked under had teachers do brief walkthroughs each quarter on 3 other teachers to get ideas and collaborate! #oklaed
In my position, I’m all about the resources. I connect my Ts to NAEYC and other research based practices for early childhood. I also observe Ts, non-eval & provide feedback #oklaed
A4. Let me just say, if schools were adequately funded, they could hire the admin staff needed to evaluate and support Ts. In my previous state, with new evals requiring lots of admin time came an AP whose job was evaluating. #oklaed
A4) I get in as often as I can, but it is difficult. Honestly...when the process first began 7 or 8 years ago we went in often. It has backed down to the minimum required. The more observations the better the feedback in my opinion. I'd like to be in more than I do now. #oklaed
Q4: My admin has been in my classroom once this year for a scheduled observation. #oklaed (note: this is not me being for or against that, I just answered the ?)
Aaand, there's the rub...administrators already have so many mandated duties...We all need some relief if we're going to do this right. Improvement takes the investment of TIME and effort. Cannot be done between other jobs. #oklaed
A4 - as admin, I struggle to get into classrooms at the scheduled time. We have had classroom discipline struggles. Being in the classroom more would help. It’s a vicious cycle. #oklaed
As a veteran educator I have never thought I know it all, there is always an area that one can get better, you don’t have to be bad to get better #oklaed
A3) I developed my action plan using prof dev that I completed last year. I loved the sessions and resources but forgot to apply some that I loved. This is a way to revisit the ideas I loved.#oklaed
Okay, so my school doesn't have Instructional coaches or anything like that, but can they help with observations? Or could a team of Ts or retired teachers be trained to observe and report? #oklaed
Aaand, there's the rub...administrators already have so many mandated duties...We all need some relief if we're going to do this right. Improvement takes the investment of TIME and effort. Cannot be done between other jobs. #oklaed
A4: When I do get to visit, which this sem. is on cal. , bc things kept creeping in & we are short an Admin. I like to leave personal notes, take pics with kids, ask about learning. I like to let the T know I appreciate the work they are doing.Weekly when possible. #OklaEd
I really wish our evaluation system gets to a point where it really grows a teacher like National Board. Right now if only works that way when a T wants to grow. I like evaluations but that’s because I make it work for me. #oklaED
A-3. The evaluation is fine. All of them have been fine. It is the administrator’s duty to find a way to keep teachers improving themselves and addressing weak areas. An effective admin could/should do this even without an evaluation. #oklaed
Yes. I struggle with the evaluation process. I believe it should be used to grow educators, sometimes it’s used very punitively. We’re in a T shortage, I don’t think we can afford to use it this way... the PL focus gives me hope #oklaed
A4: My main focus when in classrooms this year has been shadowing students (EL in particular) which leads to observing classroom practices, are they effect? Are they following district expectations? Is equity happening in our classrooms, on our campuses, in our district? #oklaed
A5: Honestly, I haven’t received a lot of useful feedback from an observation in all of my years of teaching (again, the checklist isn’t always conducive). I do, however, constantly reflect on my own practices. Going through #NBCT process has helped this TREMENDOUSLY! #oklaed
A4) Instructional coaching research says focus on smaller skills with more frequent touch points rather than trying to overwhelm teachers with big changes with little support or accountability in between convos. The TLI model is weekly practice-based coaching #oklaed
A3- not sure how to make it better, but I have seen too many teacher evals on the McRel model, where admin give 3 for everything w/o much input. PDP’s for 2 and below can be tedious, but should be done when needed. Of course we should give 4’s and 5’s for those we can #oklaed
A5: My observer is pretty good at providing decent feedback, and we always have a great conversation afterwards. With the PL Focus last year (as part of the pilot program), my biggest complaint was that there isn't really anything to say to what degree it was successful. #oklaed
A1) So here is the thing on the PL focus... for novice teachers, ALL THE THINGS are the focus. So choosing one seems silly. But we have 5 priority areas on the TLE:
1 Preparation
2 Discipline
6 Student Relations
9 Involves All Learners
14 Adjusts Based on Monitoring
#oklaed
A5 -- honestly? The only thing I remember being useful was a P telling me I 'played' to one side of the room when I talked. She was right. And 35 years later I still remember to adjust. 1st P came in, looked at my bulletin boards & left. #oklaed
A5: I had my very first observation last week. It was all positive. I am reflecting on things that don’t go as planned in a journal for personal use. #oklaed
My first year on the new system I went in on average 13 times into each classroom as other admin did in my bldg also. It was well above others in the district so we backed off. Now it's celebrated again to get in that much. Crazy how the pendulum swings. #oklaed
A5 I had an A a few years ago who was really good at this process. He spent the whole hour in my class, then spent time talking with me afterwards about areas I saw I needed to improve and areas that he saw. I felt like he really cared about my professional growth. #oklaed
A5 (and just a random thought) I love hearing Ts describe how fruitful the NBCT process is! How could we adjust what we do now to evaluate and make it more like that? #oklaed
A3) I am blessed with admin that supports so the process never feels negative. When I can ask for help on a specific thing and get it in a nonjudgemental manner, it feels like being on a winning team. #oklaed
A5: Teachers should never be afraid to ask questions, seek clarification, or offer feedback during to the post-conf. Receive an eval with little or no feedback? Ask for an updated eval. Not getting a post-conference meeting? Request one. It's your eval, make it count! #oklaed
A4: I haven’t had any but that is because I’m not required to be evaluated this year. They have a lot to evaluate. I have had a lot of peers. We are doing WICOR walks as a faculty. I love observations by colleagues. #oklaed
I recently had an obs that I really needed to score a 2, which means a PDP, so we had a verbal about that part and I told her what I’d be looking for and I’ll be going back in. Alt cert needs help #oklaed
Yes. I struggle with the evaluation process. I believe it should be used to grow educators, sometimes it’s used very punitively. We’re in a T shortage, I don’t think we can afford to use it this way... the PL focus gives me hope #oklaed
A5: My observer is pretty good at providing decent feedback, and we always have a great conversation afterwards. With the PL Focus last year (as part of the pilot program), my biggest complaint was that there isn't really anything to say to what degree it was successful. #oklaed
A6- We have tried to implement Pineapple Charts, but it hasn’t been very successful. Would love to hear ways people are doing this successfully! #oklaed
NB is totally self-driven. Voluntary. We humble ourselves before the standards and work to understand how our teaching can reflect them...I think the PLFocus comes close...I'm intrigued by your question...want to talk more? #oklaed
A3: #oklaed Often we respond better to "improvement suggestions" when they are outside of the evaluation process. It goes back to relationships! Can we have an open, honest conversation with an evaluator whom I trust to genuinely care about my professional growth?
A-3. The evaluation is fine. All of them have been fine. It is the administrator’s duty to find a way to keep teachers improving themselves and addressing weak areas. An effective admin could/should do this even without an evaluation. #oklaed
For those joining tonight’s #oklaed chat unfamiliar with
Teacher & Leader Effectiveness (TLE) or PL Focus- here’s how it works: It's All About You https://t.co/vSARh0kSbu via @YouTube
A5: Hopefully, part of this process for reflection is done in some conversation/coaching with admin or other Ts at some point..Ts do want to grow. Reflection may be making adjustments after reviewing data, adjusting lessons, PLC convos are beneficial for reflection. #oklaed
A6: We can request to observe a T in our building anytime and it is made possible. Whatever a T needs is made possible if able. I love my building and my family (coworkers, admin). #oklaed
This is the challenge for so many. When I was in the corporate world, managers rarely oversaw more than 10 people. Imagine what you could do if you only had 10 Ts to help. #oklaed
A6: we do not have a peer observation program in place. My teammate does hop over to my room a lot and gives me wonderful advice. Not sure how I feel about a formal peer observation though. #oklaed
We need to remember that Admin not always being present in your classroom shows a level of trust that is there. I don't take it as admin doesn't care, I take it as admin trusts that I'm doing what I need to do. #oklaed
If a T wants to grow and admin or instructional coaches have time to spend with Ts for those important conversations and feedback. Evals are feedback for growth and that should be the lens.#oklaed
I SO WISH that my building had a program like this in place! My principal last year was really big into this, and it was so helpful! I have thought about asking to do this, but I don’t think they’d go for it. #oklaED
A5) Classroom observations should provide professional growth. And it is looking like we may be able to count coaching as part of university coursework... soon... standby for exciting updates from TLI! #oklaed
A6) We don't have a set Peer Observation schedule or routine set. However, if I see a T struggling with a skill I refer them to another T to observe or talk with. I also tell Ts when they do something well specifically and encourage them to share with others. #oklaed
A6: we do not have a peer observation program in place. My teammate does hop over to my room a lot and gives me wonderful advice. Not sure how I feel about a formal peer observation though. #oklaed
A5: My observer is pretty good at providing decent feedback, and we always have a great conversation afterwards. With the PL Focus last year (as part of the pilot program), my biggest complaint was that there isn't really anything to say to what degree it was successful. #oklaed
A6 -- Admin at NNHS had us all pair up to observe each other. So valuable! I got to see my Ss in another class, with some behavior the same &other behavior different. We wrote notes describing what we saw. They were treasures. Not all Ts took it seriously. #oklaed
A5: Learn and adapt to seek constructive criticism to improve. You can’t professionally grow if you have an emotional reaction to every feedback.
#oklaed 🍎
I don’t do evaluations, I only give feedback. I’m always thankful for that! I love connecting Ts to resources and helping them improve their instruction #oklaed
It would depend on how often those 5 minutes occur. If that is happening a lot and the leader has a strong instruction eye, small micro-action items can be pulled out, taught, and practiced. #oklaed
I SO WISH that my building had a program like this in place! My principal last year was really big into this, and it was so helpful! I have thought about asking to do this, but I don’t think they’d go for it. #oklaED
A6. My peer evaluation is actually due tomorrow. We are encouraged to visit other teachers classrooms to see what they are doing. Then we meet in our grade level PLCs to discuss. This also gives us time to get to talk to others on the other side of the building. #OklaEd
A6: we attempt to do peer observation each year but it gets more difficult each year with demands. It becomes a box to be checked on not an effective tool. #oklaed
Analysis & reflection...why did you do that? How did it work? How do you know? How successful were you reaching your goals? How do you know? Now, what will you do differently? Most conversations with As or other Ts don't go there. #oklaed
A6: I did the whole #observeme thing last year. Two teachers came in and watched, then provided feedback. I meant to do it again this year. My, how time flies! #oklaed
A6)Clinton Public Schools has a peer observation program in place.Teachers can participate or not.A note is put beside the classroom as to what the T wants observed.I welcome it; I don’t think it’s used by many Ts. There’s not enough time. #oklaed
A6) We have a shared google calendar called “Welcome Mat.” Teachers volunteer to open their classrooms to other teachers on days they feel peer observation would be beneficial. #oklaed
I LOVE helping plan T observations! Connecting Ts to others doing amazing work in the classroom is powerful. I need to find opportunities for expert Ts to provide feedback to new Ts #oklaed
A6: We reserve some Title I money for substitutes to allow our teachers to spend time observing another teacher in action. Often that teacher is in the same building, but some, especially singletons need to go outside of the district to see a master teacher in their area. #oklaed
A6: My last few years as a classroom T we were able to request to observe someone in action, as a Technology Interventionist I created a Pineapple Chart for teachers to sign up to observe teachers #oklaed
A6: I absolutely think peer obs & authentic feedback from peers is essential to growth. Given the number of folks w less exp. this is a fantastic growth tool. As admin, we need to encourage it, find ways to support w time & opportunity. Japanese Lesson Study uses this - #oklaed
A6- We have tried to implement Pineapple Charts, but it hasn’t been very successful. Would love to hear ways people are doing this successfully! #oklaed
This is where I get excited about the new assessment future Ts have to complete prior to grad. It’s so far from perfect, but they do have to answer lots of reflective questions like this! #oklaed
Coaches are not only underutilized - they are under-trained, under-accountable, and under-funded. This is why coaching programs fail. The reason they started is to take the load off of admin but this is not happening... #oklaed
A6 -- we did a #NBCT training at Herronville Elementary in OKC. Several of the classrooms had invitations for visitors to come in and observe whenever they want. I loved that idea...Open invitations. That takes courage and a willingness to learn. #oklaed
Coaches are not only underutilized - they are under-trained, under-accountable, and under-funded. This is why coaching programs fail. The reason they started is to take the load off of admin but this is not happening... #oklaed
A6b) If it becomes a checkbox then we miss the point of peer observations. They are a great tool for specific interventions just like we want our Ts to do for our Ss with peer tutoring. #oklaed
A6) Peer observation is one of the best things ever! Given that I am with new teachers, it is one of the ways that they build context for what is possible. However, new teachers struggle to identify the specific moves without a coach to help them (it's magic, not skill) #oklaed
A7: When I observe other Ts, it always makes me ask “why” about my own teaching practices regardless of if I see something I think is good or bad. I would love to see some actual reflection techniques from people though! #oklaed
A5 Actually spend time with the teacher about what they saw... maybe care? I don't think I had many evaluate me who actually gave me things to improve and how to improve. #oklaed
I’m lucky to have an administrator who is really good at writing observation statements rather than evaluative. We evaluate them together which helps me think about how I want to improve. #oklaed
A6b: Japanese LS, has the goal of 100% mastery, that is accomplished by peer obs, authentic feedback, adjustments, etc. The classroom the lab for improvement & desire to support colleagues for growth & Mastery of content for Ss.. #oklaed
A7. When I get feedback from peer observations, I triangulate! How does what this person said compare with the feedback I get from students? My personal feelings about how the class went? Etc... #oklaed
A7 -- I think I take peer observation feedback more seriously...it's a friend describing what she saw...and when I give feedback, I try to share an insight, something I learned from my friends. #oklaed
A5: my admin always does a Pre Obv meeting, the Observation, and a Post Obv meeting. I learn a lot in the Post meeting. She offers feedback and ideas that I take to heart. #oklaed
Last year, my coworkers and I bounced a lot of ideas off of each other - academic and management wise. The discourse helped me learn why they did certain things the way they did and how I could change an ineffective strategy. #OklaEd
Extremely important component for instructional leadership or coaching. Feedback that is intended for growth not merely evaluative in nature! #boom#OklaEd
A6B: On another note, admin needs to make sure what is going on in a classroom before they allow other Ts to observe, it could be something the district doesn’t support #oklaed
A7: I think it’s key to remember that it’s not personal. Teaching is hard and even the great ones more than likely weren’t great in the beginning. Know your strengths & love the kiddos and never stop learning. #oklaed
A7: With my #observeme form, I had three questions and all were fill in the blank. Then I tracked down the two who actually did it to get more detailed information! #oklaed
A7: You've got to be willing to ask the hard questions. Otherwise, most peers will just provide the praises. I've learned that asking questions about the weaknesses help you to grow as a teacher. #OklaEd
A7: When Ts interact this way, usually we see a lot of sharing of best practice, what has worked for each other. You build in support and care which enhances the culture & climate. Ts feel they are in it together! No Islands! #OklaEd
I don't use Marzano anymore, but it did have guiding ?s for consideration if you wanted to move to the next level. Looking at the specific wording in each element rating is helpful. The Tulsa Model gives specifics in each rating making it easier to see the growth. #oklaed
My observer provided better feedback after our first conversation about an observation. When I asked for more specific feedback, he started watching for more to give. If most Ts won't listen, I can see why they don't look for specifics. #oklaed
A6. My peer evaluation is actually due tomorrow. We are encouraged to visit other teachers classrooms to see what they are doing. Then we meet in our grade level PLCs to discuss. This also gives us time to get to talk to others on the other side of the building. #OklaEd
A7: Every time I observe a peer I ask myself why am I not doing that? It's not a mark against me, it just goes to show how often we should be learning from each other. We all have different ideas, even across diff grade levels. #oklaed
A8) I created a mid-year climate survey for anonymous feedback from Ss, Ts, and Ps. But I also tell people that I'm not perfect and welcome feedback regularly as I own my mistakes. #oklaed
A8: I use feedback surveys after a PD, or visit to a PLC. This allows me to reflect on comments, use it for growth and address anything that needs to be addressed #oklaed
A8 - My district just put out a survey for the elementary staff at every school, just before Christmas Break. I am sure we will get our results during our evals in the spring. #oklaed
A8) I would like to highlight asking for feedback as an important leadership practice. Period. To build a culture of feedback, leaders must model. Check out the work of Radical Candor... (I have shared this before) #oklaed
A8) One time about fifteen years ago, a principal asked for feedback but never did it again. I’ve had three principals since then, but none of them has asked for feedback. #oklaed
A8) I have certain students in each class who I know can read the room better than me and are brutally honest with me if I ask. Our principals often do the same. They’ll go to those teachers when they need a pulse on how things are going. #oklaed
A8: We do Admin surveys twice a year for feedback. We use it for reflection, alignment of feel v real, assess how Ts are feeling. It is used for growth & reflection, goal setting sometimes. It is part of assessing how well some things are going from the Ts perspective. #oklaed
A8b) I used the feedback to guide any necessary changes that could happen now. Put on thick skin b/c the few neg are always louder than the majority pos. It gave me a base but they've also never been asked so it was helpful. It'll guide decisions. I'll do another later. #oklaed
A9: Begin by building relationships w/staff. Ask hard questions, develop vision/mission together. Get people involved! The more involvement, the more commitment! #oklaed
A8: Great question! #oklaed I’ve done it some, but not regularly. If the relationship is there, it would be much easier just have a conversation and be real with each other. #oklaed
A9 - Be AUTHENTIC and honest. Also, using google forms to get feedback can be a great tool At one school I where I was admin, there were reasons from prior admin that teachers were very hesitant and did’t trust. Allowing them to give opinions w/google let them be honest #oklaed
A9: anonymous surveys work well because I'm not sure if it isn't anonymous there wouldn't be consequences, or at least negativity. For teachers' sake it should be anonymous. There is always a level of disdain there. #oklaed
A9. Create a vision collaboratively. Determine how everyone will be evaluated in a way that’s directly aligned to vision. Make on-going, formative feedback an expected part of the culture where you work. Summative eval results shouldn’t be a surprise. #OklaEd
I think if it is going on your record, it should be planned in order for a teacher to ensure desired goals are seen. However, unplanned should occur as well just as feedback to help a T. #oklaed
Build relationships! Ts only allow me in their classrooms when they feel safe that my feedback will improve their instructional practices and not be punitive #oklaed
A9) Be authentic and honest. Share your own growth through mistakes and/or weaknesses. Have conversations. Redirect back to the vision regularly. Own it and share it. #oklaed
A10 - I think we have to always be in classrooms(Ts & Admin). How can we value feedback if it isn’t normal? Also, this helps build a culture of collective responsibility. We are ALL in this together. These are OUR Ss, so how can WE help each other so we serve them better. #oklaed
A9) Actually, I think the first question is - do we have a strong instructional vision, theory of change, and understanding of the specific mechanisms for continuous school improvement? Then, we can create the culture. Vision comes first. #oklaed
A9: 360 degree feedback is extremely helpful. T Advisories, Student Adv., surveys and feedback from parents, etc. Also examine the data, stay true to the process - strategic plan. Support, support, listen, reflect, adjust if needed. Openness - willing to have the convo. #oklaed
A10) If everyone would have a backbone and build relationships that would be awesome. We need to be professional and be able to say what needs to be said. We also need to accept the feedback for growth more readily. We aren't perfect. It's okay to show weakness and learn. #oklaed
A10 - I think we have to always be in classrooms(Ts & Admin). How can we value feedback if it isn’t normal? Also, this helps build a culture of collective responsibility. We are ALL in this together. These are OUR Ss, so how can WE help each other so we serve them better. #oklaed
A10 - remember that the tool is there to assist in teacher growth. We need to use it as such. At times, it does become punitive and we need to use it to do what’s best for kids. But it must be used with fidelity and be used fairly. #oklaed
@OklahomaTli#oklaed I'd love to share and connect you to our Teaching & Learning Team to hear the ups and downs we have experienced in developing effective instructional rounds.
A10) Focus more on coaching and less on evaluation (unless a person needs to be 'liberated' from their position). Leverage district resources as @MrsHime discussed earlier. Hold leaders accountable as teachers are - at every level. Be open - at every level. #oklaed
I’m all about being honest and transparent... I want Ts to feel confident and have the best resources at their disposal. For me it’s all about growing Ts #oklaed
Thank you all for joining #OklaEd chat tonight! Evaluations are not always a fun thing to talk about, but I appreciate the honesty! Let’s keep working together to be better and do better for our Ss!
My instructional coach last year had me record myself and build goals from that. Her job was to help me build a plan to reach the goal. It wasn’t a one and done deal. Once that goal was accomplished, we went on to the next. #OklaEd growth should be viewed as continuous.
A10: See evaluation as a growth tool & do it with fidelity & authenticity. Not just a checklist item for compliance. Ss are the ultimate benefactor of T and admin growth. Never lose sight of the impact we all have on student success and growth. Be in it together. #oklaed#kids1st
