#edchat Archive
#Edchat is a hashtag, a movementβit is a weekly organized Twitter discussion of educators and people interested in education that meet virtually from all over the world. #Edchat serves as a conversation thread on Twitter and is also used for organized weekly discussions.
Tuesday July 26, 2016
The form of observations has changed for many edus, some haven't. What are the positives/negatives of your observation experience?
WELCOME The form of observations has changed for many educators. What are the positives/negatives of your observation experience?
Topic: The form of obs has changed for many edus, some haven't. What are the positives & negatives of your observation experience?
NOW The form of observations has changed for many educators. What are the positives/negatives of your observation experience?
NOW Join The form of observations has changed for many educators. What are the positives/negatives of your observation experience?
I like that we are finding different ways for observations to be done. With any thing change is not easy
What type of different ways are being done?
I like observations and feedback, but I hate how they are turning into data collection devices forming a numerical evaluation.
If the purpose of the observation is to help the teacher become better than put away the checklist and give them targeted feedback.
cool... Who drops-in? how often?
My desire is to receive meaningful feedback to improve my instruction, but that rarely happens. Admin seem overwhelmed
In my entire career, i have never seen a truly effective evaluation method. Too much square-filling jargon.
Thanks Dennis... at your school what's the purpose of observations?
HOW frequently are observed? Once or twice a year hardly seems worth the troubleβ¦
I have seen too often the pre and post conferences of the observations are often given a short shrift.
Aaron Sorkin teaching screenwriting? Serena teaching tennis? Internet learning for the win! https://t.co/9ZaXru33Db
I appreciate that observations are now ongoing, not a once a year shot.
Our principal pops in and out a lot more now which is great for me and my students. It is not a one and done anymore
Agree--I think that feedback is great when the observer and teacher have trusting relationship w/common goals.
we have two ... observation designed for coaching and observation for evaluation purposes ... 1/2
Agree that it's good to be a regular visit--part of the routine. I often invite evaluator down when things going well.
the observation for evaluation is more detailed ... the coaching version needs improvement. 2/2
walkthroughs seem to be the newly adopted way of classroom observations. I think we see more quantity than true quality of the T&Ss
WHEN YOU OBSERVE CLASSROOM INSTRUCTION, what is it that you observe? β¦
I agree. The students have actually known our last 2 principals and are used to other adults in class.
If you use digital tools that showcase students speaking, here's what you should read first: https://t.co/6uJcpwfIQ9
Agree that it's often true that there's not a good investment of time in this regard--why I'm fan of change.
I often told new teachers to invite admins in to see strong or creative lessons informally before they were scheduled for an obs.
Neg aspect of observation- one size fits all type of eval.
agree, when the observation is for evaluation purposes I think it is difficult to be comfortable ... we're human
Spell check! https://t.co/LHfwR0hLZg
I see observations following a business model which is not suited to teacher goals at all. My DH in business has same evaluations. we'd hat
I am not a big fan of pre-observations. Would rather read the plans and go in w/out a lot of assumptions already made.
Do your schools distinguish between 'feedback' and observation? [Geez educ has semantics... ]
trust or not ... if that observation = bad eval than who cares if you trust the person.
My evaluator is very experienced, he sees w/holistic lens. Positive.
WHAT connection, if any, should there be between formal classroom observations of teachers and achievement data of students? Why?
I think having those clear expectations would help a lot. Does your principal do both?
We have walk throughs but at least 2 half class observations are required.
both give feedback ... just one is official the other is for coaching
I agree--good to share the good news.
Our district has quality indicators that are assessed. Ts are provided "look-fors" rubrics.
Should classroom observations carry at least as much weight as test-scores in a teacherβs overall evaluation?
You cannot say you are observing ... give feedback ... then slam someone on the evaluation ... the premise is trust breaking
True--I'm fortunate that our evaluator is realistic, knows us well--doesn't aim to crush people.
I think everyone can act more naturally when visits are the norm. One of our admins schedules these...blah
Should an Admin tell a teacher what his/her preferences in lessons are before the observation? Is that observation transparency?
yes ... and some of the school based coaches do as well ...
... and what's being observed [aka what's being looked for] is often as important as who is observing
There are few (if any) opportunities for observers to practice/refine their observation strategies and instruments. Why?
I like the way that our eval, data, efforts tied around specific goals/topics --organizes the effort.
so often the 'observation process' is top secret... that seems counter productive, eh?
but the observer is there to help the person be better ... there should always be a thought for them to try
no evaluation's goal in education should be to judge. Evaluations should be used for growth.
Our district is 60% observation, 30% school rating based on test scores, 10% improvement of Ss lexiles.
we have standards that are to be followed
I like visiting other classrooms, learning my teacher neighbors
Depends on how things are done--we have a eval system that has many parts, when done well builds relationship.
We make an effort to visit classrooms often so ppl seldom react to our presence.
... from what or whom were the standards derived?
PEER OBSERVATION is terrific a form of collaborative professional developmentβ¦have you tried? Howβd it go?
To work well observations need three components β a pre-observation meeting, the observation, and post-observation debriefing.
We have a fairly open atmosphere--people walk in and out of each others' classrooms.
can learn lots... and is a respectful thing for professional to do with each other... you have 'time'??
Love that level of respect and safe environment.
Our leadership team is exploring ways to make peer observations part of our professional practice.
thanks Donna... if a set form or protocol, then on what/whom is the observation based?
On a few occasions I had Admins tell me that they had no time for an obs, so they just wrote one up. I was young & agreed to it.
-new principals have little time 2 analyze Ts.Many Ts r overlooked & shouldn't b.Its y schools need coaches https://t.co/MKUGmZySVw
With the rapid change of principals in buildings creating a situation of catch up time, do less effective teachers get overlooked?
Not a lot a time, have to give up a break/lunch! Lol.
Should these be scheduled? Announced? Or no.
I agree no observation should be for judgement, but how do you evaluate teachers in the classroom?
IS YOUR SCHOOL using teachers observing teachers as professional development to improve instruction?
I wish the eval process was more about improvement & less about quantifying evaluation data.
oh ... we have district/state mandated guidelines that are leveled ...
cool... when teachers observe teachers teaching the quality of their teaching improves...
we have a state rubric we use and tweeted a bit. It's based on four parts.
We use a combination of announced & unannounced, but we frequently just drop in for brief visits.
WHAT BENEFITS are there for having a trained observer from outside a school observe a teacher from the school?
That did happen in the past, but it doesn't happen now where I am.
DEDICATED professional ->
Observ seem T centered as we move to S centered learning, how will observ change?
yes, but some ppl censor feedback because they don't want to offend. my mom would give her honest opinion :)
I'm not in favor of that--I prefer working in collab to help each other develop programs.
IN A TEACHER's OVERALL EVALUATION what weight should be given classroom observations? Test-score gains?
ours NOT top secret ... if Principal/AP in my room observing I have link in my email
Excellent question. https://t.co/fY8dfz7UxB
Observ seem T centered as we move to S centered learning, how will observ change?
Observation only sees the top of the iceberg--I don't think that's effective in general.
sounds like fun (and games) ->
I prefer a deeper, holistic growth process rather than one-time observations.
We are required to do 1 of pl a week and it is mostly based on the standards or pbis techniques.
A more holistic process of growth and eval includes Ss/families in the process.
so Donna... on what is the rubric based? Is the rubric ever 'evaluated'?
One admin started my post & was reading another's eval, she quickly found mine and it read the same..word-4-word. Ugh!
Please join tonight at 7pm Central for .
Topic: "Hands-On Science!"
EVERYONE IS WELCOME!
Regarding observations, I'm curious as to what is at stake exactly? What would happen if they did not like what they saw?
On top of observations, we are required to turn in weekly lesson plans, Unit plans, and next year rubrics for our assessments.
Amen. Is it truly about what's best for the students, school, learning? Or just another admin chore? https://t.co/o9ibGIg4S4
I wish the eval process was more about improvement & less about quantifying evaluation data.
How might we tumble same calumny in a way that both nurtures and assists?
Teacher-driven observation is classroom-embedded process that empowers teachers to refine their instruction.
Observations only hit the tip of the iceberg but in our district there are follow up observations too! https://t.co/tWEeRuJpc4
Observation only sees the top of the iceberg--I don't think that's effective in general.
I applaud your visibility! https://t.co/h1bHpym8se
We make an effort to visit classrooms often so ppl seldom react to our presence.
That depends on many factors, history, circumstances.
I also turn in logs for my outside pl
makes so much sense... how often does that happen?
In addition to observations, our tchrs upload evidence of professional practice to an online platform as part of eval.
That's a lot to hand in. We generally capture teaching efforts in weekly newsletter that's sent to admin, families. . .
If system demands admins are given overwhelming goals to meet w/observations Admins will take short cuts at the expense of teacher.
Hopefully provide PD and support. IF things do not change, Ts are usually put on PIPs. Change isn't made, termination?
in our state, our pay is at stake. We do not get raises, just bonuses from our evaluations.
Great lens through which to view problems. Everything is achievable when we https://t.co/FhUqGYSDvJ
"Problems are only opportunities in work clothes." - Henry J. Kaiser
I value my weekly data meetings as much as obs. Obs help me ensure T are implementing discussed strategies.
I ask because we do peer evals (w/in our home groups). Annual eval w/admin but nothing's a suprise by then. https://t.co/tUT2sJz4KL
Regarding observations, I'm curious as to what is at stake exactly? What would happen if they did not like what they saw?
are different teaching styles taken into consideration?
I agree. It does get overwhelming at times.
It's really important to audit use of time, roles, structure, and schedules at school to make time for what's imp.
A/T , 43% of teachers feel their opinions count >School Districts Don't Have Enough Brand Ambassadors https://t.co/iXLQRsqU32
MA has a good system if used well--leads to good growth.
I think there's a lot of respect in our school for our diversity--we rely on each other's strengths.
One of best observation experiences I've had was asking teachers to swap classrooms. Transparency of class flow, teacher strengths
How do you insure peer Evals are fair? No revenge low ratings or marking your friends high to keep peace?
if the environment is trusting, then anything should be ok
My best observation experience: observe one dept colleague; at dept mtg share at least one thing we learned during observation.
I'm an aspiring principal, what do you suggest?
we do same. Organic and truer picture.
Once I had admin in when child was having complete meltdown-inexp. admin wanted to find fault. . .
HAVE YOU EVER been observed by a trained observer from outside you school? Howβd that go?
Exp. admin filled in the blanks, knew the child's story, was familiar with the situation.
Moving from Compliance to a Commitment to learning for all.
Join me chat tonight! 7/26 6pmPST
We do have instructional coaches observe and report findings.
teachers need to see other teachers in action ... be inspired by other Ed's work ...
Problem w merit pay is the subjective observer & heterogeneous classrooms. πvsπ
We use a template that is more What you observe, What questions you have, What you like, and feedback.
Welcome to Twitter! https://t.co/4mJAERHiQT
Excited to start a new adventure of learning and growing with other educators on Twitter! Thanks for your Help during PD today!
That's why one observation can't tell the whole story--it's a glimpse compared to all efforts involved.
AN OBSERVER OBSERVING A TEACHER TEACH must have a clear understanding of what she is hoping to observe.
: Hey, , dry ice is the solid form of what chemical compound?
I think that's a great idea.
Is It observation transparency or teaching to admin's preferences? I prefer to teach children not a lesson. https://t.co/2ZOtVmE5pL
Should an Admin tell a teacher what his/her preferences in lessons are before the observation? Is that observation transparency?
yes, also step into each other's shoes. Builds empathy and understanding.
external observer came for PBIS and I felt that it was a very accurate and true representation of that situation
What role do Ps and Ss play in Evals? My last principal used p and S statements.
The difficulty of reforming EL policies is no excuse for accepting an unrealistic status quo https://t.co/W3b760QSNG
Don't ever do what that admin you mentioned earlier did to you. Obs w/respect and feedback. Ask why for understanding.
I think a lot of that come from leadership and how they "set the stage" beforehand...
I also think HS/MS teachers should visit Elementary classrooms ... what ideas can we take back to our classrooms
... helps if each other know 'education' too...
Please join in 30 MINUTES for .
Topic: "Hands-On Science!"
EVERYONE IS WELCOME!
An outside view is not best in all situations . I would rather have people that know me do a more comprehensive eval.
No doubt...my concerns are ultimately with time mgmt.
makes so much sense... pray tell, is that not most often the case?
I like our system. Our district is transparent and it's fairly objective. I've grown a lot as a teacher.
States often dictate the observation instruments. https://t.co/t6BAgpI0B1
There are few (if any) opportunities for observers to practice/refine their observation strategies and instruments. Why?
Happy teacher, happy students!
so Maureen curious, what'd be the optimal number of observations? Hourly? daily? Weekly? Biannually?
I think the observation should not be a planned dog and pony show ...
I LOVE that idea...would work great for vertical alignment!
"We must support the whole child as we set goals for our studentsβ academic success." Read more: https://t.co/02yczJI0qb
"We must support the whole child as we set goals for our studentsβ academic success." Read more: https://t.co/zTkBGezTwB
and... on what are those dictates based?
I don't believe having one person responsible for a school full of observations is the best use of time or that admin.
so Maureen... what is observation was for an entire day? Week? would that reveal more of the iceberg?
I worked for a school that did one monthly and I felt that it was more fair because it saw a more holistic picture
We have all administrators assigned for observations this past year. It means more feedback.
... do other teachers see, learn from, benefit from observations of each other?
Duck and cover: the new norm. Me: I like when the 2 teachers near me watch class. I ask for feedback.That's gold.
Always encouraged to observe colleagues for PD to improve instruction. Colleague observ is a best practice! https://t.co/VAj4ctcVfK
IS YOUR SCHOOL using teachers observing teachers as professional development to improve instruction?
For the core areas in my district, we have instructional ldrs who do the evals (I am the SS one)
Absolutely! How do you know what great teaching is if you've never seen it?
Love it. At my school we also visit year below us to see what's coming and how they learn. https://t.co/KGeJooFaLo
Always encouraged to observe colleagues for PD to improve instruction. Colleague observ is a best practice! https://t.co/VAj4ctcVfK
IS YOUR SCHOOL using teachers observing teachers as professional development to improve instruction?
Weβre observed every 3 years- other yrs do Action Research. I get more out of admin convos during AR years!
nice approach Bill, gives teacher sense of agency with the evaluation system.
I believe both are beneficial for strong instruction. I'm a visual learner. Love to see the magic in action! https://t.co/9C8fzXwm0y
I'm not in favor of that--I prefer working in collab to help each other develop programs.
I enjoy observing frequently; the bigger problem is the required paperwork. Prefer many informal ons w/informal feedback.
How do you schedule peer Evals? Schedule subs so Ts can observe one another?
That might leave surprise pop-ins as the only way to do observations. That would probably cause morale probs.
Dictates based on Danielson model. We have rubrics!
Best for 2nd grader who loves to make, tinker and code?
From my experiences, the best system includes both announced and unannounced.
I would love to observe other teachers! There is never time for that!
Senator Harkin sharing some of his ASL knowledge with the DNC crowd on the anniversary of IDEA https://t.co/z62QUEwody
Reading Noam Chomsky's theories of - fascinating.
Our district has an iPad app that allows observer to email us feedback.
Yes! Great feedback and ideas shared through collaboration https://t.co/I0zrP6vyXZ
HAVE YOU EVER been observed by a trained observer from outside you school? Howβd that go?
what app? I think I would prefer face-2-face, no?
Sorry about that I meant to put
Have you ever used lesson stdy mdl? Non-evaluative, but great for PD!
In the closing minutes of Thanks to our moderation Team and all participants
Doing so many new things this to impact S engagement, I've got room for a couple more. You?
https://t.co/5rWiYPYH7C
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not privy to the app. For the snapshots, it's a quick checklist. For longer ones, we also meet.
Q4: That the other teacher will take their idea and do it better? Ego? I'm not sure, honestly.
. If I sit quiet during observation I don't get my questions answered. I wanna know how Ss &T are feeling.
I had an obs and in post chat, the AP had to knock off points for no tech use... It was a library read aloud for ECE...
THANKS for participating in exploration of teacher observations. A s/o to co-mods:
Doing so many new things this to impact S engagement, I've got room for a couple more. You?
https://t.co/OKu0k1lnMI
At the end of the day ... we ALL must be held accountable for what we are doing or not doing ... observations help ...
Thanks for the great tonight!
It alerts a tchr as to how much she needs to prepare the Admin for her lesson if it doesn't fall w/in the preferences.
Doing so many new things this yr to impact motivation, I've got room for a couple more. You?
https://t.co/OKu0k1lnMI
the next best thing ... chatting with them swapping ideas ...
Rich Canadian data on degree type & earnings. https://t.co/wR2XmYQA8K Busts apart the myth of arts degree = barrista
We are trying to promote that type of thinking, but for some the 'fear' factor outweighs any potential benefits.
Coding! Maker Movement! Cool. Hip. Trendy. But if you want to improve student lives, you'd teach them how to speak well.
Great tonight! RESOURCE: Sec of Ed: βIf Teacher Evaluation Feels Like a Gotcha System it Won't Workβ https://t.co/Gu6Ae1gxCI
Great tonight! RESOURCE: Sec of Ed: βIf Teacher Evaluation Feels Like a Gotcha System it Won't Workβ https://t.co/6iyRQgVFuB
Thx to all who participated in this evening. As always, I appreciate co-mods:
My latest work for your consideration: "The Road That Should Not Be Taken" Likes & Comments always welcomed https://t.co/jWYaCbOFPB
agreed, good 2 be active during observations. I become a learner alongside everyone else. Tom - thoughts?
Please join for STARTING NOW!
Topic: "Hands-On Science!"
EVERYONE IS WELCOME!
Action Research allows teachers to try something different (a passion or hunch) & measure student learning.
Select all the degree types. See earnings for graduates, then click female, watch what happens. https://t.co/wR2XmYQA8K
