"This book is divided into three main sections. The first section, Foundations of Direct Observation, is intended to provide readers with the basic conceptual foundations of direct observation. We review the basic considerations involved in conducting school-based observations (Chapter 2), describe the most important indicators of high-quality observation methods (Chapter 3), and suggest guidelines for maximizing the reliability and validity of decisions based on observation data (Chapter 4). The second section, Specific Observational Codes, then moves from a general discussion of the overall assessment method to a more specific discussion of extant codes that are available for specific purposes. A number of evidence-based observation codes that were designed to assess student behavior in classroom settings (Chapter 5), the classroom environment (Chapter 6), student behavior in non-classroom settings (Chapter 7), and both student behavior the environmental context within functional assessment (Chapter 8) are introduced. We provide general guidelines for developing a unique code in Chapter 9, as well as a library of operational definitions and a range of sample coding forms within the appendices. The third and final section, Using Assessment Data to Inform Decision Making and Intervention, consists of one chapter focused on what to do once observational data have been collected"--

Classroom Observation explores the pivotal role of lesson observation in the training, assessment and development of new and experienced teachers. Offering practical guidance and detailed insight on an aspect of training that is a source of anxiety for many teachers, this thought-provoking book offers a critical analysis of the place, role and nature of lesson observation in the lives of education professionals. Illustrated throughout with practical examples from a range of education settings, it considers observation as a means of assessing teaching and learning and also as a way of developing teachers’ skills and knowledge. Key topics include: The purposes and uses of lesson observation The socio-political and historical context in which lesson observation has developed Practical guidance on a range of observation models and methods Teacher autonomy and professional identity Performance management, professional standards and accountability Peer observation, self-observation and critical reflection Using video in lesson observation. Written for all student and practising teachers as well teacher educators and those engaged in educational research, Classroom Observation is an essential introduction to how we observe, why we observe and how it can be best used to improve teaching and learning.

The results are in: observations are not improving teaching and learning. Pertinently, the Gates Foundation’s recently completed effort to improve student outcomes through enhancing the teacher evaluation process failed to achieve substantive improvement. The way observations are currently designed serve as an obstacle to teacher risk-taking. Teachers fear negative evaluations when their pedagogy is rated, and they lack faith in being supported by supervisors because a trusting relationship between them and their observer has not been built. Trust-Based Observations: Maximizing Teaching and Learning Growth is a schema changing evaluation model that understands people perform at their best when they feel safe and supported. It begins with twelve, 20 minute observations per week followed by collegial conversations driven by reflective questions, sharing observed teaching strengths, and the building of safe and trusting relationships with teachers. Add the elimination of rating pedagogical skills and replace it with rating mindset, and teachers trust. When teachers fully embrace risk-taking and innovation, it leads to remarkable teaching transformations and improved student learning.

"The best educators are the best learners. It's all about teaching, learning, and feedback, and this book brings common sense to common practice." --Raymond J. McNulty, Senior Vice President International Center for Leadership in Education "At last, a diagnostic classroom observation tool that moves beyond generic criteria for examining teaching and learning. This is a must-have resource for teachers, administrators, and professional developers who want to look beyond the veneer of 'best practice' and use evidence-based, content-focused criteria to get to the heart of deep, conceptual teaching and learning." --Page Keeley, Senior Program Director Maine Mathematics and Science Alliance A complete instructional leadership system for improving classroom practice! Providing effective classroom evaluation is a critical function of authentic instructional leadership. Diagnostic classroom observation (DCO) is a research-based system that helps principals and other supervisors carry out classroom observations and evaluations to support effective teaching practices. Developed in collaboration with NWREL and the Vermont Institutes, the DCO model covers the entire supervision process, from preconference analysis to postconference follow-up, and includes protocols for observing math, science, and literacy instruction. Program users can determine classroom quality and student engagement by evaluating four critical aspects of instructional practice: lesson planning, lesson implementation, lesson content, and classroom culture. Additionally, the author supplies readers with: - Classroom observation forms to help identify instructor strengths and weaknesses - Scoring forms to assist with the final evaluation and review process - Real-world vignettes that clearly illustrate key indicators of quality teaching - Methods for matching student learning assessments with appropriate instructional strategies - Guidance for introducing DCO into any school or school district Diagnostic Classroom Observation offers principals and teacher leaders a thoroughly tested and validated classroom observation system that improves instructional performance and enhances student learning.

Classroom Observation Tasks shows how to use observation to learn about language teaching. It does this by providing a range of tasks which guide the user through the process of observing, analysing and reflecting, and which develop the skills of observation. The book contains a bank of 35 structured tasks which are grouped into seven areas of focus: the learner, the language, the learning process, the lesson, teaching skills and strategies, classroom management, and materials and resources. Each task looks at one aspect of a particular area; for example, the language a teacher uses to ask questions, or how the teacher monitors learning, or how people interact in a lesson. Each task provides guidance in how to record observations, and questions to help users interpret the data and relate the experience to their own teaching circumstances and practice. [This book]: a- is addressed mainly to teachers, but also caters for trainee teachers, teacher trainers and others involved in school-based teacher support, teacher development and trainer training; b- has a comprehensive introduction to the tasks and a rationale covering the theoretical issues involved; and c- places the responsibility for professional growth in the hands of the teacher. -- Back cover.

The transformative professional learning design that advances equity in your school! How do we make educational equity a reality, lesson by lesson? This compelling book is a call to action, focused on observation-based professional learning to elevate teaching practice. Learn how to bring team observation into the classroom to test, refine and transform instruction so that students of all backgrounds achieve. Ideal for classroom teachers, grade-level team facilitators, department chairs, and all education leaders, this guide shows how to: Create a culture of deep collaboration that closes opportunity gaps among students Effectively redesign instruction to reach culturally and linguistically diverse learners, using observation data and shared best practices Center instructional conversations on developing students’ skills for college and career success, including hard-to-assess skills Including video clips of actual teams, Tonya Ward Singer’s powerful and practical book promises to become a catalyst that will inspire educators as leaders of positive change. "This exceptionally valuable book provides a clear process I can use to engage with my colleagues around learning. I appreciated the ideas and practical information that will ensure that my professional learning group focuses on student learning as evidenced in real lessons. The tools that Tonya Singer provides are useful and relevant, not to mention tried and true." —Douglas Fisher, Professor San Diego State University, CA "I recommend this book without hesitation. . . Gone are the days for teachers to be working ‘behind closed doors’ . . . Go forth and TEACH like the world works––collaboratively with teams!" —Harriet Gould, Adjunct Professor Concordia University, Lincoln, NE

Reinvent public schools with proven, innovative practices Our homes, communities, and the world itself need the natural assets our children bring with them as learners, and which they often lose over time on the assembly line that pervades most of the public education system today. We see no actions as more important in school than developing, supporting, and reinforcing children's sense of agency, the value of their voices, and their potential to influence their own communities. In Timeless Learning, an award-winning team of leaders, Chief Technology Officer Ira Socol, Superintendent Pam Moran, and Lab Schools Principal Chad Ratliff demonstrate how you can implement innovative practices that have shown remarkable success. The authors use progressive design principles to inform pathways to disrupt traditions of education today and show you how to make innovations real that will have a timeless and meaningful impact on students, keeping alive the natural curiosity and passion for learning with which children enter school. Discover the power of project-based and student-designed learning Find out what “maker learning” entails Launch connected and interactive digital learning Benefit from the authors’ “opening up learning” space and time Using examples from their own successful district as well as others around the country, the authors create a deep map of the processes necessary to move from schools in which content-driven, adult-determined teaching has been the traditional norm to new learning spaces and communities in which context-driven, child-determined learning is the progressive norm.

A practical, research-based guide for ensuring trustworthy classroom observations that provide teachers with meaningful feedback Better Feedback for Better Teaching is an essential resource for school, district, and state, leaders committed to high-quality classroom observations. This practical guide outlines the knowledge and skills classroom observers need to identify and help develop effective teaching, and explains how leaders can best facilitate the development of classroom observers. The best way to ensure high quality instruction in every classroom is to provide teachers with accurate, constructive feedback on practices proven to enhance student learning. Skilled classroom observers help teachers do their best work, so that they can guide students to their greatest potential. Better Feedback for Better Teaching provides helpful, reliable strategies from leading experts and practitioners involved in the Measures of Effective Teaching (MET) project, which carried out one of the largest, most influential studies of classroom observations to date. Among the many topics covered, Better Feedback for Better Teaching describes how to: Build a shared vision of effective teacher feedback among observers Ensure a common understanding of a classroom observation tool Train observers to collect objective evidence from a lesson, efficiently and free of bias Leverage data to improve how observers are trained and supported This comprehensive resource includes helpful starting points, as well as tips to refine techniques and address new challenges. Each section combines clear explanations of key ideas with concrete, adaptable examples and strategies. Self-assessments are included to help you quickly rank current needs and find the most relevant solutions. Filled with valuable, practical tools, Better Feedback for Better Teaching helps educators cultivate high-quality classroom observations that improve teaching and learning.

"Each chapter examines the development of one system or method, describes its field testing, includes solid research on reliability and validity, weighs its strengths and limitations, and (in some cases) includes the actual tool discussed. A careful compilation of critical information, this book will help educational stakeholders choose the most effective systems and methods for assessing literacy outcomes, identifying methods that work, and highlighting directions for change."--BOOK JACKET.

"Revised and expanded with the latest tools and strategies, this concise book offers guidance for effectively conducting social, emotional, and behavioral assessments in today's K-12 schools. The expert authors present foundational knowledge on assessment and data-based decision making at all levels--whole schools, small groups, or individual students--within a multi-tiered system of support (MTSS). Chapters describe when, why, and how to use extant data, systematic direct observation, direct behavior rating, and rating scales. In a large-size format for easy photocopying, the book includes reproducible forms and templates. Purchasers get access to a Web page where they can download and print the reproducible materials. Subject areas/Key words: school psychology, behavior assessment for educators, multi-tiered systems of support, MTSS, assessing problem behavior, disruptive, universal screening, systematic direct observation, direct behavior ratings, progress monitoring, rating scales, instruments, classrooms, students, children, adolescents, PBIS Audience: School psychologists, classroom teachers, special educators, behavioral specialists, school counselors, and school social workers working with students ages 5-17 (grades K-12)"--