Walk Through Observations

For many educators, walk through observations are a normal part of the work day. This gives you an idea of how things are going in each class. There are some days you make it multiple classrooms and others only one. With these short observations, you can see what standards are being taught and how, tally how many students are engaged in a particular lesson, get a feel for procedures, etc.

I prefer to use a set form that provides with a way to document time in the classroom, standards, notes section for positives and a “food for thought” section. This food for thought is a reflection piece for teachers. I typically keep a minute by minute script of what the teacher and students are doing.

I also have a list of what is considered proficient, based on the SC 4.0 Rubric, so that teachers get an idea of what elements I notice in a short / walk through observation. I provide them with the evidence I observe in that lesson in just an area or two. With a short observation, I try to limit my focus so that feedback can aid in teacher growth. After the observation, I share my notes with the teacher and invite them to discuss it with me. It’s a way to build teacher efficacy, as well build trust for those times when hard conversions are necessary.