At today's middle school Curriculum and Instruction Committee meeting, the school leaders and participants shared thoughts on this topic: the importance of walk-through visits and lesson plan check-ins informally.
East Lee Middle School Principal Shannon Shuey started our discussion on this topic with her checkoff system and reflection tool for walk-through visits and lesson plan check-ins.
San Lee Principal Betsy Bridges shared her system:
Bragg Street Academy Principal Jolanda Jordan shared hers as well:
Overall, these powerful practices promote transparency, relationships, and continuous improvement among all stakeholders.
Why lesson plans? (The Power of Planning from Teaching Channel)
Why walk-through? (ASCD Study)
East Lee Middle School Principal Shannon Shuey started our discussion on this topic with her checkoff system and reflection tool for walk-through visits and lesson plan check-ins.
- Goal: help teachers reflect on their practice and learn from them via patterns.
- More visibility just means more help.
- Next year, the leadership team will also be involved.
- It is important to discuss data points and notice patterns, not just collect the data and make judgment calls based on those patterns.
- The walk-through form via Google Forms allows for data analysis easily through the Explore feature.
- I do - teacher modeling / direct instruction
- We do - guided
- You do - independent
- Y'all do - collaboration among students
San Lee Principal Betsy Bridges shared her system:
- Five per admin, fifteen a week using the Google Form to ensure fidelity of walk-through procedure
- Lesson plan template may vary, but non-negotiable parts are:
- standards must be included
- essential question
- differentiation
- WICOR
- He shares templates with his beginning teachers if needed, but autonomy is protected for all as well.
- These are shared electronically.
Bragg Street Academy Principal Jolanda Jordan shared hers as well:
- AVID and ELIOT walk-through forms are employed.
- The results are discussed in PLCs and Faculty Meetings.
Overall, these powerful practices promote transparency, relationships, and continuous improvement among all stakeholders.
Why lesson plans? (The Power of Planning from Teaching Channel)
Why walk-through? (ASCD Study)