Teachscape Update

By the numbers for this year, August 28 through November 30

• 39 schools invested in the Teachscape On-Line Formation Tool
• 773 total walkthroughs
• 119 average number of walkthoughs at the high school level
• 42 average number of walkthroughs at the elementary school level

A walkthrough is a 7-9 minute observation during which an observer indicates what was seen and heard in the classroom environment. In the observed classrooms, on average

• 84% have learning targets or objectives posted and these are evident to students
• 38% teachers are circulating
• 60% teachers are giving directions, instructions or guided practice
• 71% teachers are instructing the whole group
• 25% students are actively processing information through writing or speaking
• 45% of lessons are working with recalling information

The numbers begin to tell a story. On the positive side, we have worked on posted and sharing our learning targets or objectives with the students. Through this practice, we hope to make the learning meaningful to the students. We help students identify the “why” of the learning as well as the “what”. On the other hand, the numbers above illustrate the need and desire for offering professional development opportunities that assist principals and teachers in increasing rigor through instructional strategies that will facilitate critical thinking.

To support principals, we have developed a tool built on the Teachscape criteria. This tool is meant to be used as the summative evaluation instrument. As part of the instrument, resources have been gathered to assist teachers in determining next steps and goal statements for growth. Currently, the instrument is being reviewed by four Teachscape principals and will be shared with principals during the January principals meeting. It is important to note that the instrument could be used in conjunction with or without the Teachscape tool.

Interested in becoming a Teachscape school? The Teachscape training is schedule for January 11 and 12. The one-time training can be covered by Title II for approximately $650. A yearly school license is $500.