Classroom Observations

William Penn MS (Yardley), John M. Hutchings… Do you have enough time during your school day to accomplish what you must do, let alone what you want to get done? We've been advised as to how to manage our time more efficiently, prioritize our TO DO list, stay within our 'sphere of influence,' etc. Here is an idea that can enable you to do several things at one.

While in a classroom, observing a lesson and scripting for the post observation conference, include notation of 2-4 students who are making positive contributions to the lesson. At the conclusion of the class, mention the names to the teacher to match his/her perspective regarding the students' positive contributions. That being the case and using a skeletal paragraph framework, complete the specific points in a letter to the child's parents. This is done immediately after the observation. A formal letter is typed and mailed to the parent with a copy to the teacher for the student's portfolio.

This procedure accomplishes the following

• lets students know my visit to the classroom includes observing their performance;
• reinforces appropriate student behaviors;
• communicates with parents, letting them know I as monitoring classroom instruction on a daily basis;
• underscores my role as an instructional leader;
• makes more efficient use of that precious commodity, TIME, to monitor and document student learning;
• adds another dimension to the post observation conference by letting the teacher identify effective motivational or instructional strategies; and
• adds to the positive PR for the teacher and for the school.

Finally, a list is maintained to identify the students recognized so as to not repeat names and maximize the number of students who receive letters. The comments from parents, teachers and students have been positive and gratifying. The benefits of this one action are multifaceted and can be used at any level.