Page 58 - EdViewptsSpring2018-web_Neat

Five Principles to Observe By

By Barbara Wilchensky, Director of Curriculum, Language Arts Literacy,

Bridgeton Public School District

Classroom observations observations, I have followed five Statements such as, “Classroom

are one of the multiple valuable principles that have helped procedures appear to be effective”
me stay focused.
are subjective and hold no ground
measures for evaluating Principle 1: Let the Evidence to a statement such as, “All students
teachers under AchieveNJ. Tell the Story. assumed the Turn and Talk positions
when instructed.” Including periodic
As instructional leaders, the school direct quotes from the teachers and
is our classroom, the teachers our Collecting evidence is crucial to students and having time stamps
students, the observations our assess- supporting the outcome of the on evidence further solidify the
ments. While conducting observations observation. The purpose of the accuracy of the evidence. As you
can sometimes be cumbersome and evidence statements is to provide collect evidence statements, it is
time-consuming, they are an essential illustrative examples that paint the essential to think about the domain
tool for improving teacher practice picture of the observation. However, for which it applies to ensure you are
and ensuring student achievement. In the key to accurately visualizing the collecting statements from all areas.
the last five years, I have conducted picture is to supply clear, objective For example, you want to ensure that
over 300 observations and during evidence statements that capture you are not focusing too heavily on
the numerous hours spent on these teacher and student actions. management and procedures, which

Educational Viewpoints -56- Spring 2018