Focused Observation“Look-Fors”

2010-11 Focused Observation FormUpdated February 15, 2011

Look-Fors for Student Friendly, Standards-Based Objectives

Student friendly languageWritten on board, power

point slide, on assignment sheet, written in students notebook/journal

Written out and linked to standard(s)

Not a bulleted list of “Things to Do this Lesson” nor a list of pages to read or worksheets to complete.

Objective is stated and revisited/restated during the lesson

Developmentally appropriate for the students to easily understand the objectiveSimple Vocabulary, Pictures

for Primary GradesSeparate objectives for each

class/subject

In the Classroom

Look-Fors for Student Friendly, Standards-Based Objectives

Student Actions

Students can articulate what they are learning and why

Questioning and discussions between students

Evident in student work

Teacher ActionsTeacher feedback to

students or groups Making connections

between past and present objectives

Teacher states/restates/rephrases objective and links objective to activities

Activities/written work reflect the posted objective

Look-Fors for Student Friendly, Standards-Based Objective

Room to add more “look-fors”

Differentiated Instruction

Differentiation is the adjustment of content, process, or product in order to meet the needs of students and promote learning (Tomlinson & McTighe, 2006). Research also indicates that differentiation may be the achieved through the establishment of a positive classroom climate (Tomlinson, 2003).

Look-Fors for Differentiated Instruction

Scaffolding – content, process interaction of product groups

Leveled questioning Guided reading 1 2 3 4Interest CentersTargeted games,

projects and technologyTiered assignments Graphic organizers Foldables 1 2Study Guides 1 2Varied homework

assignments

Pre-assessment 1 2 3

Chunking Assignment/Project Instructions and Products

Fluid/Flexible grouping practices

Leveled readers Multi-modality: say it,

write it, draw it, do it Use of Manipulatives Book circlesD.I. Wiki – In-HouseD.I. Wiki –

Out-of-District

Look-Fors for Differentiated InstructionSee Additional D.I.

Support Document on Professional Development Intranet Site

Room to add more “look-fors”

Formative AssessmentAssessment is formative where it is part of an

on-going instructional process where teachers measure pupils’ knowledge and progress in order to inform teaching. It is often referred to as “assessment FOR learning.”Examples of formative assessment may include

concept maps, questioning, journals, and monitoring students’ performance on homework, diagnostic tests and quizzes.

http://www.sess.ie/faq/glossary-terminology-relates-assessment

Look-Fors for Formative Assessment Quick checks target – key concept of lessonExit tickets/slipsThumbs up-Thumbs down Multiple Choice ABCD CardsWhite BoardsElectronic clickers T-chartsAgree/disagree charts SparkleSpecific feedback Technology

Look-Fors for Formative AssessmentFive FingersStop light cards 1

2 Pre-test KWLWhip Around3-2-1Misconception

Check1 2 3 4

Student learning log 1 2

Student questioningThink/Pair/ShareConferencesWritten reflectionSkill cardsSelf assessment Video tapingVocabulary Pictures

Look-Fors for Formative AssessmentRoom to add more

“look-fors”

Focused Observation Look-ForsThe Look-For list will be an evolving list that

shares potential “Look-Fors” during all Focused Observations

Current list was created and edited by teachers at various buildings, building and district administrators and teachers on the CPE Committee.

The list will be updated at periodic times during the school year and will be a standing item on the CPE Committee meeting

The “Look-For” list is not a finite list and is designed to grow and adjust as the year progress

Next steps include providing exemplars and greater depth