Thursday Walk Reflections

This is year three of conducting weekly visits to schools to observe the systemic implementation of our strategic plan priorities through observations, interactions with students, and staff and 1:1 time with principals.  Although I know not everyone shares my enthusiasm, I happen to LOVE Thursday walks! Because of our walks, I get to interact with students around their learning, observe the implementation of professional learning/transformation to student-centered instruction, and  I have gained insight as to how I can support each principal in their leadership. I truly value and appreciate this opportunity as well as the commitment and dedication of our teachers and support staff! 

Based on feedback from administrators last year, we changed things up a little and instead of sharing with principals what we want to see, we asked principals to share with us-what they want us to see!  We know that all our buildings have aligned continuous school improvement goals and actions to the district strategic plan goals and success measures, so this is a way to value the focus of each campus and provide feedback and support around growth and next leadership actions to keep the momentum going.

Our first semester is quickly coming to an end, so I thought I would share some of the data and pictures from our visits.

67 Classrooms (24 School visits)

In observed classrooms, between 80-90% of Look-Fors identified by the principal were observed. 

• The themes of the look-fors included: students using standards-based learning targets and success criteria, an aligned task to a standards-based learning target, teaming, positive relationships, positive interaction ratios, routines/procedures, and verification of learning.

What do we talk about in the debrief?

• In our debrief, we talk about highlights and progress towards continuous improvement goals and actions, student's response to the instruction based on observations, attendance data/efforts to address chronic students, leadership actions, and district supports.  We close with a summary of high leverage actions/strategies to continue progressing and to keep the momentum going.  

Although we are not in each building as much as last year, we are spending more time in classrooms and debriefing.  

We have begun our second series of campus visits and we are SEEING the evidence of transformation continuing. Students are doing more of the thinking and owning of the work, there are more tasks at the comprehension and analysis level observed, and students comment about the benefits of clarity of the learning targets and success criteria. In addition, more content alike classrooms have similar standards-based targets, success criteria, and verification of learning allowing equity and access to the curriculum.

This is hard work!  Work that requires everyone's investment, intentional planning, collaboration, and support.  And it's much more than just teaching academics.  I know you also build a culture where students feel safe, you let the trauma of their everyday lives rest on your shoulders, you keep granola bars in your desk drawers and give up your plan time to help resolve an issue.  You are much more than a teacher, you are a difference-maker!

 Because of you...I believe that we will achieve our mission: "Every Student, Every Day, A Success" but we must stay the course!  There will be challenges but if we focus on the positives and build on what is getting the desired results, we will accomplish outcomes that will ensure our students will "thrive in an ever-changing world".

During this holiday season, remember to take the time to breathe and care of yourself and identify daily blessings and celebrations! Reflect on your students' progress and where you want them to be at the end of the year.  Plan to try new strategies and/or deepen your expertise with a few. Let L4L know through Let's Talk or the Curriculum Guide Feedback forms what will help improve the resources and our support!

Thank you for all that you do every day for our students!

May the spirit of Christmas bring you and your family hope, happiness and love.