I was fortunate to be able to visit 8 classes as I began walkthroughs. During the day, I was reminded of the importance of fundamental skill acquisition.
As a teacher, I lamented at the inability of my students to do the simplest fundamental skills. The use of calculators and the ability to punch in numbers in the correct order does not negate the need for students to understand ‘why’ the answer that appears in the window is correct.
The same principle applies to us as educators—we have to know, understand, and do the fundamental skills of effective teaching. Just having an essential question posted on your board might get you through a focus walk, however if it doesn’t reflect what you are doing in class, is never referred to during instruction, is not related to the standards… it is just one more example of busy work.
Of the 8 walkthroughs I was able to complete—
3 classes had the essential question posted (38%) and of the 3, 2 were working on an assignment related to the posted question.
50% of the classes were involved in whole group direct instruction; in 33% of the classes, students were engaged in independent work; and 17% of the classes had some type of small group activities.
I observed 151 students, 49 who were off task (32%).
While 70% of the classes were using an identified Co teaching instructional strategy; 30% did not have evidence of co teaching.
Continue to focus on the fundamental skills of effective teaching— knowing where you want to go before you start, how you are going to get there, and let the kids in on the secret! Are we planning our way to success?
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