Classroom Walkthrough/Observation Guide for School Leadership

This guide is designed to assist school leaders in conducting effective classroom walkthroughs and observations to assess teacher performance and identify areas for growth.

I. Pre-Walkthrough Preparation

• Select a Focus:
  • What specific aspect of teaching and learning are you interested in observing? (e.g., instructional strategies, classroom management, student engagement)
  • Align your focus with the teacher's current goals or professional development needs.
• Review Classroom Data:
  • Examine student work samples, assessment data, or lesson plans to gain context about the class and learning objectives.
• Schedule the Walkthrough:
  • Inform the teacher in advance and collaborate on a mutually agreeable time.

II. During the Walkthrough

A. Classroom Environment:

• Physical Space: Is the classroom organized, clean, and visually stimulating?
• Learning Materials: Are essential learning materials readily available and displayed effectively?
• Positive Climate: Is the classroom environment respectful, welcoming, and conducive to learning?

B. Instructional Practices:

• Lesson Clarity: Are learning objectives clear and communicated to students?
• Instructional Strategies: Does the teacher employ a variety of engaging strategies to meet different learning styles?
• Student Participation: Are students actively involved in the lesson? Do they have opportunities to ask questions and share ideas?
• Assessment and Differentiation: Does the teacher use formative assessments to monitor student progress and differentiate instruction accordingly?
• Technology Integration: Is technology used purposefully to enhance learning?

C. Classroom Management:

• Procedures and Routines: Are clear procedures established for transitions, routines, and classroom expectations?
• Classroom Management Strategies: Does the teacher effectively manage student behavior to maintain a productive learning environment?
• Student Engagement: Are students on-task and actively engaged in the learning process?

D. Teacher-Student Interactions:

• Positive Interactions: Does the teacher interact with students in a positive and respectful manner?
• Feedback and Support: Does the teacher provide clear, specific, and timely feedback to students?
• Differentiation in Interactions: Does the teacher adjust their interactions to meet the needs of individual students?

III. Post-Walkthrough Reflection and Feedback

• Record your observations: Take notes during the walkthrough to capture specific examples of effective practice and areas for improvement.
• Schedule a Post-Observation Conference: Discuss your observations with the teacher in a timely and constructive manner. Focus on strengths and provide specific suggestions for growth.
• Connect observations to evidence: Use data collected during the walkthrough (e.g., student work samples) to support your feedback.
• Collaborative Goal Setting: Work with the teacher to set clear and achievable goals for improvement based on the observations.

Additional Considerations:

• Focus on the positive: Start by acknowledging the teacher's strengths before offering suggestions for improvement.
• Maintain confidentiality: Keep all walkthrough observations and discussions confidential between you and the teacher.
• Use a cyclical approach: Regular walkthroughs allow for ongoing assessment of teacher practice and provide opportunities to monitor progress towards goals.

By following these guidelines and using this guide as a resource, school leaders can conduct effective classroom walkthroughs that provide valuable feedback to teachers, support their professional development, and ultimately lead to improved student learning.