Teachers Teaching Teachers, October 2006, Vol. 2, No. 2
Dear colleague -- please come for a visit
The collegial visit provides a structured opportunity for teachers to learn from each other. Read about the benefits of classroom visits and learn how to plan such a visit in order to create a meaningful learning opportunity for teachers.Important aspects of a worthwhile collegial visit include determining the precise purpose and focus, selecting an appropriate teacher to observe, and creating next steps for the observer. The article also covers the role of the visit facilitator, who is often an administrator.
By Kelly Lock
NSDC tool: The collegial visit
Successful classroom visits result in teachers trying new strategies because of what they have observed. This form encourages observers to take careful notes and to maintain their focus on specific instructional practices.The tool gives classroom observers and coaches a place to record notes for ongoing discussion and planning.
Voice of a teacher leader: Group grows when the fringes mingle
"Connectors" have an important job in the school building, according to this teacher leader. Connectors are the leaders who have opportunities to develop relationships across a building, rather than being limited to working with one department or grade level.When schools don't have such connectors at work, it is easy for skepticism and mistrust to develop between departments, which hurts the entire school.
What opportunities do you have to reach beyond your department or grade level? Read Ferriter's article and share your thoughts on the NSDC blog.
By Bill Ferriter
Research brief: Improving instruction -- train to get the most out of data from standardized tests
Standardized test scores weren't always used by teachers to improve learning by students. Years ago, such test scores were used for other purposes, such as informing parents and teachers about how students were achieving compared to their peers.Now that standardized test data are used in different ways in schools, teachers may need help gaining data analysis skills.
Read about a research study that observed school-based data use and its implications for school leaders.
By Carla Thomas McClure
Focus on NSDC's standards: When there's equity, needs are met
Many interactions school-based staff developers have with the teachers they support are related to the Equity standard. In this article, read how coaches can provide three different types of support in schools.
By Joellen Killion
NSDC profile: Diana Lee -- From isolation to collaboration
Diana Lee is a school-based professional development specialist in Shelby County, Ala. Learn how Lee pioneered the role of the school-based coach in her building and created a culture of collaboration and innovation.Lee shares her challenges and the types of support she provides to the middle and high school teachers in the building.
By Tracy Crow
