Module Overview This module provides participants the opportunity to examine expectations and promising practices for gathering evidence through observations, with a focus on the use of short, frequent unannounced observations. Participants will practice gathering evidence via observation, aligning it to appropriate Standards and Indicators, and sharing timely, constructive feedback. This module relies on technology – it is important for the facilitator to ensure the technological components are working correctly. See the Equipment and Materials section for more details. Context The Massachusetts Model System for Educator Evaluation is a comprehensive educator evaluation system that is focused on improving student learning by supporting analytical conversations (based on evidence) about teaching and leading. Frequent observation of educator practice is essential to improving that practice, but only feasible if most observations are short, unannounced and followed by brief, focused feedback. Observations of practice are not limited to classroom observations. Observations outside the classroom can include team meetings or school events; interactions and communication with parents; and professional growth activities. Intended Outcomes At the end of this session, participants will be able to: Describe the role of observation as a methodology for gathering evidence of educator performance; Delineate best practices for conducting high-quality short, frequent, unannounced observations; and Utilize evidence collected during sample short observations to provide timely and constructive feedback. Agenda Welcome (5 minutes) Connecting (25 minutes) Connecting Content (5 minutes) Connecting Activity: Expert Voices on Observation (15 minutes) Connecting Wrap-up/Debrief (5 minutes) Learning (1 hour 30 minutes) Learning Content 1 (5 minutes) Learning Activity 1: Approaching Short Frequent Observations (15 minutes)
Module Overview This module provides participants the opportunity to examine expectations and promising practices for gathering evidence through observations, with a focus on the use of short, frequent unannounced observations. Participants will practice gathering evidence via observation, aligning it to appropriate Standards and Indicators, and sharing timely, constructive feedback. This module relies on technology – it is important for the facilitator to ensure the technological components are working correctly. See the Equipment and Materials section for more details. Context The Massachusetts Model System for Educator Evaluation is a comprehensive educator evaluation system that is focused on improving student learning by supporting analytical conversations (based on evidence) about teaching and leading. Frequent observation of educator practice is essential to improving that practice, but only feasible if most observations are short, unannounced and followed by brief, focused feedback. Observations of practice are not limited to classroom observations. Observations outside the classroom can include team meetings or school events; interactions and communication with parents; and professional growth activities. Intended Outcomes At the end of this session, participants will be able to: Describe the role of observation as a methodology for gathering evidence of educator performance; Delineate best practices for conducting high-quality short, frequent, unannounced observations; and Utilize evidence collected during sample short observations to provide timely and constructive feedback. Agenda Welcome (5 minutes) Connecting (25 minutes) Connecting Content (5 minutes) Connecting Activity: Expert Voices on Observation (15 minutes) Connecting Wrap-up/Debrief (5 minutes) Learning (1 hour 30 minutes) Learning Content 1 (5 minutes) Learning Activity 1: Approaching Short Frequent Observations (15 minutes)