Classroom+Walk-Through

**What is the Classroom Walk-Through (CWT)?** A Classroom Walk-Through (CWT) is short visit to a classroom and/or learning area that that typically lasts about 5 minutes. During a CWT, the observer will take a “snapshot” of a learning environment while focusing on the following questions:
 * Tracks A, B and C The Classroom Walk-Through (CWT)**

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1. What are students learning in the classroom? ======

6. How is a classroom organized to help students understand what is being taught?
** Research shows that a teacher makes between 500-1000 decisions per day and can make 5-10 decisions in 5 minutes. During a CWT, the observer will visit a classroom and observe student learning and teaching practice. The observer may ask students or the teacher questions if it does not interfere with direct instruction. The observer will take a snapshot of the classroom environment by recording observations/evidence of what s/he sees and hears that addresses one or more of the following areas: Evidence recorded may include: * Percentage of students engaged or focused on the task at hand. * Number of students who participate in a discussion. * Number of students who seek help from the teacher or from each other. * Number of students who ask questions * Students who understand and are able to explain the curricular objectives Evidence may include: · Curricular objectives recorded on the board. · Identification of important concepts in relation to the curricular objectives. · Use of vocabulary related to curricular objectives · Use of particular classroom resources. · Areas of interaction embedded in the curricular objectives. · Relationship established between curricular objectives and student life experiences. Evidence may include: 1. Identifying similarities and differences 2. Summarizing and note taking 3. Reinforcing effort and providing recognition 4. Homework and practice 5. Non-linguistic representations 6. Cooperative learning 7. Setting objectives and providing feedback 8. Generating and testing hypotheses 9. Cues, questions, and advance organizers Evidence may include: * Display and/or review student assessment * Display and/or publish student work * Posting and/or use of scoring guide/rubric * Posting of important processes or procedures (e.g. writing process, design cycle) * Posting important elements of the curriculum (e.g. areas of interaction) * Posting student expectations The CWT will result in the observer writing a short email to the classroom teacher consisting of observations related to one or more of the areas listed above and 1-2 probing and/or clarifying questions. (See template)
 * What is the purpose of a Classroom Walk-Through (CWT)
 * To develop a professional learning community focused on the continuous improvement of teaching and learning.
 * To involve teachers, hod’s, and administrators in substantive discussions about decisions related to teaching and learning in an effort to meet the needs of all learners.
 *  To provide support of the vision that every child in every classroom can meet or exceed high expectations.
 * What does a CWT look like? **
 * Student Engagement- ** What are students doing? To what extent are students engaged in their learning?
 * Curricular Decision Points ** - What are the curricular objectives? What are students expected to know and be able to do?
 * Instructional Decision Points ** - What appropriate instructional practices and strategies are being used to help students achieve the curricular objectives? (Marzano's 9 Instructional Strategies That Work)
 * Evidence of Curricular and Instructional Decisions- ** What evidence is there of past curricular objectives taught and/or instructional decisions used to teach the objectives that are present in the classroom- what is on the walls, projects, student work, etc.
 * What happens after a Classroom Walk-Through (CWT)? **

Good questions • are probing or clarifying. • are open-ended. • are invitational and approachable in “voice” • are non-judgmental. • contain exploratory, tentative language. • contain positive pre-suppositions.

Either the teacher or observer will initiate a short reflective conversation (in person or via email) that addresses what was observed and the 1-2 question(s). This short reflective conversation makes a CWT more meaningful for both the observer and the teacher.

(This template can be pasted into an email)
 * Tracks A, B and C: The Classroom Walk-Through (CWT) Template **

· Student Engagement · Curriculum Decision Points · Instructional Decision Points · Evidence of Curriculum and Instructional Decisions
 * Teacher: **
 * Dept: **
 * Class/Grade Level: **
 * Time: **
 * Observations **

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 * Question(s) **

|| Cc HOD, Administrator