Feedback: Themes from Clinical Observations

Strengths:

• Many of you are doing a nice job of citing specific, observable evidence to support your claims about the teaching and learning you are observing.
• Several of you have identified "specific teacher moves" that result in different or improved student learning outcomes.
• A number of you are wrestling with the differences between a coaching conversation and the need to be more directive.You are recognizing the need to be more directive, particularly when classroom management is a concern. You also recognize this is challenging and requires careful thought and consideration on your part.
• I am seeing respectful recognition of the power of your words, as well as the recognition of the responsibility of your approach to challenging conversations.
• I appreciate your genuine "wonderings" about the lessons observed, combined with thought-provoking questions throughout the observation cycle.
• Several of you are recognizing those areas in which the teacher is "on the verge" and crafting specific post-conference feedback designed to help the teacher determine next steps for growth.

Challenges or Cautions:

• Always be aware of bias and note when you are making inferences that may not be backed up by evidence. This is a common mistake. always pay attention to this.
• Give considerable thought and preparation to how you will facilitate conversations that lead to growth and actionable "next steps".
• Be careful to zero in on one or two actionable steps. Too many become impossible for realistic growth and goal setting.
• Be careful about jargon may be seen as disrespectful or initiatives that come across as the "flavor of the week" (low hanging fruit and growth mindset comes to mind...).  

Final Thought:

Pay attention to your own learning throughout this process: insights, highlights, reflections. Remember, "We learn by doing, when we reflect on what we've done." The clinical process is about your growth as an observer of instruction and your ability to support and facilitate adult learning in growing the capacity of our teachers to do the hard work!

Kudo's to those who have thoughtfully identified next steps in your leadership trajectory! Very nicely done.