Mid-Week Blog

Hi Everyone,

Over the summer, among other things, I studied hours upon hours of video footage of teachers teaching while honing my observation skills using the Danielson Framework for Teaching.  This framework is what every teacher in the state of Wisconsin will be evaluated on starting next school year.  As the year progresses, Erin and I will be bringing this framework more and more into the school-based PD you will receive.

I'm sure you'll agree that this framework represents a comprehensive and worthy target for all of us as educators.

Over the last couple of days, I have been slipping in and out of your classrooms practicing my ability to notice certain elements of the framework.  Specifically Domain 2 of the framework which focuses on Classroom Environment. This is what I've been working on noticing:

• 2a: Creating an Environment of Respect and Rapport
• 2b: Establishing a Culture for Learning
• 2c: Managing Classroom Procedures
• 2d: Managing Student Behavior
• 2e: Organizing Physical Space

I am very pleased with the routines and procedures that are being practiced and internalized, as well as by the rapport I see developing between teacher and students.  You will find that there is little new in Danielson's framework, but it is a great way to think about great teaching.

For a brief summary see the Danielson smart card:  

For more detail see the full framework:

My goal is work with you to identify strengths and needs and to support your professional growth.

Business Items:

• Josh will be out all day tomorrow, Erin will be the principal designee.
• Daniela and I want to minimize PA announcements during instructional time.
• We will try to avoid making announcements between 8:45 and 3:00.
• This means everyone must check email mid-day.
• Teachers must be extra vigilant to notify the office if you are deviating from your schedule.
• If you have not let Erin and myself know when your team will be meeting to discuss student data during the week, please do so asap.
• Many of you have indicated a night to attend the Liderazgo/PTO meeting.  Please remember to do this by the end of the week and put it on your google calendar.

Thanks,

Josh