"DING" aaannnnndddd in this corner, we have Hollie Lancarte, Principal of Castleberry Elementary, aaannnndd in this corner we have...no! No, I'm not talking about that kind of rounds. This is something much, much sweeter. You know how doctors learn to become doctors and/or improve their practice? They perform "rounds". That's right! So, now for professionals in education, we have "Instructional Rounds".
This summer, I had the absolute wonderful opportunity to attend a training by @Sheila Maher who trained the administrative team of CISD on this great method of best practice to improve instruction. We already know we have the best staff who are dedicated to not only to helping our students become successful and are totally committed to improving our craft, but as a small school district how do we help our teachers continue to seek ways to improve without fear of degradation or humility? This method will enable us to seek ways of improvement through objective observations, analysis of data, and follow up in order to help all of us - both students and professionals, and in all grade levels and across all subjects. Isn't that sweet?
I will be sharing this wonderful journey of learning with you this year as I continue to learn. I hope that you will enjoy learning with me. Are you familiar with "Instructional Rounds?" If not, what do you think it would look like?
I am not familiar yet. Could they be as short as one day/class or as long as a 6 weeks?
ReplyDeleteHollie, I'm excited too! I believe practicing "Rounds" will bring a true coaching atmosphere on our campuses. Which, in return, will bring positive, more substantial results as we move forward. I also love how it keeps us focused on the learning process using factual data from observations vs. judgements & opinions.
ReplyDeleteThis is going to be a great tool that administrators, teachers, and students are going to benefit from. Love the focus, or theory of action, of helping the students begin to think at higher levels through a higher level of instruction. I wasn't at the training, but do feel that I have a pretty good idea of what is happening.
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