# data[].attributes.body
6 years ago when I started ECHSL had common preps for most departments. I think this allowed for the teams to build together, that supports cultures that want to do peer observations (I realize logistically it does not support it).

I know ECHSL is also willing to support getting coverage for classes to support peer observations.

I think another thing that could be explored is how to give back time to teachers when we want to grow new practices like peer observation. For example, skip a department or all staff meeting with the expectation that folks plan and observe a peer within the given time period.

Lastly, I think we need to acknowledge that peer observations do not often meet the immediate needs of most teachers, so how do we support them to do what they need, and also extend their thinking to long term?

# data[].attributes.body
I have done partner peer observations in my department. A partner and I would go into a classroom together and discuss what we saw that we wanted to take back to our own classrooms. Then, in a department meeting, we would share what we learned and how it elevated our own work.

# data[].attributes.body
Partner observations with peers has historically worked well with our dept. By partner I mean we each observe each other with a similar focus. For example 9th/10th grade go watch each other teach how to write a thesis statement and it creates some great opportunity for conversation.

# data[].attributes.body
Shadow observations of a student with a paraeducator to further conversation about how to best support the student's needs.

# data[].attributes.body
We haven’t done formal peer observations yet, just informal.

Going forward, we could

-Ensure pre and post observation meetings happen in department spaces.

-Provide department space for people to share the areas they feel confident in/ the areas they want to observe others in. That can lead to scheduling observations with the right teacher and choosing the most meaningful 30 minutes of class to observe.

# data[].attributes.body
Not sure this is feasible, but it would be really cool if we did a new take on observations where you go an observe a classroom where you don't know the content at all, and you are a student for that period. I don't know if I have any more right now, but it seems really interesting and a way to experience a classroom as a student.

# data[].attributes.body
Joint Observations with New Teacher Example: Charity takes new Math 1 teacher to see other math teachers and debriefs takeaways

Example: JenL takes new Eng 12 teacher to Eng 11 teacher to look for coherence across grade-levels

# data[].attributes.body
My admins observed me and provided me with a PCT observation tool and then follows up with me for feedback

# data[].attributes.body
Last year I did a lot of cross campus observations with teachers so they could get ideas from folks outside of their site and see how 6-12th grade ELA looks at ECS

# data[].attributes.body
GA as a department has the challenge of being a silo on each campus. Observations, if they are done, happen across content areas. This is beneficial to witness teacher moves but limits support of teaching the specific content.

Cesar gave me a great idea of having zoom meetings where GA teachers can have space to verbally share. Have them post films of themselves teaching ahead of time and then discuss through framing questions their take aways.

# data[].attributes.body
At my site, I’ve experienced formal and informal observations from peers at other campuses, but the most successful ones for me have included pre- and post-observation discussions.

# data[].attributes.body
The department completed the first round of observations. We observed each other, gave feedback on specific strategy we were using, and came up with specific vocabulary we will use in our classes when teaching "talking to the text" strategy so students can have a similar experience in our classrooms.

# data[].attributes.body
Since each we only have one ELD coordinator at each site, it would be cool to have more opportunities to do observations of ELD work happening at other sites. The challenge is coordinating, since we're all so busy and it can be really hard to get to other sites.

# data[].attributes.body
making sure to focus observations on what is going well in this space?, what can i learn from this?, how can i replicate these positive practices?

# data[].attributes.body
In the past, we've done peer observations exclusively in departments with a focus that the department picks (student talk was the most common). When the focus is super specific (a specific student talk protocol) scheduling for the right time in the period is a challenge. Also finding coverage for teachers to see each other if they share preps or when we want multiple members of the department to observe at once. Also the follow through, making sure the department has time to reflect together. But every time we've done it, teachers get something out of it.

# data[].attributes.body
Culture of Classroom Visits

Establishing a norm and culture of inviting and feeling excited to share new routines/instruction/activities with admin and teachers.

# data[].attributes.body
Peer observations and determine how to make a strategy better.

# data[].attributes.body
Peer observations collaboratively with inclusion team to see how to best support students in different spaces.

# data[].attributes.body
ECHSL math department is doing peer class visits this coming month, and each teacher provided a framing question for the others to comment around. We'll share out with a protocol in our November meeting.

# data[].attributes.body
Create a culture of asking for specific feedback by surfacing challenges multiple teachers may be facing...thought-partnership increases trust.

# data[].attributes.body
Idea: More opportunity for middle school teachers to observe high school classes so that they can understand the level of rigor at the upcoming level. I understand this happened in ELA last year, but would be good for all content areas.

# data[].attributes.body
(Danielle)

Joint observations with Cabinet members:

Identifying glows/grows

Calibrating feedback

Using the trend data to check our alignment to a vision for strong instruction

# data[].attributes.body
Our department has tried a couple different ways. One was prework before department time, with a simple one page graphic organizer focused on our Math lookfors, then the opener of Dept PD was folks sharing takeaways from those class visits. The other way was showing video clips in pd and highlighting the different elements of RA and students making thinking visible that we saw in the video clip. .

# data[].attributes.body
Coaching cycles:

Observe classrooms to gain insights to different best practices

# data[].attributes.body
We do the PCT observations with partners + an admin and we're all dept chairs. Then we reflect together after.

We also do a special education observations with Shalene + an admin. We're looking for differentiation, student engagement, accommodated instruction, etc.

# data[].attributes.body
Going with a grade level partner to see a student we both have in their different disciplines to get ideas for what teacher moves might better support them in our own classes.

# data[].attributes.body
Peer observations through teachers leading openers or activities during PD.

# data[].attributes.body
ELA Dept

We observed each other with a focus

Had a chance to give each other praise & feedback

It was helpful to see the alignment of ELA across grade levels

# data[].attributes.body
Jen Larsen has been taking pairs of department chairs on classroom visits, and then leading a debrief with the chairs afterwards. I've appreciated getting to see other departments and then hear the perspective of the dept chair

# data[].attributes.body
Collaborative observations - walking with a teacher to co-observe, debrief and construct feedback

# data[].attributes.body
Olivia

We did some peer observation last year. We spent a lot of time setting norms and differentiating between a peer observation vs. an admin observation.

Our primary focus as a department is cohesion. So observations are from a lens of what is the student experience like from 6 to 8th.

We are going to start up our observation cycle again this quarter.

# data[].attributes.body
Departments creating a culture of peer observation: Criteria and Goal

Using SSC tool for observation

Department created tool

# data[].attributes.body
Joint Observations:

Pulled a teacher during prep to observe a class (10-15 min) and debrief what we saw (5 min.)

# data[].attributes.body
in our group we talked about how trust needed to be part of the team experience. Math uses problem of practice in each meeting and this has helped build trust in their team so it feels like they are ready to visit each others classes.