Maximizing Instructional Time by Chris Stewart

chrisstewart — 2026-02-16 21:17:21 UTC

Movies and films are not to be used during instructional time

Only use Securly Pass for students when you need them to complete an assignment, or the student needs more support.

chrisstewart — 2026-02-16 21:18:17 UTC

First 10 last 10 minutes of each class no students go to the restroom

chrisstewart — 2026-02-16 21:21:16 UTC

Use formative assessments during the lesson to check for understanding, don't wait until the end of class or the end of a unit.

chrisstewart — 2026-02-16 21:21:56 UTC

Maximize time in the classroom; no "lining up" at the door or leaving the classroom early

2026-02-18 19:51:56 UTC

2026-02-18 20:22:17 UTC

meaningful assignments - not busy work. biggest bang for our buck

Check their grades to ensure they do not have missing assignments for your class. Remind students to complete missing assignments.

2026-02-18 20:23:13 UTC

2026-02-18 20:23:26 UTC

Way too many students out in the halls just wandering in and out of other classrooms.

Have students push in their chair before they leave. Let them leave when the bell rings, not before.

2026-02-18 20:23:48 UTC

Objectives: give students a holistic view of specific goals for the day, and for the week

2026-02-18 20:23:48 UTC

Be in touch with case managers (as they should be with you too) about missing work and/or struggling students. : )

sparklypoodle — 2026-02-18 20:30:41 UTC

2026-02-19 14:06:46 UTC

Use of movie clips and documentary footage can be extremely pertinent in some courses.

Target SOL Objectives

2026-02-19 15:26:30 UTC

Choose SOL objectives/sample questions that need reviewed from the data. Use one or two questions as a warm up while taking attendance or as an exit slip activity each day. Provide answers as feedback.

Perky Pacing Ideas

2026-02-19 15:41:17 UTC

Reduce the number of items students need to show for mastery. For example, 20 items could be reduced to 10.

Use a Rubric or Choice Board

Cut out in class lengthy projects

Grade specific SOL - objectives/skill parts within the practice items instead of the entire practice.

Use a timer to maintain pacing

Use break out groups within the classroom with a report out wrap up (Assign a different SOL objective - task to each group- Then check their understanding before the group shares out as a wrap up

Utilize Reciprocal Teaching/Learning Strategy

Pre Plan Common Areas

2026-02-19 15:47:23 UTC

Use common areas outside classrooms for small group SOL remediation with an Instructional Assistant, Other Teacher, Special Educator, or adult volunteer.