This is post three of a four post series addressing each T-TESS domain and its relationship and correlations to PowerWalks.
T-TESS Domain 3: Learning Environment The research is clear that the environment can have either a positive or negative impact on student performance. Additionally, the components of an effective (leveraged) classroom environment can be observed. When addressing classroom environment, the sole lens should be the effect of environmental factors on student performance. The uncomfortable truth is this is not the lens used in the vast majority of schools and classrooms. Instead, adult comfort and convenience are the primary considerations. There are three things to consider before attempting to improve the environment in classrooms on a campus.
1. Instruction is always the first priority. a. Bad instruction in a good environment = bad instruction. b. Good to great instruction in a bad environment = good to great instruction. c. Good to great instruction in a leveraged environment = enhanced student performance.
2. What the research teaches us about effective classroom environments is that the least we can do… is the most we can do.
3. It is the rare leader who possesses both the stomach and fortitude to address classroom environment issues, at scale.
See the chart below. The areas highlighted with the color GREEN represent areas of correlation.
| T-TESS Domain 3: Learning Environment
PowerWalks Modules |
Environment, Routines and Procedures 3.1 | Managing Student Behavior 3.2 | Classroom Culture 3.3 |
| Instructor Location | |||
| Pupil Engagement | |||
| Lesson Framing | |||
| High Yield Practices | |||
| Instructional Rigor | |||
| Instructional Relevance | |||
| Classroom Climate |
PowerWalks Alignment and Correlation to Domain 3 As a teacher gets better at the best practice addressed in the six PowerWalks modules, the appraiser is provided subjective evidence that the elements of T-TESS Domain 3 are being addressed.
Think. Work. Achieve. Your turn…
- Call Jo at (832) 477-LEAD to order your campus set of “The Fundamental 5: The Formula for Quality Instruction.” Individual copies available on Amazon.com! http://tinyurl.com/Fundamental5
- Upcoming Conference Presentations: TASSP Aspiring Principal Workshop (Multiple Presentations)
- Now at the Apple App Store: Fun 5 Timer (Fundamental 5 Delivery Tool); PowerWalks CLC (Networked Formative Observation Tool)
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