As I visit and work with campuses across the country, it is quite clear that we have a Common Instructional Language. Educators use the same words; rigor, PLC, assessment, PowerWalks, Lesson Frame, etc.
What campuses do not have is a Common Instructional Expectation. Yes, we say the same thing, but when we see the same practice or action, we call it different things. For example, two administrators view the same activity in a classroom. One labels it an analysis level activity, the other labels it a comprehension level activity.
This is a problem. Because on this campus, without even realizing it, the educators are just talking, never communicating.
The fix for this? Regular classroom observations (PowerWalks) by small groups of educators where the team observes and then discusses what was observed until consensus is reached. This takes time, but it is worth it because common instructional expectations are performance accelerators.
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), Learning for a Change Spring Summit (Keynote and Multiple Presentations)
- Now at the Apple App Store: Fun 5 Timer (Fundamental 5 Delivery Tool); PowerWalks CLC (Networked Formative Observation Tool)
- Follow Sean Cain and LYS on www.Twitter.com/LYSNation and like Lead Your School on Facebook
