Common use of INSTRUCTIONAL PLANNING Ineffective Developing Skilled Accomplished Clause in Contracts

INSTRUCTIONAL PLANNING Ineffective Developing Skilled Accomplished. The teacher demonstrates a lack of familiarity with students’ backgrounds and has made no attempts to find this information. The teacher’s plan for instruction does not demonstrate an understanding of students’ development, preferred learning styles, and/or student backgrounds/prior experiences. The teacher demonstrates some familiarity with students’ background knowledge and experiences and describes one procedure used to obtain this information. The teacher’s instructional plan draws upon a partial analysis of students’ development, readiness for learning, preferred learning styles, or backgrounds and prior experiences and/or the plan is inappropriately tailored to the specific population of students in the classroom. The teacher demonstrates familiarity with students’ background knowledge and experiences and describes multiple procedures used to obtain this information. The teacher’s instructional plan draws upon an accurate analysis of the students’ development, readiness for learning, preferred learning styles, and backgrounds and prior experiences. The teacher demonstrates an understanding of the purpose and value of learning about students’ background experiences, demonstrates familiarity with each student’s background knowledge and experiences, and describes multiple procedures used to obtain this information. The teacher’s analysis of student data (student development, student learning and preferred learning styles, and student backgrounds/prior experiences) accurately connects the data to specific instructional strategies and plans. The teacher plans for and can articulate specific strategies, content, and delivery that will meet the needs of individual students and groups of students. Evidence Instruction and Assessment Ineffective Developing Skilled Accomplished A teacher’s expectations are unclear, incoherent, or inaccurate, and are generally ineffective in building student understanding. The teacher uses language that fails to engage students, is inappropriate to the content, and/or discourages independent or creating thinking. The teacher fails to address student confusion or frustration and does not use effective questioning techniques during the lesson. The lesson is almost entirely teacher-directed. Teacher explanations are accurate and generally clear but the teacher may not fully clarify information based on students’ questions about content or instructions for learning activities or the teacher may use some language that is developmentally inappropriate, leading to confusion or limiting discussion. The teacher re-explains topics when students show confusion, but is not always able to provide an effective alternative explanation. The teacher attempts to employ purposeful questioning techniques, but may confuse students with the phrasing or timing of questions. The lesson is primarily teacher-directed. Teacher explanations are clear and accurate. The teacher uses developmentally appropriate strategies and language designed to actively encourage independent, creative, and critical thinking. The teacher effectively addresses confusion by re-explaining topics when asked and ensuring understanding. The teacher employs effective, purposeful questioning techniques during instruction. The lesson is a balance of teacher-directed instruction and student-led learning. Teacher explanations are clear, coherent, and precise. The teacher uses well-timed, individualized, developmentally appropriate strategies and language designed to actively encourage independent, creative, and critical thinking, including the appropriate use of questions and discussion techniques. The teacher accurately anticipates confusion by presenting information in multiple formats and clarifying content before students ask questions. The teacher develops high-level understanding through effective uses of varied levels of questions. The lesson is student-led, with the teacher in the role of facilitator. Evidence DIFFERENTIATION (Standard 1: Students; Standard 4: Instruction) Sources of Evidence: Pre-Conference Formal Observation Classroom Walkthroughs/ Informal Observations The teacher does not attempt to make the lesson accessible and challenging for most students, or attempts are developmentally inappropriate. The teacher relies on a single strategy or alternate set of materials to make the lesson accessible to most students through some students may not be able to access certain parts of the lesson and/or some may not be challenged. The teacher supports the learning needs of students through a variety of strategies, materials, and/or pacing that make learning accessible and challenging for the group. The teacher matches strategies, materials, and/or pacing to students’ individual needs, to make learning accessible and challenging for all students in the classroom. The teacher effectively uses independent, collaborative and whole-class instruction to support individual learning goals and provides varied options for how students will demonstrate mastery. Evidence RESOURCES (Standard 2: Content; Standard 4: Instruction) Sources of Evidence: Pre-Conference Formal Observation Classroom Walkthroughs/ Informal Observations Instructional materials and resources used for instruction are not relevant to the lesson or are inappropriate for students. The teacher uses appropriate instructional materials to support learning goals, but may not meet individual students’ learning styles/needs or actively engage them in learning. Instructional materials and resources are aligned to the instructional purposes and are appropriate for students’ learning styles and needs, actively engaging students. Instructional materials and resources are aligned to instructional purposes, are varied and appropriate to ability levels of students, and actively engage them in ownership of their learning. Evidence Instruction and Assessment Ineffective Developing Skilled Accomplished There is little or no evidence of a positive rapport between the teacher and students. For example, the teacher may respond disrespectfully to students or ignore their questions or comments. There are no evident routines or procedures, students seem unclear about what they should be doing or are idle. Transitions are inefficient with considerable instructional time lost. Lessons progress too slowly or quickly so students are frequently disengaged. The teacher creates a learning environment that allows for little or no communication or engagement with families. Expectations for behavior are not established or are inappropriate and/or no monitoring of behaviors occurs. The teacher responds to misbehavior inappropriately. The teacher is fair in the treatment of students and establishes a basic rapport with them. For example, the teacher addresses students questions or comments but does not inquire about their overall well-being. Routines and procedures are in place, but the teacher may inappropriately prompt or direct students when they are unclear or idle. The teacher transitions between learning activities, but occasionally loses some instructional time in the process. The teacher welcomes communication from families and replies in a timely manner. Appropriate expectations for behavior are established, but some expectations are unclear or do not address the needs of individual students. The teacher inconsistently monitors behavior. The teacher has positive rapport with students and demonstrates respect for and interest in all students. For example, the teacher makes eye contract and connects with individual students. Routines and procedures run smoothly throughout the lesson, and students assume age-appropriate levels of responsibility for the efficient operation of the classroom. Transitions are efficient and occur smoothly. There is evidence of varied learning situations (whole class, cooperative learning, small group and independent work). The teacher engages in two-way communication and offers a variety of volunteer opportunities and activities for families to support student learning. A classroom management system has been implemented that is appropriate and responsive to classroom and individual needs of students. Clear expectations for student behavior are evident. Monitoring of student behavior is consistent, appropriate, and effective. The teacher has positive rapport with students and demonstrates respect for and interest in individual students’ experiences, thoughts and opinions. For example, the teacher responds quietly, individually, and sensitively to student confusion or distress. Routines are well-established and orderly and students initiate responsibility for the efficient operation of the classroom. Transitions are seamless as the teacher effectively maximizes instructional time and combines independent, collaborative, and whole-class learning situations. The teacher engages in two-way, ongoing communication with families that results in active volunteer, community, and family partnerships which contribute to student learning and development. A classroom management system has been designed, implemented, and adjusted with student input and is appropriate for the classroom and individual student needs. Students are actively encouraged to take responsibility for their behavior. The teacher uses research-based strategies to lessen disruptive behaviors and reinforce positive behaviors. Evidence Instruction and Assessment Ineffective Developing Skilled Accomplished The teacher does not routinely use assessments to measure student mastery. The teacher rarely or never checks the students’ understanding of content. The teacher fails to make adjustments in responds to student confusion. The teacher persists in using a particular strategy for responding to misunderstandings, even when data suggest the approach is not succeeding. The teacher does not provide students with feedback about their learning. The teacher uses assessments to measure student mastery, but may not differentiate instruction based on this information. The teacher checks for student understanding and makes attempts to adjust instruction accordingly, but these adjustments may cause some additional confusion. The teacher gathers and uses student data from a few sources to choose appropriate instructional strategies for groups of students. Students receive occasional or limited feedback about their performance from the teacher. The teacher uses assessment data to identify students’ strengths and needs, and modifies and differentiates instruction accordingly, although the teacher may not be able to anticipate learning obstacles. The teacher checks for understanding at key moments and makes adjustments to instruction (whole- class or individual students.) The teacher responds to student misunderstandings by providing additional clarification. The teacher gathers and uses student data from a variety of sources to choose and implement appropriate instructional strategies for groups of students. The teacher provides substantive, specific, and timely feedback of student progress to students, families, and other school personnel while maintaining confidentiality. The teacher uses assessment data to identify students’ strengths and needs, and modifies and differentiates instruction accordingly, as well as examines classroom assessment results to reveal trends and patterns in individual and group progress and to anticipate learning obstacles. The teacher continually checks for understanding and makes adjustments accordingly (whole-class or individual students). When an explanation is not effectively leading students to understand the content, the teacher adjusts quickly and seamlessly within the lesson and uses an alternative way to explain the concept. By using student data from a variety of sources, the teacher appropriately adapts instructional methods and materials and paces learning activities to meet the needs of individual students as well as the whole class. The teacher provides substantive, specific, and timely feedback to students, families, and other school personnel while maintaining confidentiality. The teacher provides the opportunity for students to engage in self-assessment and show awareness of their own strengths and weaknesses. The teacher uses student assessment results to reflect on his or her own teaching and to monitor teaching strategies and behaviors in relation to student success. Evidence

INSTRUCTIONAL PLANNING Ineffective Developing Skilled Accomplished. KNOWLEDGE OF STUDENTS (Standard 1: Students) The teacher demonstrates a lack of familiarity with students’ backgrounds and has made no attempts to find this information. The teacher’s plan for instruction does not demonstrate an understanding of students’ development, preferred learning styles, and/or student backgrounds/prior experiences. The teacher demonstrates some familiarity with students’ background knowledge and experiences and describes one procedure used to obtain this information. The teacher’s instructional plan draws upon a partial analysis of students’ development, readiness for learning, preferred learning styles, or backgrounds and prior experiences and/or the plan is inappropriately tailored to the specific population of students in the classroom. The teacher demonstrates familiarity with students’ background knowledge and experiences and describes multiple procedures used to obtain this information. The teacher’s instructional plan draws upon an accurate analysis of the students’ development, readiness for learning, preferred learning styles, and backgrounds and prior experiences. The teacher demonstrates an understanding of the purpose and value of learning about students’ background experiences, demonstrates familiarity with each student’s background knowledge and experiences, and describes multiple procedures used to obtain this information. The teacher’s analysis of student data (student development, student learning and preferred learning styles, and student backgrounds/prior experiences) accurately connects the data to specific instructional strategies and plans. The teacher plans for and can articulate specific strategies, content, and delivery that will meet the needs of individual students and groups of students. Sources of Evidence: Analysis of Student Data Pre-Conference The teacher’s plan for instruction does not demonstrate an understanding of students’ development, preferred learning styles, and/or student backgrounds/prior experiences. The teacher’s instructional plan draws upon a partial analysis of students’ development, readiness for learning, preferred learning styles, or backgrounds and prior experiences and/or the plan is inappropriately tailored to the specific population of students in the classroom. The teacher’s instructional plan draws upon an accurate analysis of the students’ development, readiness for learning, preferred learning styles, and backgrounds and prior experiences. Evidence Instruction and Assessment APPENDIX B INSTRUCTION AND ASSESSMENT Ineffective Developing Skilled Accomplished A teacher’s expectations are unclear, incoherent, or inaccurate, and are generally ineffective in building student understanding. The teacher uses language that fails to engage students, is inappropriate to the content, and/or discourages independent or creating thinking. The teacher fails to address student confusion or frustration and does not use effective questioning techniques during the lesson. The lesson is almost entirely teacher-directed. Teacher explanations are accurate and generally clear but the teacher may not fully clarify information based on students’ questions about content or instructions for learning activities or the teacher may use some language that is developmentally inappropriate, leading to confusion or limiting discussion. The teacher re-explains topics when students show confusion, but is not always able to provide an effective alternative explanation. The teacher attempts to employ purposeful questioning techniques, but may confuse students with the phrasing or timing of questions. The lesson is primarily teacher-directed. Teacher explanations are clear and accurate. The teacher uses developmentally appropriate strategies and language designed to actively encourage independent, creative, and critical thinking. The teacher effectively addresses confusion by re-explaining topics when asked and ensuring understanding. The teacher employs effective, purposeful questioning techniques during instruction. The lesson is a balance of teacher-directed instruction and student-led learning. Teacher explanations are clear, coherent, and precise. The teacher uses well-timed, individualized, developmentally appropriate strategies and language designed to actively encourage independent, creative, and critical thinking, including the appropriate use of questions and discussion techniques. The teacher accurately anticipates confusion by presenting information in multiple formats and clarifying content before students ask questions. The teacher develops high-level understanding through effective uses of varied levels of questions. The lesson is student-led, with the teacher in the role of facilitator. Evidence DIFFERENTIATION ASSESSMENT OF STUDENT LEARNING (Standard 13: Students; Standard 4: InstructionAssessment) Sources of Evidence: Pre-Conference Formal Observation Classroom Walkthroughs/ Informal Observations The teacher does not attempt to make the lesson accessible and challenging for most students, or attempts are developmentally inappropriate. The teacher relies on a single strategy or alternate set of materials to make the lesson accessible to most students through some students may not be able to access certain parts of the lesson and/or some may not be challenged. The teacher supports the learning needs of students through a variety of strategies, materials, and/or pacing that make learning accessible and challenging for the group. The teacher matches strategies, materials, and/or pacing to students’ individual needs, to make learning accessible and challenging for all students in the classroom. The teacher effectively uses independent, collaborative and whole-class instruction to support individual learning goals and provides varied options for how students will demonstrate mastery. Evidence RESOURCES (Standard 2: Content; Standard 4: Instruction) Sources of Evidence: PrePost-Conference Formal Observation Classroom Walkthroughs/ Informal Observations Instructional materials and resources used for instruction are not relevant to the lesson or are inappropriate for students. The teacher uses appropriate instructional materials to support learning goals, but may not meet individual students’ learning styles/needs or actively engage them in learning. Instructional materials and resources are aligned to the instructional purposes and are appropriate for students’ learning styles and needs, actively engaging students. Instructional materials and resources are aligned to instructional purposes, are varied and appropriate to ability levels of students, and actively engage them in ownership of their learning. Evidence Instruction and Assessment Ineffective Developing Skilled Accomplished There is little or no evidence of a positive rapport between the teacher and students. For example, the teacher may respond disrespectfully to students or ignore their questions or comments. There are no evident routines or procedures, students seem unclear about what they should be doing or are idle. Transitions are inefficient with considerable instructional time lost. Lessons progress too slowly or quickly so students are frequently disengaged. The teacher creates a learning environment that allows for little or no communication or engagement with families. Expectations for behavior are not established or are inappropriate and/or no monitoring of behaviors occurs. The teacher responds to misbehavior inappropriately. The teacher is fair in the treatment of students and establishes a basic rapport with them. For example, the teacher addresses students questions or comments but does not inquire about their overall well-being. Routines and procedures are in place, but the teacher may inappropriately prompt or direct students when they are unclear or idle. The teacher transitions between learning activities, but occasionally loses some instructional time in the process. The teacher welcomes communication from families and replies in a timely manner. Appropriate expectations for behavior are established, but some expectations are unclear or do not address the needs of individual students. The teacher inconsistently monitors behavior. The teacher has positive rapport with students and demonstrates respect for and interest in all students. For example, the teacher makes eye contract and connects with individual students. Routines and procedures run smoothly throughout the lesson, and students assume age-appropriate levels of responsibility for the efficient operation of the classroom. Transitions are efficient and occur smoothly. There is evidence of varied learning situations (whole class, cooperative learning, small group and independent work). The teacher engages in two-way communication and offers a variety of volunteer opportunities and activities for families to support student learning. A classroom management system has been implemented that is appropriate and responsive to classroom and individual needs of students. Clear expectations for student behavior are evident. Monitoring of student behavior is consistent, appropriate, and effective. The teacher has positive rapport with students and demonstrates respect for and interest in individual students’ experiences, thoughts and opinions. For example, the teacher responds quietly, individually, and sensitively to student confusion or distress. Routines are well-established and orderly and students initiate responsibility for the efficient operation of the classroom. Transitions are seamless as the teacher effectively maximizes instructional time and combines independent, collaborative, and whole-class learning situations. The teacher engages in two-way, ongoing communication with families that results in active volunteer, community, and family partnerships which contribute to student learning and development. A classroom management system has been designed, implemented, and adjusted with student input and is appropriate for the classroom and individual student needs. Students are actively encouraged to take responsibility for their behavior. The teacher uses research-based strategies to lessen disruptive behaviors and reinforce positive behaviors. Evidence Instruction and Assessment Ineffective Developing Skilled Accomplished The teacher does not routinely use assessments to measure student mastery. The teacher rarely or never checks the students’ understanding of content. The teacher fails to make adjustments in responds response to student confusion. The teacher persists in using a particular strategy for responding to misunderstandings, even when data suggest the approach is not succeeding. The teacher does not provide students with feedback about their learning. The teacher uses assessments to measure student mastery, but may not differentiate instruction based on this information. The teacher checks for student understanding and makes attempts to adjust instruction accordingly, but these adjustments may cause some additional confusion. confusion The teacher gathers and uses student data from a few sources to choose appropriate instructional strategies for groups of students. Students receive occasional or limited feedback about their performance from the teacher. The teacher uses assessment data to identify students’ strengths and needs, and modifies and differentiates instruction accordingly, although the teacher may not be able to anticipate learning obstacles. The teacher checks for understanding at key moments and makes adjustments to instruction (whole- whole-class or individual students.) The students).The teacher responds to student misunderstandings by providing additional clarification. The teacher gathers and uses student data from a variety of sources to choose and implement appropriate instructional strategies for groups of students. The teacher provides substantive, specific, and timely feedback of student progress to students, families, and other school personnel while maintaining confidentiality. The teacher uses assessment data to identify students’ strengths and needs, and modifies and differentiates instruction accordingly, as well as examines classroom assessment results to reveal trends and patterns in individual and group progress and to anticipate learning obstacles. The teacher continually checks for understanding and makes adjustments accordingly (whole-class or individual students). When an explanation is not effectively leading students to understand the content, the teacher adjusts quickly and seamlessly within the lesson and uses an alternative way to explain the concept. By using student data from a variety of sources, the teacher appropriately adapts instructional methods and materials and paces learning activities to meet the needs of individual students as well as the whole class. The teacher provides substantive, specific, and timely feedback to students, families, and other school personnel while maintaining confidentiality. The teacher provides the opportunity for students to engage in self-assessment and show awareness of their own strengths and weaknesses. The teacher uses student assessment results to reflect on his or her own teaching and to monitor teaching strategies and behaviors in relation to student success. EvidenceEvidence Observation Date: Conference Date: Evaluator Signature: Educator Signature: APPENDIX B Walk-through Name Template Walk-through Observer Subject Start Date/Time End Date/Time Grade