DJJ Office of Education

Classroom Observation Overview

Principal’s Meeting

July 29, 2011

Classroom EssentialsGeorgia Performance StandardsEnduring Understandings and Essential

QuestionsInstructional Rotation MatrixCurriculum MapDirect Instruction Lesson PlanTeacher Observation Instrument

Georgia Performance StandardsThey define the level of work that demonstrates

achievement of the standards, enabling a teacher to know “how good is good enough.” The performance standards isolate and identify the skills needed to use the knowledge and skills to problem-solve, reason, communicate, and make connections with other information.

Enduring Understandings & Essential Questions

An Enduring Understanding is a big idea that resides at the heart of an academic discipline and has lasting value outside the classroom.

An Essential Question gets to the heart of an Enduring Understanding. It frames a unit of study by providing focus, a course theme, focus and show students connections with big ideas. In addition, it is an initiators of creative and critical thinking.

SuggestedInstructional Rotation matrix

The Instructional Rotation Matrix has been designed to assist teachers in providing a balanced approach to utilizing the Units of Instruction across all grade levels on a rotating schedule.

Curriculum MapOffers a sequence for delivering content

based on The Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice Curriculum Activity Packets (CAPs), textbooks, and The Georgia Performance Standards.

Direct Instruction Lesson PlanServes as a tool for teachers to plan detailed

lessons to use in the presentation and assessment of content and skills development of students.

Teacher Observation Instrument

Planning

CAPs/Materials have been prepared in advance

Lesson reflects evidence of planning (Lesson Plans)

Standards are clear (posted, stated, etc)

Teaching objective is clear and visible

Checked with students for understanding of assignment

Essential Question Displayed

Instructional Matrix

Using Equipment

Lesson Plans

 

Instruction

High expectations are evident  Students are actively engaged in the

lesson

Instructional strategies are varied and appropriate ( SST, RTI,SPED)

Instruction promotes higher order thinking and / or problem solving

  Meaningful feedback is provided

The “Big Five” Implemented

Introduce

Explain

Review

Monitor

Prepare

Environment

Classroom is neat and inviting

The classroom arrangement is conducive to learning

Bulletin boards are attractive and current

Rules Posted

Student work is displayed (examples of A, B, and C work)  Teacher behavior is positive and encouraging

What you have done before the observation?

Classroom Appearance 

Classroom Management

AEPM procedures are followed

Attendance taken/missing students located

Noise level is monitored

No loss of instructional time 

Teacher is standing, monitoring classroom activity

Minor disruptions are handled effectively, and without distractions to the instructional process Student grades noted on JTS

How are you managing your classroom?

Praising

Encouraging

Redirecting