TCS Administrators Learn Together

TCS administrators, along with TCS Curriculum and Instruction staff, joined together to complete walkthroughs at HTMS and Magnolia Elementary for the purpose of collaborating and utilizing observation rubrics developed by teachers and leaders of Trussville City Schools.  The group observed in classrooms together and shared data they collected in order to develop a shared understanding of the attributes and actions associated with the nine instructional strategies that make up the TCS Educator Effectiveness Plan.  The primary purpose of the Educator Effectiveness Plan is to support growth in instructional practice that will ultimately lead to continuous improvement and an increase in student performance.

The group debriefs after visiting classrooms at HTMS.

The focus of the walkthroughs at HTMS was on learning targets.  Teachers at HTMS are working to frequently facilitate interaction between students and learning targets and to provide opportunities for student collaboration and discourse as a means of self-assessing the learning target.  

Teachers require students to use learning targets to self-assess.  Through this self-assessment, students will become more accountable for their own learning and work.  Students will be able to communicate their needs regarding their level of understanding about the learning target.  

HTMS teachers have developed Quality Questions that are connected to the learning targets.  

Above, HTHS principal, Tim Salem, observes a social studies lesson in Mr. Reynolds' class.  

Students read an article about The Great Depression and were asked to cite textual evidence to support analysis of what the text said explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.  

Math teacher, Charlotte Booker, displays her students' learning target as well as her plans for the day.  Notice that their "Daily Math" is based on data from a prior mini quiz.  After self-assessing, students will complete a plan for achieving the learning target.  

Administrators observed intervention at Magnolia.  Intervention is a time when teachers work with individuals or small groups to provide targeted, specific intervention.  Above, Lauren Long, computer teacher, is orienting a small group of students who will begin a book club that meets daily with her. 

Mrs. Hodges works with two students on reading skills.

Dr. Cardwell listens in as a student reads independently while his teacher works with a small group of students who need targeted assistance.

Ms. Dykes helps students with math during her intervention.

Mrs. Gamble pulls a group to work on math skills while her other students work independently using iPads.