Instructional Rounds

Instructional core

The Teacher The Student The Presence of Content

“The instructional task is at the center of the instructional core”

Walter Doyle

The instructional task is t he actual work that students are asked to do in the process of instruction – not what teachers think they are asking students to do, or what the official curriculum says that students are asked to do, but what they are actually asked to do.

Three ways to improve student learning at scale

1) Increase the level of knowledge and skill the teacher brings to the instructional process

2) Increase level and complexity of the content standards students are asked to learn.

3) Change the role of the student in the instructional process.

Problems of Practice Focus on the instructional core Are directly observable Are actionable (within school/district

control & can be improved in real time) Connected to broader strategy of

improvement. (school) High leverage (will make significant

difference for student learning)

Observation Focus

Focus should be on the kind of learning you want to see, as opposed to what kind of teaching you expect to see - in short focus on students, not teachers.

Statement of Problem

The more specific the problem of practice is, the more specific and helpful the observational data.

Problems of Failure

The Checklist Manifesto

Atul Gawnade

Checklists Simple Checklists

Airlines

Medical Complex

Construction

Education?

Good Checklists Precise Efficient To the point Easy to use Provide reminders of most critical/important

steps Practical

Just ticking boxes not the ultimate goal. Embracing a culture of teamwork and discipline is more important.

All Professional Codes of Conduct for Learned

Professions Have Three Common Elements

1) Expectation of selflessness - we who accept responsibility

for others will place the needs and concerns of those who

depend on us above our own.

2) Expectation of skill - we will aim for

excellence in our knowledge and

expertise.

3) Expectation of trustworthiness - we will be responsible in our personal

behavior toward our charges.