Cracking the Code Together: A Collaborative Approach to Teacher Evaluation

Recently, we had the privilege of hosting a fantastic webinar titled "Crack the Code: Effective Teacher Evaluations," featuring the esteemed Dr. Harvey Silver, Founder & President of the Thoughtful Classroom. Let’s revisit some of the key points that arose during the session, offering a deeper look at the conversation and Dr. Silver's insightful perspectives.

What does "cracking the code” mean in the context of teacher evaluations?

Dr. Silver: In order to crack a code, you need to understand the underlying pattern. Similarly, effective teacher evaluations require us to identify the key elements of a thoughtful evaluation process in order to promote growth.

What are some characteristics of a thoughtful evaluation process, as opposed to a traditional evaluation?

Dr. Silver: Consider the difference between buying a lottery ticket and investing in an annuity. One is a one-time shot in the dark, while the other is a long-term strategy for growth. The same goes for evaluations. They shouldn't be a single event to meet a mandate, but rather an ongoing cycle focused on professional development.

How can we ensure evaluations are a collaborative effort between teachers and administrators?

Dr. Silver: Effective evaluations involve teachers in the process from the very beginning. This means setting goals together, using observations to gather evidence of those goals being met, and reflecting on the data to identify areas for improvement. It's a conversation, not a judgment.

What is the importance of teacher evaluations about teacher learning and student learning?

Dr. Silver: The research is clear: if we could focus on just one thing to improve student learning, it would be improving the quality of teaching. Effective teacher evaluations become a tool not just to measure performance, but to cultivate growth and development in our teachers.

So how can teacher evaluations be designed to promote this growth?

Dr. Silver: It all starts with a common language. Evaluations should be built on a shared understanding of what effective instruction looks like. This is where we can ask ourselves: why do we hire teachers in the first place?

Consider these key questions to guide the teacher evaluation process:

• Do teachers create a classroom culture that supports the whole child? This strong foundation is essential for student growth and development.
• Can teachers design and deliver instruction that promotes learning? Effective teachers excel at both the planning and execution of lessons.
• Do teachers approach their work as a profession, committed to continuous learning? Teaching is a journey of ongoing growth and development.

Can you elaborate on the importance of a strong classroom foundation?

Dr. Silver: Think of the pyramid of Giza, standing strong for thousands of years, versus the Leaning Tower of Pisa. The difference lies in the foundation. A successful classroom needs the same strong base to support student learning.

This foundation includes elements like classroom management and fostering positive student relationships. Just as a building's facade takes less time to construct than its foundation, these foundational elements are crucial but may not be as readily apparent as lesson plans.

So how do we assess a teacher's ability to design and deliver instruction?

Dr. Silver: Teacher evaluations should gather information on both aspects. Can teachers create engaging lessons that target learning objectives? Can they effectively communicate those lessons to students in a way that promotes understanding?

How is instruction a separate concept from planning and assessment?

Dr. Silver: Planning sets the stage for instruction, which is the actual delivery of the lesson. Assessment, in turn, helps us measure student learning and identify areas for improvement. These three components are interconnected, but they are distinct parts of the teaching and learning process.

So how does teacher evaluation consider all three of these elements?

Dr. Silver: Effective evaluations look at the evidence of a teacher's planning, instruction, and assessment practices. Can teachers translate well-designed plans into engaging lessons? Do their assessments accurately gauge student understanding and inform future instruction?

You mentioned that we can't change the outcome without looking at the process. What does this mean in the context of teacher evaluation?

Dr. Silver: Simply put, focusing solely on student test scores doesn't provide the full picture. Effective teacher evaluations delve into the thinking and planning behind the instruction. They ask questions like:

• How did the teacher design the lesson to meet learning objectives?
• What instructional strategies were used, and were they effective in engaging students?
• How did the teacher assess student learning, and how will that information be used to improve future instruction?

By examining these elements, we gain valuable insights into a teacher's pedagogical practices and can provide them with targeted feedback for growth.

You likened a teacher evaluator to an anthropologist studying culture. Can you explain this analogy?

Dr. Silver: Just like anthropologists study the norms, roles, and relationships within a culture, teacher evaluations should strive to understand the classroom culture. This understanding is crucial for providing effective feedback that can help the culture grow and thrive.

Based on your research, what makes an effective classroom?

Dr. Silver: Through various studies, we've identified four key elements, often referred to as the "Four Cornerstones" of a successful classroom:

• Organization, Rules, and Procedures - How can I organize my classroom to enhance learning and establish rules and procedures that clarify expectations?
• Positive Relationships - How can I build meaningful relationships with students and among students to promote learning?
• Engagement and Enjoyment - How can I motivate students to do their best work and inspire the love of learning?
• A Culture of Thinking and Learning - How can I develop a classroom culture that promotes serious learning and sophisticated forms of thinking?

How can teachers cultivate positive relationships within the classroom?

Dr. Silver: An important aspect is giving students voice and choice. When students feel their voices are heard and their opinions valued, they become more invested in the learning process. Another key element is helping them connect the learning to their own lives. Students are more engaged when they see the relevance of the material.

What is the importance of teaching students how to interact productively in groups?

Dr. Silver: Effective teamwork doesn't come naturally for everyone. Teachers can provide explicit instruction on communication skills and collaboration strategies. Students need to learn how to actively listen, share ideas respectfully, and resolve conflicts constructively.

How can school districts use teacher evaluations to promote a culture of continuous learning?

Dr. Silver: Effective teacher evaluation goes beyond simply assigning a grade or a score. It's about creating a framework for growth and development. Feedback should be a conversation starter, not a judgment. The key is to provide specific and actionable information. The feedback process we’ve discussed, with its emphasis on evidence-based observations and the "4 P's" below, is a powerful tool for sparking reflection and collaboration.

• Provide Evidence: Be specific! Describe what you observed (actions, behaviors) to ground your feedback in reality.
• Praise: Recognition is important, but make sure it's specific. Highlight positive behaviors related to the desired outcome. Vague praise is less effective.
• Pose Questions: Encourage reflection. Ask the teacher to consider their own practice, student work, and areas of challenge.
• Propose Solutions: Work collaboratively to identify specific strategies or tools to address areas for growth and improve student learning.

Closing Thoughts

By emphasizing a "Four Cornerstones" framework for a successful classroom and utilizing the "4 P's" feedback model, teacher evaluations can become a powerful tool to cultivate a culture of continuous learning for both teachers and students. This shift in perspective will lead to a more positive and productive environment where educators feel supported in their development, ultimately benefiting student learning in the long run.

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Can you elaborate on the importance of a strong classroom foundation?

Dr. Silver: Think of the pyramid of Giza, standing strong for thousands of years, versus the Leaning Tower of Pisa. The difference lies in the foundation. A successful classroom needs the same strong base to support student learning.

This foundation includes elements like classroom management and fostering positive student relationships. Just as a building's facade takes less time to construct than its foundation, these foundational elements are crucial but may not be as readily apparent as lesson plans.

So how do we assess a teacher's ability to design and deliver instruction?

Dr. Silver: Teacher evaluations should gather information on both aspects. Can teachers create engaging lessons that target learning objectives? Can they effectively communicate those lessons to students in a way that promotes understanding?

How is instruction a separate concept from planning and assessment?

Dr. Silver: Planning sets the stage for instruction, which is the actual delivery of the lesson. Assessment, in turn, helps us measure student learning and identify areas for improvement. These three components are interconnected, but they are distinct parts of the teaching and learning process.

So how does teacher evaluation consider all three of these elements?

Dr. Silver: Effective evaluations look at the evidence of a teacher's planning, instruction, and assessment practices. Can teachers translate well-designed plans into engaging lessons? Do their assessments accurately gauge student understanding and inform future instruction?

You mentioned that we can't change the outcome without looking at the process. What does this mean in the context of teacher evaluation?

Dr. Silver: Simply put, focusing solely on student test scores doesn't provide the full picture. Effective teacher evaluations delve into the thinking and planning behind the instruction. They ask questions like:

• How did the teacher design the lesson to meet learning objectives?
• What instructional strategies were used, and were they effective in engaging students?
• How did the teacher assess student learning, and how will that information be used to improve future instruction?

By examining these elements, we gain valuable insights into a teacher's pedagogical practices and can provide them with targeted feedback for growth.

You likened a teacher evaluator to an anthropologist studying culture. Can you explain this analogy?

Dr. Silver: Just like anthropologists study the norms, roles, and relationships within a culture, teacher evaluations should strive to understand the classroom culture. This understanding is crucial for providing effective feedback that can help the culture grow and thrive.

Based on your research, what makes an effective classroom?

Dr. Silver: Through various studies, we've identified four key elements, often referred to as the "Four Cornerstones" of a successful classroom:

• Organization, Rules, and Procedures - How can I organize my classroom to enhance learning and establish rules and procedures that clarify expectations?
• Positive Relationships - How can I build meaningful relationships with students and among students to promote learning?
• Engagement and Enjoyment - How can I motivate students to do their best work and inspire the love of learning?
• A Culture of Thinking and Learning - How can I develop a classroom culture that promotes serious learning and sophisticated forms of thinking?

How can teachers cultivate positive relationships within the classroom?

Dr. Silver: An important aspect is giving students voice and choice. When students feel their voices are heard and their opinions valued, they become more invested in the learning process. Another key element is helping them connect the learning to their own lives. Students are more engaged when they see the relevance of the material.

What is the importance of teaching students how to interact productively in groups?

Dr. Silver: Effective teamwork doesn't come naturally for everyone. Teachers can provide explicit instruction on communication skills and collaboration strategies. Students need to learn how to actively listen, share ideas respectfully, and resolve conflicts constructively.

How can school districts use teacher evaluations to promote a culture of continuous learning?

Dr. Silver: Effective teacher evaluation goes beyond simply assigning a grade or a score. It's about creating a framework for growth and development. Feedback should be a conversation starter, not a judgment. The key is to provide specific and actionable information. The feedback process we’ve discussed, with its emphasis on evidence-based observations and the "4 P's" below, is a powerful tool for sparking reflection and collaboration.

• Provide Evidence: Be specific! Describe what you observed (actions, behaviors) to ground your feedback in reality.
• Praise: Recognition is important, but make sure it's specific. Highlight positive behaviors related to the desired outcome. Vague praise is less effective.
• Pose Questions: Encourage reflection. Ask the teacher to consider their own practice, student work, and areas of challenge.
• Propose Solutions: Work collaboratively to identify specific strategies or tools to address areas for growth and improve student learning.

Closing Thoughts

By emphasizing a "Four Cornerstones" framework for a successful classroom and utilizing the "4 P's" feedback model, teacher evaluations can become a powerful tool to cultivate a culture of continuous learning for both teachers and students. This shift in perspective will lead to a more positive and productive environment where educators feel supported in their development, ultimately benefiting student learning in the long run.

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About the Thoughtful Classroom

For fifty years, the Thoughtful Classroom has meant the best in training, coaching, and supporting educators. By paying attention to what research and practice tell us about effective instruction and what motivates students, we’ve been able to help hundreds of school districts across the country enhance the quality of teaching and learning. Led by Dr. Harvey Silver, the Thoughtful Classroom has become the recognized leader in instructional tools that increase engagement, ensure deep learning, and raise student achievement. The Thoughtful Classroom’s award-winning Tools book series and online professional learning suites are designed to give teachers and school teams practical techniques that address specific needs and advance school improvement goals.

About Evaluation, Powered by Education Advanced

Evaluation is a tool built to increase the efficiency of the staff evaluation process and facilitate educator growth with data. With a collaborative, web-based performance portal that's tailored to meet each district's needs, school administrators can efficiently document every step of the staff evaluation process — including walk-throughs, self-evaluations, supporting evidence, reporting, and performance analytics.

In addition, school administrators can implement and host their own locally-created or state-approved rubric including Danielson, 5D+, Thoughtful Classroom, and McREL. This enables the development of an actionable plan based on data that can be used to improve individual performance and overall trends to measure success — all while giving staff a single portal to record, document, and gather evidence and observations throughout the evaluation process.