SEAN C TATE 2012 - 2013 017 - East Baton Rouge Parish 017102 - Woodlawn High School

Observation Record
Evaluation Type: Observation Type: Grade: Observation Title: Class Description: T - Compass Teacher Rubric F - Formal 09 - NINTH Fall 2012 Civics 11/28/2012 9:00 a.m. Observation: 11/29/2012 9:39 a.m. Course Category: Student Count: SOCS - Social Studies 16

Pre-Observation Conference:

Post-Observation Conference: 12/3/2012 4:00 p.m.

Observation Notes
Mr. Tate orally and visually reviewed the objectives with the class. Each group was provided with a "Mission" packet. A student read directions from the packet from the mission to "Create a New Tax". Tasks were sorted into different envelopes by task in numbered sequence. Students then had choice in group assignments. The classroom environment was engaging and inviting. A data wall was present as was posted student work. As students began working on the "mission" packets, Mr. Tate circulated and questioned groups and individual students. Students who finished before the timer expired were allowed to progress with the mission packet. Each group member had a clearly defined role in the group. Ex: Recorder, Orator, etc. Individual students used the Active Board to define "Tax" and understand the criteria for taxes: simplicity, efficiency and equity. Students were asked to differentiate between the two principals of taxes. As closure, students were provided with an exit ticket to assess their understanding of the concepts taught.

Areas of Strength
Mr. Tate provided strength in the area of student engagement and questioning techniques.

Areas for Growth

Mr. Tate worked too hard during the lesson to manage procedures. Perhaps allow the students to work more towards this goal.

Next Steps
Prepare for the informal observation in the spring by continuing to provide differentiated instructional activities for students that support the learning objectives. Observation Ratings Domain: Component: Component Rating: 1 - Planning and Preparation 1 - 1c: Setting Instructional Outcomes 4 - Highly Effective Observation Comments Mr. Tate provided a thorough lesson plan that was targeted to explain what students will learn and not do. Bloom's was evident: identify, evaluate, differentiate, and compare/contrast were all provided in the verbage of the objectives. Mr. Tate planned and provided the appropriate resources for the lesson activities. Mr. Tate provided a PLC binder that provides evidence of planning and data analysis to guide instruction. Outcomes were differentiated to encourage peer collaboration, editing and "risk taking".

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SEAN C TATE 2012 - 2013 017 - East Baton Rouge Parish 017102 - Woodlawn High School

Observation Record
Observation Ratings Domain: Component: Component Rating: 2 - The Classroom Environment 1 - 2c: Managing classroom procedures 3 - Effective: Proficient Observation Comments Students, the majority, were productively engaged during small group work. Classroom routines are in place. Mr. Tate transitioned appropriately between segments of the activity. Observation Ratings Domain: Component: Component Rating: 3 - Instruction 1 - 3b: Using Questioning and Discussion Techniques 4 - Highly Effective Observation Comments Mr. Tate facilitated and circulated to answer group and individual questions. Students used the Active Board to respond to objective questions. Students extended the discussion of taxes within the small groups, providing enrichment. Students were overheard saying, "I don't think I agree with you about this tax because"? Observation Ratings Domain: Component: Component Rating: 3 - Instruction 2 - 3c: Engaging Students in Learning 4 - Highly Effective Observation Comments Most of the students were intellectually involved in the lesson. Students took the iniative to modify a learning task to make it more meaningful to the group (Ex: progressive tax-fairness). Materials and resources supported the learning goals and required intellectual engagement (Ex: Mission packets) Observation Ratings Domain: Component: Component Rating: 3 - Instruction 3 - 3d: Using Assessment in Instruction 4 - Highly Effective Observation Comments Students understood the characteristics of high quality work and this was reinforced by Mr. Tate. Mr. Tate gauged understanding several times during the lesson. Mr. Tate encouraged groups to self-assess the appropriateness of tasks and take responsibility for their own learning.

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