Domain 1: PLANNING AND PREPARATION

A. Demonstrates knowledge of content and pedagogy

Highly Effective
The teacher's plans and practice reect extensive knowledge of the GCPS curriculum and the structure of the discipline. The teacher actively
builds on knowledge of prerequisites and misconceptions when describing instruction or seeking causes for student misunderstanding.
Displays knowledge of concepts, skills, and prerequisite relationships within the GCPS curriculum

Observed

Plans lessons that include a wide variety of teaching strategies and practices

Observed

Evaluator Comments
This lesson was well thought out and well organized! Mrs. Dettinburn displayed a strong understanding of the important concepts in the
lesson. She had students draw upon prior knowledge with rhythms (ti's and ta's) and apply a more advanced method of counting rhythms.
Mrs. Dettinburn was aware of common misconceptions and mistakes made by students (too much air, wrong hand on top etc.).

B. Demonstrates knowledge of students

Highly Effective
The teacher actively seeks and demonstrates knowledge of students' developmental stages, backgrounds, cultures, skills, language
prociency, interests, and special needs from appropriate sources, and attains this knowledge for individual students.
Understands child and adolescent development

Observed

Displays knowledge of how students learn

Observed

Recognizes students' skills, knowledge, and language prociency

Observed

Considers students' interests and cultural heritage

Observed

Considers students' special learning and medical needs

Observed

Evaluator Comments
Mrs. Dettinburn displays full understanding of the age group. She displays extensive knowledge of how students learn and provides a very
motivating environment. She is aware of special learning needs of her students and provides appropriate accommodations, as needed
ensuring all students have access to learn. She structured her lesson in a manner that allowed students time to practice and apply new
skills. Mrs. Dettinburn's lesson progression was strong and promoted student understanding. Great job!

C. Sets instructional outcomes

Effective
Instructional outcomes are stated as learning goals reecting high expectations and rigor based on curriculum standards that may be
assessed.
Incorporates student learning outcomes that reect high expectations based on curriculum standards

Observed

Writes outcomes that indicate specic student learning goals that can be assessed

Observed

Selects outcomes based on student learning and the needs of diverse learners

Observed

Evaluator Comments
The concepts focused on during this lesson were rigorous and important music concepts. Learning to apply musical concepts by learning
how to play the recorder is an excellent way to enhance students knowledge and appreciation for music. The outcomes were appropriate for
students.

D. Designs coherent instruction

Effective
The teacher designs learning activities and selects resources suitable for diverse learners and aligned to instructional outcomes. The lesson
or unit has a clear and sequential structure with planned long and short-term outcomes that is likely to engage students in signicant
learning.
Designs learning activities that are suitable for diverse learners and support the instructional outcomes Observed
Selects equipment, materials, and technology that support meaningful learning and student
engagement

Observed

Incorporates a variety of resources that match the instructional outcomes and needs of students

Observed

Plans to differentiate instruction based on the students and the instructional outcomes

Observed

Structures and sequences units and lessons with long term and short term outcomes

Observed

Evaluator Comments
This lesson had a clearly dened structure and was well organized. Mrs. Dettinburn introduced new concepts sequentially while modeling
and also provided ample time for guided practice. Mrs. Dettinburn has an extensive repertoire of resources that she utilizes in order to
design meaningful and engaging activities for students. She uses a variety of equipment, including technology to enhance student learning.
Your knowledge and expertise in utilizing 21st century electronics denitely enhances your instruction.

E. Designs student assessments

Effective
The teacher's plan for student assessment is aligned with the instructional outcomes, uses clear criteria, and is appropriate to the needs of
students. The teacher uses assessment results to plan for future instruction for groups of students.
Designs clear assessment criteria that are aligned with curriculum standards

Observed

Designs assessments that match instructional outcomes

Observed

Incorporates formative and summative assessments into instruction

Observed

Plans instruction based on student assessment results

Observed

Evaluator Comments
Mrs. Dettinburn's lesson had a clearly dened structure and were well organized. Assessment criteria was clear and students were aware of
what they were being assessed on. I loved your idea of the exit ticket. This was a great way to easily gauge where the students were after
their rst experience with recorders. Excellent idea for a formal assessment!

Domain Comments
It is clear that Mrs. Dettinburn has a strong music content knowledge and has developed a deep understanding of how students learn at the
elementary level. The activities Mrs. Dettinburn selects are engaging and motivating for students. Great job! I would like see how this lesson ts into
the bigger picture of your planning and preparation.

TOTALS:

2 - EFFECTIVE

12 POINTS

Domain 2: THE CLASSROOM ENVIRONMENT

A. Creates an environment of respect and rapport regardless of differences
Highly Effective
Classroom interactions between teacher and students are sensitive to students' culture and levels of development. Students consistently
take risks without hesitation. Students take responsibility for upholding a positive classroom environment. Teacher interaction with all
students demonstrates caring and respect for students as individuals. Teacher behaviors model and contribute to the expectation of
students to exhibit respect and trust to the teacher and one another.
Demonstrates caring and respect for all students

Observed

Promotes an atmosphere in which students are willing to take risks

Observed

Encourages polite and respectful student interaction

Observed

Evaluator Comments
Mrs. Dettinburn promotes a positive atmosphere for students to explore music! She provided positive reinforcement throughout her lesson
and encouraged students to do their best. Mrs. Dettinburn promotes a positive atmosphere through her humor and positive energy. Great
job!

B. Establishes a culture for learning

Highly Effective
Classroom culture is characterized by high expectations and standards of performance for all students. High levels of student energy and
teacher passion for the content create a culture of learning in which everyone shares a belief in the importance of the content. All students
consistently demonstrate pride in their work.
Sets high expectations for learning and achievement for all students

Observed

Communicates and demonstrates the importance of the content

Observed

Encourages student pride in work

Observed

Evaluator Comments
Mrs. Dettinburn set high expectations for student learning. She connected learning the recorder to future opportunities such as
participating in band. Mrs. Dettinburn encouraged students to do their best throughout this experience understanding that everyone would
be at different levels of expertise. Interactions between Mrs. Dettinburn and students were positive and respectful throughout the lesson. It
is clear that Mrs. Dettinburn has spent time building rapport with students and they enjoy being in her class. Therefore, they work hard to
meet her expectations.

C. Manages classroom procedures

Highly Effective
Students contribute to the seamless operation of instructional group management, transitions, classroom rules and routines, and

Students contribute to the seamless operation of instructional group management, transitions, classroom rules and routines, and
performance of non-instructional duties. Volunteers and paraprofessionals are meaningfully engaged.
Manages instructional groups to maximize student engagement

Observed

Provides smooth transitions to minimize loss of instructional time

Observed

Establishes classroom rules and routines and the handling of materials to maximize learning time

Observed

Establishes systems for performing non-instructional duties

Observed

Establishes roles and routines for volunteers and paraprofessionals, as appropriate

Not Observed

Evaluator Comments
Students were actively engaged throughout this lesson. Transitions were seamless, with students assuming responsibility in ensuring their
ecient operation. It was clear that classroom expectations have been established and routines for handling supplies and equipment are in
place. Students respond very well to Mrs. Dettinburn and they work collaboratively to ensure a positive and engaging learning environment.

D. Manages student behavior

Effective
Expectations for behavior appear to be clear to students, and the teacher monitors student behavior against those expectations. The
teacher's response to student misbehavior is consistent, appropriate and respects student dignity.
Establishes expectations for appropriate student behavior

Observed

Monitors student behavior and intervenes when necessary

Observed

Responds to misbehavior consistently and appropriately with sensitivity to the student's dignity

Observed

Evaluator Comments
Mrs. Dettinburn was alert to student behaviors throughout the lesson. Students were a part of setting the expectations regarding the rules
dealing with playing the recorders. Mrs. Dettinburn also had an alternative assignment for students who were unable to follow the
expectations set. However, students could earn their privileges back once they were complete. Throughout the lesson, Mrs. Dettinburn
monitored student behavior skillfully. She redirected students as necessary and maintained a positive environment throughout the lesson.

E. Organizes physical space

Effective
The classroom is safely organized and the teacher ensures that all students have equal access to learning.
Organizes the classroom to ensure the safety of all students

Observed

Organizes available classroom space so that all students have access to learning

Observed

Evaluator Comments
Mrs. Dettinburn organizes the classroom in a manner that promotes student learning. She provides exibility to students to move when
appropriate. Mrs. Dettinburn ensures that students are able to access instruction equally. Ex: moving students/directing students to ensure
all students could see etc.

Domain Comments
In general, the classroom environment is energetic and positive. Mrs. Dettinburn has established expectations to ensure all students have an
opportunity to engage in the content. Students respect Mrs. Dettinburn and work hard to meet the expectations within the class. Excellent job!

3 - HIGHLY
TOTALS:

13 POINTS

TOTALS:
3
- HIGHLY
EFFECTIVE

13 POINTS

Domain 3: INSTRUCTION
A. Communicates with students
Highly Effective
Expectations for learning, directions and procedures, and explanations of content are clear to students. The teacher's oral and written
language is clear and expressive, extends students' vocabularies, is appropriate to students' levels of development, and plans for possible
student misconceptions.
Communicates expectations for learning

Observed

Provides sequential directions and procedures

Observed

Provides relevant explanations of content

Observed

Uses appropriate oral and written language

Observed

Evaluator Comments
Mrs. Dettinburn made the purpose of the lesson clear, while also providing clear directions and procedures to students. She had a strong
understanding of student misconceptions (hands/mouth placement, challenging rhythms etc.). Moreover, she connected this learning to
previous content to ensure student understanding. Mrs. Dettinburn has clear and correct spoken and written language and she uses
appropriate vocabulary for students. Excellent job!

B. Uses questioning and discussion techniques to promote higher level thinking

Effective
Most of the teacher's questions elicit a thoughtful response, and the teacher allows sucient time for students to answer. All students
participate in the discussion, with the teacher stepping aside when appropriate.
Poses quality questions that promote higher level thinking

Observed

Uses discussion techniques to engage students

Observed

Encourages student participation

Observed

Evaluator Comments
Mrs. Dettinburn encouraged student participation throughout the lesson through her questioning techniques and through active
participation with the recorders. Questions often guided students through the lesson, although some were more open ended like, "Where
do you think they were?" and "What are your thoughts about it? What did you like or didn't like?"

C. Engages students in meaningful learning

Effective
Activities and assignments, materials, and groupings of students are fully appropriate for the instructional outcomes and students' levels of
understanding. All students are engaged in work of a high level of rigor. The lesson's structure is coherent, with appropriate pace.
Provides activities and assignments to promote active learning

Observed

Groups students purposefully

Observed

Uses instructional materials, technology, and resources to enhance student learning

Observed

Uses instructional materials, technology, and resources to enhance student learning

Observed

Paces and structures the lesson to maximize instruction and learning

Observed

Evaluator Comments
The structure of this lesson was well-designed and sequential. Mrs. Dettinburn modeled expectations rst for students and then provided
opportunities for guided practice. She listened to students in groups and provided immediate and purposeful feedback throughout the
lesson. The activities chosen for students directly aligned to the outcome and were engaging to students. Moreover, Mrs. Dettinburn used a
variety of instructional materials, technology, and resources to enhance student learning! Excellent job.

D. Uses assessment in instruction

Effective
Assessment is regularly used in instruction, through self-assessment by students, monitoring of progress of learning by the teacher and/or
students. Students are fully aware of the assessment criteria used to evaluate their work. Teacher feedback to students is timely and highquality.
Establishes and communicates criteria for learning and assessment

Observed

Monitors student learning and progress through formative and summative assessment

Observed

Provides purposeful feedback to students

Observed

Provides students with opportunities to self-assess and monitor progress

Observed

Evaluator Comments
During this lesson, Mrs. Dettinburn clearly communicated the criteria for learning. She also specically referred to the exit ticket (formative
assessment) throughout the lesson. She frequently revisited the important concepts throughout the lesson to ensure student
understanding. Mrs. Dettinburn also provided accurate and appropriate feedback to students throughout the lesson on hand position, air,
rhythms, etc. Excellent job!!

E. Demonstrates exibility and responsiveness

Effective
The teacher promotes the successful learning of all students, making adjustments as needed to instruction plans and accommodating
student questions, needs, and interests by using a broad repertoire of instructional strategies.
Modies the planned lesson when appropriate

Observed

Persists in seeking alternatives for students who have diculty mastering the learning outcomes

Observed

Connects learning to student interest

Observed

Evaluator Comments
Mrs. Dettinburn is responsive to students throughout her interactions with them. She connects learning to student interest when
appropriate and successfully accommodates students questions. Moreover, Mrs. Dettinburn makes adjustments when necessary to
instruction in order to benet student learning.

Domain Comments
Students were engaged throughout this lesson and enjoyed learning how to play the recorder. I believe it was wise to focus on learning "B" rst and
using various rhythms to vary the songs. Not only did this reinforce correct rhythms, it allowed students to reinforce the ngering and note placement.
I look forward to hearing them play some songs in the next weeks as they learn letter A and G. Excellent job!

TOTALS:

2 - EFFECTIVE

11 POINTS

Domain Totals

HIGHLY EFFECTIVE
7 DOMAIN POINTS

Observation Comments
Erin, I really enjoyed coming into your class! You do an excellent job providing meaningful activities that engage students! In addition, all the "extra"
things you do for Grantsville are greatly appreciated!

Principal Certication
By checking this box, I, Nicole Miller, signify that all selections and statements pertaining to this observation
are accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge.

Date: 03/23/2015

Employee Review
By checking this box, I, Erin Dettinburn, have read and reviewed the observation.

Date: 03/23/2015

Observation Meeting
Principal Comments
This observation was conducted on March 16, 2015.
By checking this box, I, Nicole Miller, have met with the teacher and reviewed his or her observation.

Date: 03/26/2015

Employee Requests
I request additional help from my supervisor.
I request a conference with an appropriate central oce administrator.
I request a re-evaluation for the reasons stated under Employee Comments.
Employee Comments
Not provided
By checking this box, I, Erin Dettinburn, have met with my principal or supervisor and reviewed this
observation.

Date: 03/26/2015