Observation 1: Rose & Yellock 

 
  During the Observation:  Notes: BASS (MATH I) 
Contributors to Positive  ● Students are in rows 
Instruction 
X  Teacher “hooks” students at the start of  Tennis example to get students hooked into 
the lesson(s)  solving systems of equations 

x  Objectives are written in language  What does it mean to find the “solution” to a 
appropriate for the grade level (SWBAT)  pair of linear equations in 2 variables. 

X  Teacher presents material in  Students are determining which method to use 
meaningful “chunks” to students  depending on the set of equations. The 
material has been chunked. 

x  Teacher models expectations (I do, We  Direct instruction comes first and then partner 
do, You do)  work through Google classroom. 

x  Teacher provides an opportunity for  Students work with a partner on practice 

students to practice new skill(s)  problems after the teacher led lesson. 

  Teacher uses manipulatives/hands-on   

activities 

  Teacher facilitates “productive   

struggle” for learners (ex. Error 
analysis/Open-ended question/Turn 
and talk) 

x  Teacher uses proximity and rotates to  Especially during partner practice 
assist struggling learners 

x  Teacher praises students’ effort in class   “You guys are great!!” 

 
Observation 1: Rose & Yellock 

x  Teacher uses positive reinforcement to  Tardy taters-for everyday that students aren’t 
encourage appropriate behaviors  tardy, the potato head gets a new part. Once 
Mr. Potato Head has all his parts, students get 
chips. 

  Teacher uses timer to facilitate high   

time-on-task 

  Teacher facilitates maximum use of   

time by utilizing activities to engage 
students in learning during transitions, 
arrivals, or any time spent waiting... 
(ex. ​Sponge Activities​~Author of 
quote/why did they say it?; 
www.tackk.com/mhunter14​ ) 

  Students are actively engaged and   

excited about learning 

x  Teacher is excited about the lesson  You can tell Ms. Bass is passionate about her 
job. She finds ways to relate back to students. 

  Teacher uses static and emerging   

visuals to engage students  

  Teacher utilizes a variety of   

instructional methods to facilitate 
learning (whole/small group, pairs, 
independent) 

  Teacher uses wait time effectively    

x  Teacher creates an atmosphere of  Students were corrected and instead of 
mutual respect  arguing, they did what she asked, and stopped 
talking. 
 
Observation 1: Rose & Yellock 

X  Teacher creates a “safe space” where  Students are obviously comfortable with 
students feel open to ask  choral responses. 
questions/contribute to lessons 

x  Teacher utilizes technology to facilitate  An expectation is that students bring 

learning  chromebooks charged everyday. 

x  Teacher relates content to “real-life”;  “If you are 18 feet underwater and drop 
makes learning relevant to students’   another 18 feet are you going to be positive 
(above water)?” 

  Higher order thinking questions (HOTs)   

are utilized effectively 

x  Students know routine procedures  Interactive notebook expectations are clear. 

  PRESS (Patterns Relevant Every   

Student Staff) 

  Teacher presents content in a format   

appropriate for learners 

x  Teacher facilitates opportunities for   

students to read, write, think and speak 
during class 

x  Teacher holds students accountable for  Notebook expectations are a non-negotiable. 

learning content 

x  Teacher elicits prior learning via  Reminds students of the other ways to solve 
instruction  systems of equations. 

  Teacher utilizes summative   

assessments (to inform instruction) 
 
Observation 1: Rose & Yellock 

  Teacher utilizes diagnostic assessments   

  Teacher uses formative assessments to   

gauge students’ understanding 
(Quick/Whole-class prompt!”Thumbs up 
if….”) 

  Teacher re-checks for student   

“learning”; provides remediation 

  Teacher revisits objectives at the end of   

the lesson to ensure that they were 
achieved 

  Teacher gives constructive   

(prescriptive) criticism/feedback to 
affect student learning