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Home / Classroom Walkthroughs
Information about Classroom Walkthroughs
Purpose of a Classroom Walkthrough
In part, the purpose of classroom walk-throughs is to evaluate how the Illinois State Learning Standards are incorporated into daily lessons. During a walk-through, the observer is to check for the following:
- Is the state standard posted in the classroom?
- Has the teacher written the lesson objective on the board?
- Are students aware of what standard is being taught?
- Are models of exemplary work displayed throughout the classroom?
Observers are encouraged to not only examine the walls and desks, but also a teacher's lesson plan book if one is readily available.
Timing of a Classroom Walkthrough
Walk-throughs are 3 to 4 minutes: Not any longer. Administrators are warned to resist the "temptation to become involved" in what is going on in the classroom.
Walkthrough Procedures
- Observers need to make it clear to the teacher that a classroom walk-through is taking place. This may be done by wearing the "snapshot" pouch or by any other agreed upon signal.
- The observer is encouraged NOT to take notes during the walk-through, but rather wait until after he/she has left the classroom to write his/her notes.
- Reflective questions are to be given in only about 50% of the classroom walk-throughs.
- Reflective questions should be delivered orally and in a neutral environment (NOT the principal's office) within 24 hours of the walk-through.
- Central Office Administrators are DISCOURAGED from asking a reflective question as it may feel intimidating for some staff members.
- The observer is NOT to engage the teacher in a discussion about the reflective question.
Points to Remember
There is no relation between formal teacher observation and a brief classroom walk-through.
If an administrator observes gross misconduct, he/she will respond appropriately.
Documents
The following documents may be useful when preparing for a walk-through. Bloom's Taxonomy  Reflective Prompts
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