"Evidence of Student Thinking" Recap: 2014-15

Depth of Knowledge (DOK)

In October 2014 at Hadfield School we introduced a walk through tool with teachers that focused on the Depth of Knowledge (DOK).  This tool directly aligned with Hadfield's School Improvement plan (SIP) on focusing on 1 high leverage strategy, "evidence of student thinking." The bar graphs below represent the data was collected during the 14-15 school year.

DOK Form

Take Aways, Next Steps, and Celebrations

As of June 5, 2015 Hadfield had completed 198 DOK classroom walkthroughs.  After each visit, the completed form (see left) was shared along with reflective feedback to the teacher.  This allowed for ongoing feedback and reflection for teachers.  (The "DOK" walkthrough data does not include mini-observations that occurred with teachers that we 15-20 minute in duration that focussed on Domains 2 and 3 of the Danielson framework.   Generally teachers had 1 mini observation per month along with a "DOK" walk through.)

On-going walkthroughs and mini observations have allowed for purposeful dialogue between the teacher and effectiveness coach and/or evaluator.  Using the Danielson framework as our guide has helped transform instructional practices as classroom walkthroughs have become part of the fabric at Hadfield in 2014-15.

Improving upon Questioning and Discussion techniques (3b) will once again be a priority going into next school year with targeted professional development with teachers.  As we continue to support and monitor the "DOK" we will continue to grow at Hadfield in the area of question and discussion techniques and provide students additional opportunities to demonstrate critical thinking through higher levels of the DOK.

Part II: Untapping Resources-Literacy

As stated in a previous blog post one of  my goals is familiarize myself with the elementary instructional resources that have been developed in the School District of Waukesha.  Like many districts, Waukesha utilizes the learning management system, Blackboard 9 (BB9) for a variety of purposes including to store curriculum and instructional resources for educators.

District educators have  access to BB9 to assist in lesson design and other resources through a password and username that is provided to teachers.

Kindergarten curriculum map

The "comprehensive literacy" section is a tremendous resource as it contains curriculum maps for teachers that organizes materials under the following categories; enduring understandings, samples learning targets, and resources.   Here is the launch presentation of SDW literacy curriculum maps that was shared with teachers in August of 2014.

Literacy Blog

I also wanted to highlight the School District of Waukesha Literacy Blog.  This blog is instrumental in communicating and promoting literacy instructional resources and practices.

This BB9 course is an excellent and invaluable resource to any School District of Waukesha elementary teacher responsible for providing instruction in reading and writing.

Part I: Untapping Resources

During the 2014-15 school year, my goal is to get to know the elementary instructional resources that have been developed in the School District of Waukesha.  Like many districts, Waukesha utilizes the learning management system, Blackboard 9 for a variety of purposes including to store curriculum and instructional resources for educators.  

District educators have  access to this page to assist in lesson design and other resources through a password and username that is provided to teachers.

The "Common Core Math" section is a great resource.  This resource is framed around time frame, vocabulary, essential questions, and enduring understandings.  Within each unit it includes application activities, literature ideas, problem solving tasks, and assessments.

The School District of Waukesha BB9 page also includes links to current resources.  Since the School District of Waukesha does not provide a scripted curriculum (basal) as a resource it has created this framework and curriculum that is directly connected to the Common Core.  These resources have been developed, updated, and maintained by district teachers.

Sample unit layout

This is an excellent and invaluable resource to any School District of Waukesha elementary teacher responsible for providing instruction in math.