"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.