DO YOU WANT TO KNOW WHAT WE KNOW ABOUT OBSERVATIONS PURPOSE We are here to educate you over the process of conducting classroom observations Presentation By: Ashley Stokes Wendell Martin Melissa Paulette Jessica Janis Maral Azodinia GETTING STARTED GETTING STARTED Required Amount of Hours •State requirement is 45 hours •30 Hours in Content Area Letter of Observation •Letter from your professors showing he or she requires a specific amount of hours of observation for that course GETTING STARTED School Selection •UHV will not find the school for you •It is your responsibility Schedule an Appointment •Do not just contact school or walk in without having an appointment in advance GETTING STARTED PROCESS PROCESS District Policy and Procedures •Each district is different •Go to the district websites (Human Resources Dept.) and search for student observation PROCESS Direct Links Katy ISD •http://www.katyisd.org/dept/hr/Documents/ACP%20Observ ation%20Requests.pdf Fort Bend ISD •http://www.fortbendisd.com/departments/humanresources/student-teacher-observation-hours Spring Branch ISD •http://cms.springbranchisd.com/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=X dL--0Rfy2w%3D&tabid=28747 PROCESS Direct Links Aleif ISD •http://www.aliefisd.net/groups/departments/Human%20Res ources Cy Fair ISD •http://www.cfisd.net/humanres/university/Student%20Obse rvation%20Passes.pdf Klein ISD •http://www.kleinisd.net/default.aspx?name=hrprs.home PROCESS Text Box PROCESS Paperwork that the Districts May Require •Observation Guidelines form •Observation Information Sheet •Criminal History Records Form •Letter or syllabus for course requirements related to classroom observations •Texas ID PROCESS •Submit your application, it takes between 2 days to 2 weeks for approval •They may provide a list of schools which accept observers or you may get to choose •Contact the school for an appointment PROCESS •If they don’t return your call, CALL AGAIN •They will ask the teachers who are willing to accommodate an observer in their class • It may take 3 weeks so don't wait PROCESS Restrictions •Some schools don’t condone observations on Fridays •There are no observations on test days •Some school will only allow a limited amount of observation hours PROCESS Beginning of Observation •Park in visitor section •Sign in at the Main Office •Receive visitor badge •Show up in between class periods, never interrupt a class •Ask instructor where to sit PROCESS PROCESS Issues that May Arise •Not completing hours before student teaching •Districts not allowing observation done during the summer session •Some accredited private schools may not allow any observations at all OBSERVATION REPORTS OBSERVATION REPORTS Read the instructions your instructor gives Identify what you need to be observing Make sure the report is formatted in the manner your instructor wants OBSERVATION REPORTS Take detailed notes •Take a picture or draw classroom setup •Consider things written on the boards and posters and images on the walls •List classroom management techniques •Opening and closing assignments •State the name of the teacher, grade level, subject, class time, how many students •Clearly describe class procession and transitions used PROFESSIONALISM PROFESSIONALISM Never forget your role Remember, you are a guest You are there to learn Ask if you can help Ask if they have a lesson plan that you may keep • Thank the teacher both before and after the class • • • • PROFESSIONALISM Some teachers may be uncomfortable with others in the classroom. If classroom clues indicate there is not much time for you or are uncomfortable with you, do not get involved PROFESSIONALISM If you have some specialized information that may help the students, let the teacher know and offer to share it You are there to observe, but some teachers may want you to aid them or participate in small matters PROFESSIONALISM Remember, you may be looking for work at this school later. Dress for a job interview Do not forget to send a thank you email directly to the principle and CC the teacher PROFESSIONALISM Be the best that you can be Never stop working to improve